Charles III was formally crowned king in a ceremony marked by trumpet fanfares and gun salutes. At the event, he vowed to follow in the footsteps of his late mother Queen Elizabeth II, and hold the position for the rest of his life.
From the balcony of St. James’s Palace, a court official in a feathered bicorn hat proclaimed Charles “our sole lawful and rightful” monarch following the historic Accession Council gathering of top royals, church, and government.
According to the royal family’s official website, the council consists of “Privy Counsellors, Great Officers of State, the Lord Mayor and High Sheriffs of the City of London, Realm High Commissioners, some senior government personnel, and some persons invited to participate.”
There are two sections to the meeting. The Privy Council officially announces Queen Elizabeth II’s passing and announces the succession of the new Sovereign in Part 1 without Charles present. The “various consequential Orders, including the arrangements of the Proclamation”, are also approved, according to a press release from Buckingham Palace.
Charles is present in part two, and he conducts his first Privy Council meeting. He will swear to uphold the Church of Scotland there after reading a proclamation and reading the declaration aloud. In addition, the king will “pass Orders in Council which assist the continuity of governance,” according to the press statement.