Charles III was officially proclaimed the new monarch of the United Kingdom on Saturday, opening a new era in the history of a country that is preparing to say goodbye to Elizabeth II, its guide and symbol of stability for seven decades.
In a solemn televised ceremony from the Saint James Palace in London, in the presence of his heir William, Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Liz Truss and all of his living predecessors, the Ascension Council signed and announced the proclamation of the new king.
“Prince Carlos Felipe Arturo Jorge now becomes, due to the death of our sovereign lady of happy memory, our King Carlos III… God save the king!” The council proclaimed before the monarch himself was called to the room. .
“My mother’s reign was unmatched for its duration, dedication and devotion (…) I am deeply aware of this great heritage and the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty, which is now transmitted to me,” said the new monarch.
Following a carefully crafted protocol long overdue, the late queen’s 73-year-old son slowly settles into the head of state and into the hearts of the British people.
In his first televised speech as Carlos III, the new monarch praised his “beloved mother” on Friday, a “model” and an “inspiration” always “at the service of the people” whom he promised to emulate.
“Today I renew to all of you that promise of service throughout life,” he underlined, visibly moved.
The eternal Prince of Wales automatically succeeded Elizabeth II on Thursday, who died at the age of 96 in her Scottish castle of Balmoral after seven decades of reign, shocking the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world.
During a church service on Friday at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, the British anthem was sung with a modified lyric, “God save the King,” for the first time in 70 years.
Following the proclamation ceremony, the proclamation was to be read to the public from a palace balcony and at other landmarks in London.
Afterwards, members of Parliament – MPs and Lords – will swear allegiance to the monarch and express their condolences. In the afternoon, Carlos III will once again receive Truss and the main members of his executive, recently appointed on Tuesday.
complicated future
No British sovereign has waited so long to take the throne and Charles III will have to wait a little longer for his coronation ceremony, the date of which no one thinks yet: his own mother waited more than a year after becoming queen.
Carlos’s portraits covered all the front pages of the press on Saturday. «God save the King», he titled it soberly The Times. Several newspapers added a phrase from the new monarch: “I will strive to serve with loyalty, respect and love.” The Sun posted a photo of mother and son with the words, “To my loving mom, 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 to distance itself from some Commonwealth countries to criticism of its past colonial and slave
Furthermore, the UK 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 over desires for independence in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
But, cheered by thousands of people upon his arrival at the palace on Friday, the new king may be starting to win the hearts of some Britons.
The loss of an icon
At the same time in Scotland, its capital Edinburgh is preparing for the first public tributes to the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, who died while spending the summer there.
“She is the only queen we have ever met,” Jason Viloria, a 45-year-old American school administrator whose son studies in Edinburgh, told AFP. “For us, she 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 last trip to London is scheduled for Tuesday by plane for several days of public tribute and a state funeral, at a date to be fixed, in Westminster Abbey with dignitaries from around the world, including US President Joe Biden.