Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch of Britain, passed away recently after ruling the kingdom for 70 years. With the demise of the 96-year-old, Prince Charles Philip Arthur George became the new king, and he has been formally proclaimed the King of Britain today at St James’s Palace in London.
Charles III signed the proclamation with Prince William, newly elected Prime Minister Liz Truss, and Archbishop Justin Welby watching on. He has been declared king in a historic ceremony – broadcast on television for the first time. Apparently, he is the oldest man to be a king in British history.
During the Accession Council, King Charles III authorised the day of the Queen’s funeral to become a bank holiday, although it is not announced when it will happen.
The Accession Council is made up of members of the Privy Council, a group of senior MPs, past and present, and equivalents, as well as some senior civil servants, Commonwealth high commissioners, and the Lord Mayor of London.