King Charles IIIandQueen Camillahave begun their duties as the new monarchs of the United Kingdom.
Shared on the Royal Family’s officialTwitter, Charles, 73, and Camilla, 75, held their first audiences on Saturday afternoon following hisproclamation.
PHOTO: The Royal Family/TwitterPHOTO: The Royal Family/Twitter
Earlier in the day, the Accession Council made the official proclamation of King Charles in the State Apartments of St. James’s Palace in London at 10 a.m. local time Saturday — and in a historic first, the rite was televised.
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King Charles.JONATHAN BRADY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Addressing the Council as Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, he made a “most sorrowful duty” of announcing the death of his “beloved Mother, The Queen.”
Talking of his mother’s reign as “unequaled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion” Charles added that he hoped to follow her “inspiring example.”
“Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me.”
King Charles III.VICTORIA JONES/POOL/AFP via Getty
“I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to My Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports My official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation. And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God.”
The historic two-part ceremony took only 40 minutes. Though King Charles immediately rose in rank after his motherQueen Elizabeth’s death, the accession is not to be confused with the formal coronation.
The new monarch also swore an oath before the Privy Council to preserve the Church of Scotland.
Charles' formal coronation isnot immediately expected, and courtiers have not yet announced a date. The crowning ceremony for his mother was held 16 months after her accession on Feb. 6, 1952, following the sudden death of her father, King George VI.
RELATED VIDEO: See King Charles and Queen Camilla Return to Buckingham Palace After Queen’s Death
King Charlesreturned to LondonFriday with his wifeCamilla, who will now be known as Queen Consort, an honorQueen Elizabethdirectly expressed her wishesfor in February. The arrival was poignant, as it marked their first time in the capital city as monarch and consort.
Earlier this week, the senior royals had traveled to the Queen’s side in the Scottish Highlands after Buckingham Palace announced that her doctors were"concerned" for Her Majesty’s health. Charleshad been in ScotlandWednesday, carrying out engagements.
On Thursday, Buckingham Palace announced thatQueen Elizabeth died at age 96at her beloved Balmoral Castle.
Ina televised speechFriday, recorded in the Blue Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace, King Charles said his “beloved mother” would be laid to rest “in a little over a week’s time.”
“In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strengthfrom the light of her example,” the King continued, in part. “On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express.”
source: people.com
