King Charles III paid homage to his loved ones at the Accession Council this morning - while also marking new beginnings.

The King, who formally ascended the throne in a ceremony at St James's Palace earlier today, honoured his loved ones with subtle gestures as he pledged to serve the nation.

The meeting of the Accession Council, which was televised for the first time ever to confirm Charles III as King, saw him swear and sign an oath to uphold the security of the church in the presence of privy counsellors.

While signing the oath, the King used a fountain pen which he dipped in an ink pot that had been gifted to him by his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

It was among the touching tributes to his family during the event, which also included the King wearing a wristwatch he previously wore to Harry's wedding to Meghan. 

In a not to his eldest son's new title as the Prince of Wales, and perhaps his ongoing affection for the title,  the King wore his Prince of Wales signet ring, which is believed to be more than 175 years old.

The new Prince of Wales, 40, also attended the ascension with his stepmother, Queen Consort Camilla.

The ring could be considered an acknowledgment of his commitment to the Prince of Wales title he held for so long, which he has now passed down to his son William.

In his first address to the nation last night the King confirmed he would be giving the title to the heir to the throne, with Kate Middleton becoming the Princess of Wales.

The King said: 'Today, I am proud to create [William] Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. 

Underneath the cuff of his suit, the King appeared to be wearing his rare Parmigiani watch, which also has a significant meaning.

The 18-carat gold automatic Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph, which the King has favoured for several years, is the same watch he wore at the wedding of his youngest son Prince Harry to Meghan Markle in 2018.