King Charles III has been formally proclaimed the new monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, amid ceremony and pageantry in London.
Key points:
- King Charles III has officially been proclaimed King after an Accession Council meeting
- Although Charles became King the moment his mother died, the ceremony makes it official
- Proclamations will be made across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth
About 200 senior ministers, advisers and diplomats gathered at St James's Palace for the Accession Council, a traditional meeting that is convened as soon as possible after a sovereign's death.
While King Charles gained his new title as soon as the Queen died, the Accession Council formally proclaimed him King and set in motion pageantry across the Commonwealth.
The first part of the Accession Council, which took place without King Charles, proclaimed the new King and formally approved other matters relating to the proclamation.
In the second part, Charles declared his commitment to the Commonwealth, and took an oath in support of the Church of Scotland.
He said he would dedicate "what remains of my life" to his new role.
King Charles also paid tribute to his late mother and her 70-year reign as monarch.
"My mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service," he said.
"My mother's reign was unequalled 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."
For the first time in history, the Accession Council was being broadcast on television.
Lord President of the Privy Council, Penny Mordaunt, began by calling business for part one of the council.
"My lords, it is my sad duty to inform you that our most gracious majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, has passed away on Thursday, the 8th of September 2022 at Balmoral Castle," Ms Mordaunt, who is also leader of the House of Commons, said.
The formal proclamation was signed by senior figures including Queen Consort Camilla and Prince William, British Prime Minister Liz Truss, and the archbishops of Canterbury and York.
King Charles also confirmed that the late Queen's funeral, for which no date has been set, will be a public holiday in the UK.
After the Accession Council meeting, the Garter King of Arms read the Principal Proclamation from the balcony above the Friary Court of St James's Palace.
Several hundred members of the public were admitted from The Mall into Friary Court of the palace to witness to the proclamation of the new King.
The proclamation was heralded by trumpeters of the senior British Army regiment, the Life Guards, and accompanied by gun salutes at Hyde Park and the Tower of London.
Three cheers then rang out for His Majesty The King.