On Saturday morning, Charles III will be formally declared king in a historic event at St. James’s Palace.
After the first televised Accession Council, flags that had been lowered in grief for the late Queen will be raised to full mast.
Until Sunday, when flags return to half-staff, additional proclamations will be issued around the United Kingdom.
It follows the King’s emotional first address, in which he vowed to emulate his “sweet mama’s” life of service.
He expressed his “deep sadness” to the nation on Friday evening for the passing of his mother, complimenting her warmth, wit, and “unerring ability to always see the best in others.”
The King pledged to serve the nation with the same “unwavering dedication” as the late Queen demonstrated during her 70-year reign.
Charles became king the instant his mother died, although the Accession Council is convened as soon as possible after the death of a monarch to declare the heir formally.
At the council, which begins at 10:00 BST, the King will make a personal statement on the death of the Queen and take an oath to protect the Church of Scotland, as there is a separation of church and state in Scotland.
Camilla, Charles’s wife of 17 years who now has the title of Queen Consort, and William, the new Prince of Wales, will be in attendance.
The first public declaration is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. on the Friar Court balcony of St. James’s Palace in London, surrounded by the centuries-old spectacle, including trumpeters playing a fanfare and cannon salutes fired in Hyde Park and the Tower of London.
Although not part of the formal pronouncement, “the Queen is dead, long live the King” is frequently added later.
Harriet Harman, the longest-serving woman in the House of Commons and a member of the Privy Council, stated that the event would be a moment in history.
She stated: “We shall all meet at St. James’s Palace and decide that King Charles should be the next ruler.
“Then, we announce to the inhabitants of this country that he is their new king with a proclamation. That he has now been proclaimed formally.”
On Friday, Charles was greeted with cheers and applause “God be with the King!
“As he met individuals in the assembled crowds at Buckingham Palace.
Later, in his broadcast message, he wished that Prince William and his wife Catherine would “continue to inspire and lead our national conversation” as the new Prince and Princess of Wales.
At 10:00 BST, the Accession Council, a ceremonial ritual to announce Charles as king, will take place.
Flags will be flown at full mast and royal cannon salutes will be fired beginning at 11 a.m.
Additional public proclamations are made from balconies of St. James’s Palace and London City Hall.
In the House of Commons, senior members of the government will swear an oath to King Charles III.
He expressed his “love for Harry and Meghan” and hailed the Queen Consort’s “steadfast devotion to duty.”
The King admitted that his life had changed, stating that he would no longer be able to devote “such much of my time and energy” to the organizations and causes he had supported as heir to the throne for decades.
The 73-year-old king stated that he hoped people in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth will “remember and gain strength from the light of her example” despite their grief over the Queen’s passing.
Sir Nicholas Soames, a former member of parliament who has known the King for 65 years, characterized the speech as “excellent.”
He stated: “I found his speech to be profoundly powerful and affecting.
I thought it was extremely genuine and that sincerity prevailed throughout.
What does place during the Accession Council?
- Historically, all members of the Privy Council, a council of advisors to the monarch dating back to the time of the Norman monarchs, have participated. With 700 members, primarily former and current politicians, however, just 200 will be summoned.
- Without the King, they initially convene at St. James’s Palace. The death of the sovereign will be announced by Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt, who was appointed Lord President of the Privy Council by Prime Minister Liz Truss.
- The clerk of the Council reads aloud the text of the Accession Proclamation, which includes Charles’ chosen title as king, Charles III.
- The Queen Consort, the Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York, and the prime minister sign the proclamation.
- The Lord President then reads the remaining items of business, which include public proclamations and orders for gun salutes in Hyde Park and the Tower of London.
- The King joins the second portion of the council, which is attended by only privy counselors and delivers a personal statement regarding the death of the Queen.
- The Queen Consort and the Prince of Wales are among the witnesses to his signature on two documents in which he swears to protect the Church of Scotland.
- As they go, privy counselors will sign the proclamation.
