by Michael Holden and Kate Holton
LONDON, Sept 10 (Reuters) – Charles III was officially proclaimed King of the United Kingdom in a tightly-knit ceremony in London on Saturday, two days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II after 70 years of reign.
The former Prince of Wales, who immediately succeeded his mother as British monarch on Thursday after the death of Elizabeth at the age of 96, was enthroned at the end of the morning by the Accession Council.
This body brings together members of the royal family, parliamentarians, the Prime Minister Liz Truss, as well as the mayor of London Sadiq Khan, senior officials, representatives of the Commonwealth and dignitaries of the Anglican Church.
The ceremony took place at St. James’s Palace, the official seat of the monarchy, located a few steps from Buckingham Palace, in the presence of former heads of the British government John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson.
Absent during the first part of the ceremony, Charles then addressed the audience of dignitaries before taking the oath.
“In the accomplishment of this heavy task entrusted to me, and for which I now devote the rest of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God”, declared the sovereign.
“I am deeply aware of this heritage and the serious duties and responsibilities incumbent on me,” added the new monarch, promising to follow the “inspiring” example of “life and self-sacrifice” left by his late mother.
“LOYALTY, RESPECT, LOVE”
The British Parliament will henceforth make a vow of allegiance to him. The succession ritual also provides for the public reading of the proclamation in the capitals of the other three constituent nations of the United Kingdom, in addition to England – Edinburgh in Scotland, Belfast in Northern Ireland and Cardiff in Wales.
During his first speech on Friday, Charles III had promised to devote his life to the service of his people and to serve the British nation with “loyalty, respect and love”.
The new monarch, who is 73 years old, is the king of the United Kingdom and fourteen other countries including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
The death of Elizabeth II has opened a period of mourning until the Queen’s funeral, the date of which has not been announced but is expected to take place in just over a week.
Leaders from around the world are expected in London for this event. US President Joe Biden notably confirmed his presence on Friday.
The coronation of Charles III will take place for its part at a later date, which is still unknown. Sixteen months had elapsed between Elizabeth’s accession to the throne of England in 1952 and her coronation in 1953.
SEE AS WELL :
OBITUARY-Elizabeth II, embodiment of the monarchy in a changing world
CHRONOLOGY of the life of Queen Elizabeth II (French version Jean-Stphane Brosse)