New Delhi: Charles III said he was “deeply aware” of the “duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty”, as he was formally proclaimed the King at the Accession Council ceremony at St James’s Palace in London on Saturday, following the demise of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at the age of 96 on Thursday.
According to reports, the 73-year-old head of state told the formal body, overseeing the succession from Queen Elizabeth II, comprising senior political and religious advisers, that he would strive to follow the “inspiring example” of his mother, the Queen.
#WATCH | #KingCharlesIII proclaimed Britain’s new monarch at the Accession Council at St James’s Palace in London, the UK.
Queen Consort Camilla, Prince of Wales William, PM Liz Truss and others in attendance.
(Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/hYoBlwIDFB
— ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2022
Making his personal declaration, King Charles said, “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.”
Queen Consort Camilla, Prince of Wales William, UK Prime Minister Liz Truss among others were present in the ceremony.
According to reports, the ceremony was attended by 200 members of the Privy Council, including former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major.
Notably, it was the decision of King Charles III to allow television cameras into the Accession Council for the first time to allow the public to view the proceedings.
“God save the King” were the words with which those gathered reaffirmed the proclamation made by the clerk of the council.
The King had travelled back from Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Friday, where the Queen’s health deteriorated and she breathed her last.
“As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation,” Charles said in his first televised address as King on Friday evening.
“And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May ‘flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest’,” he said.