The public proclamation naming Charles as King of Great Britain was issued on a Saturday, September 10, with the declaration read from the balcony of the James Palace. The event marked a historic moment as the formal ceremony moved through the palace’s state rooms, an area that had long served as the official residence of Britain’s monarchs. For the first time, the proceedings were televised, bringing the ritual to audiences at home and around the world.
King’s assent is a formality, or constitutional necessity, in effect. Charles ascended to the throne upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II, and his reign began at that moment. The proclamation, previously signed at a meeting of the Council of Succession, an expanded version of the Privy Council under the Sovereign, was read with ceremonial fanfare by the King of Arms David White of the Order of the Garter. He was accompanied by Field Marshal Edward Fitzalan-Howard. The ceremony and the duties connected to Elizabeth’s state funeral and her son’s coronation underscored the continuity of royal life, even as the transition carried deep national significance.
During today’s ceremony, Charles III took the traditional oath:
“I, Charles III, by the grace of God, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and my other dominions and lands, defender of the faith, unshakably swear to uphold the laws of the land and to protect and support the established Protestant faith as set out by the laws written in Scotland.”
The new king acknowledged the weight of the responsibilities that come with the crown. He noted the importance of following Elizabeth’s inspiring example, upholding constitutional government, and pursuing peace, harmony, and prosperity for the inhabitants of the realm.
In recognition of the monarch, the flags were lowered to half-mast following the Queen’s passing. At Hyde Park, Her Majesty’s Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41-gun salute. The proclamation was then read at the Stock Exchange building in the City of London, with the Tower hosting a 62-shot artillery salute.
The proclamation would also be read in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland on September 11, a day after the London ceremony. An hour later, flags on government buildings across the country were lowered from the top to the middle of their poles, signaling a moment of national reflection.
In Canada, Charles III was formally declared the new head of state in a ceremony at Rideau Hall, the Governor-General’s residence in Ottawa, according to the official website of Canada’s Governor-General. The proclamation described the August 10 event as the moment when the proclamation of the new monarch would take place in Canada with the Governor-General acting as the Queen’s representative in the realm.
On September 8, Buckingham Palace announced the Queen’s death. Elizabeth II, who reigned for 70 years and 7 months, passed away at age 97. The throne was assumed by her eldest son, now King Charles III, in keeping with long-standing monarchic tradition. The news ushered in a period of national mourning across multiple Commonwealth realms, with England declaring national mourning starting September 9. The period will extend through the Queen’s funeral and will be observed as a day of rest for many residents. The coronation of Charles III was anticipated for a later date, with planners outlining the need to clarify the exact schedule as events developed. Historically, few rulers have marked such a lengthy reign, a distinction noted in comparative royal histories.
In his address to the nation, the new king paid tribute to his mother and pledged to serve the British people with loyalty, responsibility, and respect. He underscored his readiness to carry the responsibilities of the throne and expressed a commitment to guiding the country through a period of change. He also spoke about his broader vision for the future, emphasizing economic development and sustainable initiatives that could shape policy and industry. The aim was to position the nation to face global challenges with steadiness and a forward-looking approach, built on a foundation of cooperation and shared values.
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