CHARLES IS KING
Charles waves to cheering crowds after he’s officially declared King and vows to follow ‘inspiring’ Queen’s example
CHARLES waved to cheering crowds as he returned to Buckingham Palace today after being formally made King in a landmark ceremony.
Earlier this morning, gun salutes and trumpets sounded across the country to usher in the historic moment he was made Monarch.
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He was later pictured driving past the rapturous crowds at Buckingham Palace after the pomp and pageantry.
And later today he was driven from the palace and then got out of the car and waved to crowds. It is thought he was on his way to Clarence House.
It came after the first-ever televised Accession Ceremony at St James' Palace where the King vowed to follow the Queen's "inspiring example".
Charles had automatically become King following the tragic death of his mother on Thursday but his role has now been confirmed.
It comes as...
- The Queen's state funeral WILL be a bank holiday after King Charles today gave his approval
- Prince William has been seen for the first time since his grandmother's death
- One of the Queen’s last guests at Balmoral has told of his final poignant conversation with Her Majesty
- King Charles III paid tribute to his "darling Mama" in an emotional first address to the nation
- King Charles told Harry ‘it wasn’t right’ for Meghan to come to Balmoral
- King Charles III addressed the nation for the first time as monarch
Flanked by Prince William and Queen Camilla, he said: "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 have all suffered.
"It is the greatest consolation to me to know of 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 a part, my Mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service.
Read more on the Queen's death
"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."
King Charles also approved an order that the day of the Queen's funeral, which is yet to be decided, will .
He continued: "I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to my Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports my official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation.
"And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God."
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At 11am, the Principal Proclamation of the King was given by the Garter King of Arms from the balcony above Friary Court.
He ended the declaration "God save the King" as history was made.
The Band of the Coldstream Guards and State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry then played the newly-revised anthem.
Three cheers were also given for the new monarch as trumpeters sounded the fanfare.
Smoke also filled the air as 41 guns were fired from Hyde Park and 62 at the Tower of London in a stunning salute.
There were also gun salutes at Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Gibraltar, Colchester, York, Larkhill near Stonehenge, naval bases in Devonport and Portsmouth and a number of stations at sea.
Flags lowered in mourning for the Queen will fly at full-mast again after the ceremony.
Further proclamations were also given today - including in the City of London.
The guards made their way through the capital to deliver the second declaration in front of the Royal Exchange.
TOUCHING GIFT
Prince William had earlier signed the proclamation at St James' Palace to formally make his father a King.
It is the first time he has been seen in public since his grandmother's death.
Prince William and Prince Harry had gifted King Charles the inkpot he used to sign the declaration.
The King's "beloved" wife, Queen Consort Camilla, also added her name to the historic document.
That formed part of the Accession Council at St James' Palace, which was not attended by King Charles III, in line with tradition.
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The formalities will continue this afternoon when King Charles holds a string of audiences at Buckingham Palace.
At 2pm, he will receive the Archbishop of Canterbury, followed by PM Liz Truss and her Cabinet at 2.30pm.
He will then meet with leaders of the opposition parties at 3pm and then the Dean of Westminster an hour later.
It comes after King Charles last night pledged to follow his "darling mama's" life of service in his first address to the nation.
He also spoke of his "profound sorrow" at her death and praised the “affection, admiration and respect” the Queen inspired that “became the hallmark of her reign”.
And he touched on the Queen's "qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people.”
The King ended the speech by saying: "To my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you.
"Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May ‘flights of angels sing thee to thy rest’.”
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