In a solemn ceremony televised from Saint-James Palace in London, in the presence of his heir William, Queen Consort Camilla, Prime Minister Liz Truss and their living predecessors, the Ascension Council signed and announced the proclamation of the new king.
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“Prince Charles Philip Arthur George now becomes, by the death of our sovereign of happy memory, our King Charles III… God save the king!”, proclaimed the council before the monarch himself was called into the room.
“My mother’s reign was unparalleled for its duration, dedication and devotion (…) I am deeply aware of this great heritage and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty, which are now transmitted to me”, declared the new monarch.
Following a carefully crafted protocol long ago, the late Queen's 73-year-old son is slowly installing himself as head of state and in the hearts of the British people.
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In his first televised speech as Charles III, the new monarch on Friday praised his “beloved mother”, a “role model” and an “inspiration” always “at the service of the people”.
“Today I renew to all of you this promess of lifelong service”, he emphasized, visibly moved.
The eternal Prince of Wales automatically succeeded Elizabeth II on Thursday, following her death at the age of 96 in her Scottish castle of Balmoral after seven decades of reign, moving the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world.
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During a service on Friday at St Paul's Cathedral in London, the British anthem was sung with modified lyrics, "God save the King", for the first time in 70 years.
After the ceremony, the proclamation was read to the public from a balcony at Saint-James Palace and other landmarks in London.
Afterwards, members of Parliament – deputies and lords – will swear allegiance to the monarch and express their condolences.
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In the afternoon, Charles III will again receive Truss and the main members of his executive, recently appointed on Tuesday.
Charles' portraits covered all the front pages of the press this Saturday.
“God Save the King,” was the Times headline. Several newspapers added a quote from the new monarch: “I will strive to serve with loyalty, respect and love.”
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The Sun published a photo of mother and son with the words: “To my loving mother, thank you.”
After the enormous popularity of Elizabeth II, the rise of Charles III, less appreciated by public opinion, opens a delicate period for a monarchy that faces multiple challenges, from the desire of some Commonwealth countries to distance themselves to criticism of its colonial past. and slavery.
Furthermore, the United Kingdom is facing its worst economic crisis in 40 years and has seen four prime ministers pass in six years.
Divisions run across the country over Brexit and desires for independence in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
But, cheered by thousands upon his arrival at the palace on Friday, the new king may be beginning to win the hearts of some Britons.
“She is the only queen we have ever met,” Jason Viloria, a 45-year-old American administrator whose son studies in Edinburgh, told AFP.
“For us, it is the loss of an icon”, of “a historical figure”.
On Sunday, the Queen's coffin will be moved from Balmoral Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, the official residence of monarchs in Scotland, and a day later to nearby St. Giles Cathedral.
His final trip to London is scheduled for Tuesday by plane for several days of public tribute and a state funeral, on a date to be determined, at Westminster Abbey with dignitaries from around the world, including United States President Joe Biden.
(with AFP)
