Charles will be crowned king on the balcony of St James’s Palace in a state ceremony on Saturday morning, two days after the death of his mother Elizabeth II and as the country enters a period of national mourning.
And on Friday evening, for the first time in 70 years, the British national anthem “God Save the King” was played at St Paul’s Cathedral at the end of a service in honor of Elizabeth II. This anthem replaced “God Save the Queen” which had been adopted since the late Queen’s accession in 1952.
Earlier, Charles III addressed his countrymen from Buckingham Palace for the first time as king in a recorded televised speech, praising his “beloved” mother, who died aged 96 after a reign of 70 years and seven months. He described Elizabeth II as an “inspiration and example” to him and his family.
And he promised to be in the service of the British all his life, just like his mother who made this vow at the age of twenty one. “Like the Queen who has done this with unwavering devotion, I solemnly pledge to defend the constitutional principles that lie at the heart of our nation as long as God gives me,” he said confidently.
On Saturday morning, the Council of the Crown, a group of dignitaries from the royal family, political and religious figures, including the King’s wife Camilla, son William, Prime Minister Liz Truss and the Archbishop of Canterbury, will meet at St James’s Palace to Officially announce Charles. King. This ceremony will be broadcast live on TV for the first time. The announcement is read from the balcony of the palace and then in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Parliament then declares allegiance to the new king and mourns the death of the queen. In the afternoon, the new king receives the prime minister and key ministers.
Charles III ascends to the throne as the country struggles with Britain’s worst economic crisis in 40 years. Four prime ministers took over the presidency in six years.
73-year-old Charles became the oldest monarch in the United Kingdom after he came to power.
A crowd gathered outside Buckingham Palace on Friday afternoon to give the new monarch a warm welcome after returning from Scotland. He and his wife Camilla shook hands with dozens of people gathered behind iron barriers in front of the palace. Since the Queen’s death was announced, thousands have flocked to the venue to lay flowers and send messages of condolence.
Elizabeth II died “quietly” at Balmoral Palace in Scotland on Thursday, surrounded by her son Charles and daughter. Her two other sons, Andrew Edwards, Prince William’s heir, and then Prince Harry, arrived after her death.
The royal mourning, which includes the royal family and its workers, will continue for seven days after the funeral, the date of which has not yet been set, the king announced. Royal Circuits remain closed and flags are lowered until the funeral. The national mourning announced by the government will continue until the funeral day. The Queen will be buried in a private ceremony at Windsor Castle Chapel.
Source: Lebanon Debate