King Charles III publicly proclaimed as UK’s new monarch

King Charles III was officially proclaimed as the United Kingdom’s new monarch on Saturday morning, two days after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

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Charles, 73, was formally named king during a ceremony at St. James Palace, the BBC reported. He automatically became king Thursday upon the death of his 96-year-old mother, who sat on the throne for 70 years. Elizabeth II died Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

Update 8:45 a.m EDT Sept. 10: Senior members of Parliament, including Prime Minister Liz Truss, swore a new oath of allegiance to King Charles III during a special session of the British legislative body.

The first MP to do so was Lindsay Hoyle, followed by the two longest-serving members of Parliament, Peter Bottomley and Harriet Harman, The Guardian reported. Truss followed, along with House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt, Labour leader Keir Starmer and Scottish National Party leader Ian Blackford.

Update 7:02 a.m. EDT Sept. 10: A second proclamation declaring King Charles III as monarch of the United Kingdom was read at the Royal Exchange in London. The proclamation was read by Tim Duke, an officer of arms, The Guardian reported.

The wording of the proclamation was the same that was read an hour earlier by David Vines White from the balcony of St. James Castle.

The reading was followed by a shout of “God Save the King,” and the first verse of the British national anthem, The Guardian reported.

Update 6:01 a.m. EDT Sept. 10: King Charles III was publicly announced as the United Kingdom’s new monarch by the Garter King of Arms, David Vines White.

After trumpets blared, White read the proclamation from the balcony of St. James Castle in London, which overlooks Friary Court, shortly after 11 a.m. local time.

“Whereas it has pleased almighty God to call to his mercy our late sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth the Second of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the crown of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to Prince Charles Philip Arthur George,” White said. “We therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm, and members of the House of Commons together with other members of her late majesty’s privy council and representatives of the realms and territories, alderman, citizens of London and others, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now by our the death of our late sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and happy liege lord, Charles III.

“By the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of his other realms and territory, King, head of the commonwealth, defender of the faith, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching God by whom kings and queens do reign to bless his majesty with long and happy years to reign over us.”

“God Save the King,” White declared as he finished the formal proclamation, and state trumpeters sounded the Royal Salute, followed by the British national anthem.

Update 5:49 a.m. EDT Sept. 10: King Charles III approved an order that the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral will be a bank holiday, The Guardian reported.

The date has not yet been confirmed, but it is likely to be Sept. 19, the news organization reported.

Update 5:43 a.m. EDT Sept. 10: King Charles III was asked by Penny Mordaunt whether the declaration that has just been signed can be made public.

“Approved,” Charles III said.

Update 5:28 a.m. EDT Sept. 10: Charles III took the oath to become the United Kingdom’s new monarch. The new king signed the proclamation, along with his son, Prince William, and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla.

“The whole world sympathizes with me in the irreparable loss we’ve all suffered,” Charles III said before taking his oath. “My mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service. My mother’s reign was unequaled in its duration, dedication and devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply aware of this deep inheritance and of the grave duties and responsibilities which are now passed to me.”

Original report: The new king arrived at St. James Palace about 15 minutes before the ceremony began.

The Proclamation of Accession was signed by the Privy Council -- the UK’s oldest working legislative assembly -- at St. James Palace shortly after 10 a.m. in London. Penny Mordaunt, the Lord President of the Privy Council, announced the death of Elizabeth during the ceremony, according to the BBC.

Prime Minister Liz Truss and Archbishop Justin Welby watched as the council signed the formal document.

It was the first time that women have been able to attend the accession council, according to The Guardian. Politicians including Angela Rayner, Andrea Leadsom and Rosie Winterton could be seen leaving.

The ceremony was televised live for the first time, according to The Guardian. The last time the Accession Council met was in February 1952 after the death of Elizabeth’s father, King George VI.

Flags that had been lowered in mourning for the queen will fly at full mast and more proclamations will take place until Sunday. Flags will be lowered to half-mast again.

The Privy Council, without the king present, proclaimed the sovereign and then formally approved various consequential orders, including the arrangements for the proclamation, according to the Royal Family website.

The ceremony was attended by Charles’ son, William, who was named the Prince of Wales on Friday.

After the ceremony, Charles held his first Privy Council and made his declaration. He was accompanied to the ceremony by his wife, Camilla, the newly named Queen Consort; and his son William, the new Prince of Wales, according to The Guardian.

The new king read and signed an oath to uphold the security of the church in Scotland and approve Orders in Council, which allows the government to continue.

Charles was proclaimed sovereign publicly at 11 a.m. London time, with the Principal Proclamation read from the balcony at St. James Palace that overlooks Friary Court, The Guardian reported.

A second proclamation, set for noon, is scheduled at London’s Royal Exchange.

More proclamations are expected Sunday in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

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