After Queen Elizabeth’s death, Charles was immediately proclaimed king. While he mourned the loss of his beloved mother, he already had to carry out his first official acts as monarch. GALA looks back on the Regent’s most emotional premieres.
On September 8, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. German time, the world stood still for a moment: Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth, †96, took her last breath at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. This ended an era – and for the then Prince Charles, 74, a new life as king began. After the record monarch’s 70-year reign, King Charles ascended the throne and has since made several royal debuts.
King Charles’ first time as monarch
Heartbreaking first statement as king
Along with Princess Anne, 73, King Charles was the only one who saw the Queen alive and was able to support her until the end. A few hours after the loss of his mother, the now 74-year-old published his first statement as a sovereign, which touched his heart. “The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a moment of greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. We deeply mourn the death of an esteemed sovereign and a much-loved mother,” the statement said.
And further: “I know that their loss is deeply affecting the entire country […]. At this time of grief and change, my family and I are comforted and strengthened by the knowledge of the respect and deep affection shown to the Queen.”
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He appears for the first time in front of Buckingham Palace
A day after the Queen’s death, Charles made his way back to London – and met in front of Buckingham Palace Queen Camilla, 76. Countless royal fans were waiting on site to welcome and support the new regent. As the royal couple drove up in the car, the crowd cheered them on. Charles and Camilla looked at the colorful sea of flowers that stretched out in front of the palace.
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Charles and Camilla also talked to the people present, who in turn expressed their condolences. Later, the monarch took, among others, the then Prime Minister Liz Truss48, at the official royal residence.
Emotional moments during Charles’ first speech to the nation
On the evening of September 9th, Charles’ first address to the nation was broadcast. This was previously recorded in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace. The new head of the British royal family appeared composed as he began his first words. “I pay tribute to my mother’s memory and I honor her life of service. I know her death saddens so many, and I share this sense of immeasurable loss with all of you,” he said, sitting at a desk where a picture of the Queen was placed.
In the speech he also confirmed that Prince William, 41, and his wife Catherine, 41, were Prince and Princess of Wales become. Charles also mentioned his second born and expressed his “love for Harry and Meghan […]while they continue to build their lives abroad.” At the end of his speech, the regent addressed his late mother directly. An emotional moment that Royal fans will not soon forget. “To my beloved mum, while you are celebrating your last great As I’m about to embark on my journey to join my dear late papa, I just want to say this: ‘Thank you,'” he said, continuing, “Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations to whom you give all the “You have served so diligently for years.”
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Charles was proclaimed king
On September 10, 2022, the time had finally come: Charles was officially proclaimed king. A historic moment that brought with it some firsts, because it was the first time that this extensive and actually secret ceremony was recorded by TV cameras. This is said to have been an express wish of the monarch.
The Accession Council – a group made up of members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and other senior politicians and the Archbishop of Canterbury – met at St James’s Palace. First there was Minister of State Penny Mordaunt50, the death of Queen Elizabeth officially announced again. Prince William and Queen Camilla stood next to her. Charles was then proclaimed king. After the proclamation, the cry of “God save the king” was heard. Then Prime Minister Liz Truss, 48, as well as Penny Mordaunt and the Archbishops of Canterbury and York then signed the proclamation. This officially made Charles king.
Later, Charles took more oaths and gave a speech – during which he could not hold back his tears. “The whole world feels sympathy for the irreparable loss we have all suffered,” he said, visibly moved, describing her as an “example of lifelong love and selfless service.”
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King Charles was crowned
After Queen Elizabeth’s death, life had to go on for the royals. The months passed, but the British royal family was repeatedly reminded of the painful loss: whether at the first Christmas service in Sandringham, the first Easter mass or the first Royal Ascot without the monarch. Major royal events such as the “Trooping the Color” parade, which was first held in honor of King Charles, have also taken place since then.
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A highlight of Charles’ reign so far was undoubtedly his coronation on May 6, 2023 in Westminster Abbey. The coronation and the weekend that followed became the event of the century, in which Charles finally consolidated his role as monarch – he also carried his “beloved mom” in his heart.
Sources used: gettyimages.de, twitter.com, bbc.co.uk