Charles III formally proclaimed King at St James Palace

A new head of state has been formally announced as Charles III officially became King at an accession council in the state apartments at St James’s Palace in Westminster.

King Charles III was proclaimed in his absence by the privy council.

Later, he will join privy counsellors and hold his first privy council, accompanied by the new Queen Consort and Prince of Wales, and make a declaration.

A principal proclamation will be read in public by the Garter King of Arms from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James’s Palace.

Last night the new king addressed the public for the first time and pledged to serve the country “with loyalty, respect and love”.

He paid tribute to his mother who died on Wednesday saying: “Queen Elizabeth’s was a life well-lived, a promise with destiny kept, and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.

“Her dedication and devotion as sovereign never wavered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.

“I pay tribute to my mother’s memory and I honour her life of service. I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of you and I share that sense of loss, beyond measure, with you all.

He added: “On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express.

“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’.”

Pictured top: King Charles III (Picture: Dan Marsh/Flickr)