Charles III was formally proclaimed king on Saturday during an Accession Council that was televised for the first time, in an indication of the new monarch’s determination to modernise and streamline the monarchy.
At the ceremonial event in St James’s Palace in London, Charles swore to take on the “heavy responsibility of sovereignty”. Recalling the 70-year reign of his late mother, he pledged to “follow the inspiring example I have been set”.
The subsequent public proclamation — made from a balcony of the palace to a trumpet fanfare and a rendition of God Save the King — marked a return to business after a day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II on Friday, which included an emotional personal address from Charles remembering his “darling mama”.