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Prince Charles is now King - what happens next for the Queen's son

Everything to expect for Prince Charles following Her Majesty the Queen's death

Georgia Brown
Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer
Updated: September 15, 2022
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On 8 September, Buckingham Palace released an official statement confirming the Queen's death. The sad news came soon after reports were issued that the 96-year-old monarch was "comfortable" at her Scottish home of Balmoral, though doctors remained "concerned" for her worsening condition.

MORE: King Charles III's coronation: when will it be and what will happen?

In light of his mother's passing, the monarch's 73-year-old son Prince Charles is now officially the King. Royal fans may be wondering what this means for the Prince of Wales' official title, and whether his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, will become Queen.

WATCH: Queen Elizabeth II has died at 96

Scroll on to discover everything you need to expect when Prince Charles takes over the throne.

READ: Why Prince Charles and Princess Anne were first at Queen's bedside at Balmoral

MORE: The telling sign that the Queen's health was a worry for Prince William and Kate Middleton

When will Prince Charles become King?

Upon the Queen's death, her eldest son, Prince Charles, has immediately become King. The next-in-line to the throneautomatically takes on the role when a Sovereign dies unless they choose to abdicate. More on this below. 

What will Prince Charles be called when he becomes King?

Prince Charles' royal title officially changed to King Charles III when he took the throne after his mother, Her Majesty The Queen.

The Prince of Wales had the opportunity to choose a new title for himself once he assumed power as the monarch.

When Princess Elizabeth ascended the throne at the age of 25 in 1952, she was asked by Martin Charteris, her private secretary, what she wanted to be known as.

the queen prince charles kiss© Photo: Getty Images

Prince Charles is the Queen's eldest son and heir to the throne

The new Queen's response was very matter-of-fact. She said: "My own of course."

Her Majesty could have chosen a completely different name and since ancient times, some monarchs have opted for a regnal title instead.

Will Prince Charles become King Charles III?

Clarence House has confirmed that Charles will now be officially known as King Charles III. 

prince charles king© Photo: Getty Images

The Prince of Wales can choose his own reginal moniker

The Queen's son did have the option to adopt a new kingly name, however. His full name is Charles Philip Arthur George, which means that as King, Charles could have adopted any of the names in the full title.

Despite not having his coronation yet, Charles has been formally proclaimed the next monarch, taking on the role as King. 

Prime Minister Liz Truss referred to King Charles III in her speech outside Downing Street, saying: "Today the Crown passes, as it has done for more than a thousand years, to our new monarch, our new head of state, His Majesty King Charles III."

Will we get a bank holiday for Prince Charles' coronation?

The coronation of Prince Charles is presumed to be a UK bank holiday, and therefore UK-based employees would be given the day off.

What will Duchess Camilla be called when Prince Charles becomes King?

Prince Charles' wife Camilla Parker-Bowles will officially become Queen Consort when her husband becomes King. On the eve of her Platinum Jubilee, the Queen released a deeply personal statement, expressing her wishes for the monarchy in future.

"I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me," she said.

prince charles and camilla red dress© Photo: Getty Images

Duchess Camilla will become Queen Consort when Prince Charles becomes King

"And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service."

Who is next in line to the throne?

Prince Charles was the heir apparent to the throne, meaning he automatically takes on the role of King when his mother, the Queen, passes on the title.

There is some speculation the 73-year-old royal could only take on the role as monarch for a few years before passing on the title to the next heir, his son the Duke of Cambridge.

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