King Charles Officially Declared ‘King’ After Queen Elizabeth’s Death By Historic Accession Council

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King Charles III was officially proclaimed Britain’s monarch on Saturday (September 10). Two days after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, the former prince was elevated to the throne in an elaborate, centuries-old accession ceremony, which took place at St. James Palace and was broadcast live for the first time.

“I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me,” Charles said at the event, before referencing the loss of the Queen, who had recently celebrated her Platinum Jubilee. “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.”

British politicians, including the new Prime Minister Liz Truss, met without Charles at the state apartments at St. James’s Palace for the meeting of the Accession Council. The group confirmed Charles’ new title as King Charles III and then invited him into the meeting, where he took his vows and began his duties as the monarch; one of which was to declare the day of his mother’s funeral a public holiday. The service is expected to occur on Sept. 19.

This is a developing story.