King Charles III has returned to Buckingham Palace after officially been proclaimed King today at St. James's Palace and, for the first time, the historic ceremony was televised for the public.
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On the balcony of Friary Court in St James’s Palace, David White – an official known as the Garter King of Arms – read the first proclamation.
WATCH: King Charles makes candid confession about Queen's death
He ended by saying: "Given at St James’s Palace this 10th day of September in year of our Lord 2022."
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In the moments after, "God save the King" was shouted out.
© Photo: Getty ImagesCrowds gathered in front of Friary Court
The national anthem was then performed by The Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight state trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. They were accompanied by the St James’s Palace Detachment of The King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards.
Shortly after the first proclamation, at 12 pm, the second reading of the Accession Proclamation was performed by Timothy Duke, the Clarenceux King of Arms in front of the Lord Mayor, Court of Aldermen, High Officers and members of Common Council outside the City of London’s Royal Exchange.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe second proclamation took place at the Royal Exchange
Ahead of the announcements, proceedings took place in the throne room of St. James's Palace where King Charles made a touching declaration.
In the moving message, he said: "My lords, ladies and gentlemen, it is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved mother the Queen.
"I know how deeply you, the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we've all suffered.
© Photo: RexCharles is joined by his Queen Consort and Prince William
“It is the greatest consolation to me to know the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers.
"And that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss."
"To all of us as a family as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is apart, my mother gave an example of lifelong love and selfless service."
"My mother’s reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life."
© Photo: RexCharles made a moving declaration
Prince William and Charle's Queen Consort, Liz Truss and the Archibishop of Canterbury were the first to sign the official proclamation ahead of other members of the Assension Council. The death of the late Queen was confirmed at 10 am at the start of the historic meeting to announce King Charles III as monarch.
The new monarch became King the moment the Queen died, but an accession council must be convened following the death of a sovereign which usually takes place within 24 hours.
The accession council, which is always traditionally held as soon as the monarch has died, met for a ten-minute meeting after which began the offical Proclamation of Charles as King. The council began at the picture gallery, and then the proceedings will moved to the throne room where they awaited His Majesty.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe council is made up partly of senior parliamentarians
The accession council is composed of privy councillors, senior parliamentarians, leading members of the church of England commonwealth leaders senior judges and civil servants Amongst those gathered already are David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson who are all gathered in the picture gallery as they await the start of proceedings.
The momentous occasion came just hours after the new King addressed the nation last night in his first official speech to the public.
During the touching message, Charles sat beside his a photo of his "darling Mama" and renewed her promise of lifelong service as he praised her humour, warmth, and ability to see the best in people.
King Charles chose the photo of the Queen
He also announced that he had made his son William the new Prince of Wales, with his wife Catherine the Princess of Wales – the title last used by William's late mother, Diana.
The father-of-two also expressed his "love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas".
Charles finished with an emotional sign-off to his "darling Mama" when he wished: "May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest," a quote from the ending of Shakespeare's Hamlet.
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