King Charles III officially became Britain’s monarch Saturday during an accession ceremony held in London after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
As the Queen’s eldest son, the King took the throne immediately following her death, but the accession ceremony keeps tradition in introducing the new monarch to the world.
“I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me,” the King told those gathered at St. James’s Palace.
“I know how deeply you and the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathize with me in this irreparable loss we have all suffered.”
Upon taking the throne, the new King formally approved a series of orders, including declaring Sept. 19, the day of his mother’s state funeral, as a public holiday.
The King and his Queen Consort, Camilla, were greeted with cheers at Buckingham Palace by thousands of mourners who paid tribute to the Queen.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also joined Gov. Gen. Mary Simon in Ottawa Saturday morning to proclaim King Charles as Canada’s head of state during a ceremony at Rideau Hall.
The federal government has plans for a series of events, including a national commemoration ceremony, to commemorate the legacy of Queen Elizabeth.
In New Brunswick, Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy presided over the proclamation ceremony for His Majesty, held at Government House in Fredericton.
Premier Blaine Higgs, Executive Council members, Indigenous leaders and senior government officials attended the event, which saw Murphy read a formal proclamation declaring King Charles III.
The first public Proclamation of the new King is read at St James’s Palace following today's Accession Council.
Tomorrow there will be Proclamations in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 10, 2022
⚫ His Majesty The King was formally proclaimed King Charles III at the Accession Council held at St James's Palace.
⚫ In Windsor and Balmoral, members of The Royal Family have viewed floral tributes that have been left in memory of The Queen.https://t.co/hXIgRRjf3U
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 10, 2022