Charles proclaimed King in historic ceremony witnessed by the nation for the first time ever
10.09.2022 - 12:35
/ ok.co.uk
King Charles III has officially been proclaimed as Monarch at the Accession Council in the state apartments of London's St James’s Palace. Charles automatically became King on the death of his mother, but the Accession Council confirmed his role on Saturday morning.
Charles has already undertaken a number of duties in the days since his mother died – meeting cheering crowds outside Buckingham Palace and giving a national address – but this morning's event is considered to be his first official one. The ceremony was attended by members of the Privy Council including senior politicians past and present, with Liz Truss, Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer among them.
Queen Consort Camilla and the new Prince of Wales, William, were also in attendance and signed the declaration in the first half of the ceremony – which has never before been witnessed by the general public. The first part was overseen by Penny Mourdant in her role as Lord President of the Council, a post she has held for just a matter of days.
Opening proceedings, she said: “My lords, it is my sad duty to inform you that Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away on Thursday the 8th of September 2022, at Balmoral Castle. “I propose that, when certain necessary business has been transacted, a deputation consisting of Her Majesty, His Royal Highness, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York, the Prime Minister, the clerk of the Council, and myself, shall wait on the King and inform him the Council is assembled.” The clerk of the council then read the historic text of the proclamation, which began: "Whereas it has pleased almighty God to call to his mercy our late Sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth II of blessed and
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