Proclamation of accession of Charles III facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Charles III became the King of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries right after his mother, Elizabeth II, passed away on September 8, 2022. In the UK, a new monarch takes the throne immediately when the old one dies. The official announcement, called a proclamation, happened on September 10, 2022, at 10:00 BST. This event took place at St James's Palace in London, where a special group called the Accession Council met. The rules for who becomes king or queen are the same in all Commonwealth realms, but the exact title of the new king can be a bit different in each place.

Proclaiming the New King in the UK

A 21-gun salute at Edinburgh Castle to celebrate King Charles III's proclamation.

The proclamation being read at the Royal Exchange in London.

The official announcement of King Charles III's rule happened on September 10, 2022, at 10:00 BST at St James's Palace in London. About 200 members of the Privy Council, a group of important advisors, were invited to attend.

Before the King arrived, the Clerk of the Council read the Accession Proclamation. This document officially named the new King as Charles III. Important people like the Queen Consort, the Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Prime Minister signed the proclamation. After this, the King joined the second part of the council meeting. He gave a personal speech about his mother's death and promised to protect the independence of the Church of Scotland. He signed two documents to confirm this, with the Queen Consort and the Prince of Wales watching.

This Accession Council was special because it was the first one ever shown on TV and streamed online. At 11:00 AM, 21-gun salutes were fired in several places, including the Tower of London, Cardiff Castle, and Edinburgh Castle, to mark the new King's accession. After the ceremony, King Charles III greeted people waiting outside Buckingham Palace.

When the Parliament of the United Kingdom met, its members swore loyalty to the new King and shared their sadness about the late Queen. Most parliamentary activities were paused for 10 days. Later that day, the King met with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The official proclamation was also announced by the governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The Official Proclamation Text

The following words were read aloud by Richard Tilbrook, the Clerk of the Accession Council. This text was also published in The London Gazette on September 12:

Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to His Mercy our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second of Blessed and Glorious memory, by whose Decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George:

We, therefore, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal of this Realm and members of the House of Commons, together with other members of Her late Majesty's Privy Council and representatives of the Realms and Territories, Aldermen, and Citizens of London, and others, do now hereby with one voice and Consent of Tongue and Heart publish and proclaim that The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now, by the Death of our late Sovereign of Happy Memory, become our only lawful and rightful Liege Lord Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of his other Realms and Territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, to whom we do acknowledge all Faith and Obedience with humble Affection; beseeching God by whom Kings and Queens do reign to bless His Majesty with long and happy Years to reign over us.

Given at St James's Palace this tenth day of September in the year of Our Lord two thousand and twenty-two

GOD SAVE THE KING

People watching the proclamation from the Friary Court balcony.

The proclamation was also read by the Garter King of Arms, David White, from the Friary Court balcony at 11:00 AM, and then at the Royal Exchange in the City of London. Flags were raised to full-mast while the proclamation was read, then returned to half-mast until the Queen's funeral. Many local officials across the UK also read the proclamation in their areas.

Proclamations in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland

In Wales, the proclamation was held at Cardiff Castle in Cardiff on September 10, with over 2,000 people attending. The First Minister, Mark Drakeford, led the ceremony. The proclamation was read in English by the Wales Herald and then in Welsh by the Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan.

In Northern Ireland, the proclamation took place at Belfast City Hall in Belfast and then at Hillsborough Castle on September 11. The High Sheriff of Belfast, John Hussey, read it out. Important political figures attended, though some groups chose not to.

In Scotland, the proclamation was held at Mercat Cross in Edinburgh on September 11. Scottish judges and politicians, including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, were there. Joseph Morrow, the Lord Lyon King of Arms, read the proclamation. On September 12, the proclamation was also read in Stornoway, in both English and Scottish Gaelic.

Proclamations in British Overseas Territories

British Overseas Territories are places that are part of the UK but are self-governing. The official wording for their proclamations was approved at the Accession Council.

Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to His Mercy our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second of Blessed and Glorious Memory, by whose Decease the Crown is solely and rightfully come to The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George: We,
INSERT THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PERSONS MAKING THE PROCLAMATION

do now hereby with one voice and Consent of Tongue and Heart publish and proclaim that The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now, by the Death of our late Sovereign of Happy Memory, become our only lawful and rightful Liege Lord Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of His other Realms and Territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, to whom we do acknowledge all Faith and Obedience with humble Affection; beseeching God by whom Kings and Queens do reign to bless His Majesty with long and happy Years to reign over us.

Given at [Location] this [ ] day of [ ] in the year of Our Lord [ ].

GOD SAVE THE KING

Proclamations in Specific Territories

Anguilla: The proclamation was read by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam at Government House on September 11.
Bermuda: Governor Rena Lalgie read the proclamation in Hamilton on September 11. A 21-gun salute followed.
British Antarctic Territory: This proclamation took place at the Rothera Research Station on September 11, overseen by Jane Francis, director of the British Antarctic Survey.
British Virgin Islands: Governor John Rankin read the proclamation at Government House in Road Town on September 11, followed by a gun salute.
Cayman Islands: Governor Martyn Roper read the proclamation at Government House in Grand Cayman on September 11, accompanied by a 21-gun salute and a parade.
Falkland Islands: Governor Alison Blake read the proclamation at Government House in Stanley on September 11.
Gibraltar: Governor David Steel read the proclamation at The Convent on September 11, followed by a 21-gun salute.
Montserrat: Governor Sarah Tucker read the proclamation at Salem Park on September 11, followed by God Save the King and a 21-gun salute.
Pitcairn Islands: Governor Iona Thomas read the proclamation via video link from Wellington, New Zealand, at the town hall in Adamstown on September 11.
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha: Governor Nigel Phillips read the proclamation at the Saint Helena Supreme Court in Jamestown on September 11.
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands: Commissioner Alison Blake read the proclamation via video link to teams at King Edward Point and Bird Island on September 11.
Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia: Administrator Peter J. M. Squires read the proclamation at Episkopi Cantonment on September 11.
Turks and Caicos Islands: Governor Nigel Dakin read the proclamation at Waterloo in Grand Turk Island on September 11.

Proclamations in Crown Dependencies

Crown Dependencies are islands that are self-governing but belong to the British Crown.

Bailiwick of Guernsey

The proclamation in the Bailiwick of Guernsey happened in Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark on September 11. In Guernsey, the Bailiff of Guernsey Richard McMahon read the proclamation at a special meeting. A procession and a 21-gun salute followed. In Alderney, the President of the States of Alderney read it. In Sark, the Prévôt of Sark read it outside St Peter's Church.

Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to His Mercy our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second of Blessed and Glorious Memory, by whose Decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George; We, therefore, the Lieutenant-Governor, Bailiff, Deputy Bailiff, King's Officers, Jurats, Members of the States of Deliberation, Clergy, and others, do now hereby with one voice and Consent of Tongue and Heart publish and proclaim that The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now, by the Death of our late Sovereign of Happy Memory, become our only lawful and rightful Liege Lord Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of His other Realms and Territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, to whom we do acknowledge all Faith and Obedience with humble Affection; beseeching God by whom Kings and Queens do reign to bless His Majesty with long and happy Years to reign over us.

GOD SAVE THE KING

Isle of Man

On September 11, Lieutenant Governor General John Lorimer announced Charles III as the Lord of Mann at Government House in Onchan. A second ceremony took place on September 16 on Tynwald Hill in St John's, where the proclamation was also read in the Manx language.

Whereas it has pleased almighty God to call to his mercy our late sovereign lady, Queen Elizabeth II of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is soley and rightly come to the prince Charles Philip Arthur George, we therefore - the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, the President of Tynwald and the Chief Minister of the Isle of Man Government do now hereby with one voice and consent of tongue and heart that the prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now by the death of our late sovereign of happy memory become our only lawful and rightful liege lord, Charles III by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of his other realms and territories King, Lord of Mann, head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching God by whom kings and queens do reign to bless His Majesty with long and happy years to reign over us, given at Government House, Onchan, Isle of Man, this 11th day of September in the year of Our Lord 2022.

God Save the King, Lord of Mann.

Jersey

The proclamation in Jersey was held at the Royal Square on September 11. The Bailiff of Jersey Timothy Le Cocq gave a speech and read the proclamation. A 21-gun salute followed.

Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to His Mercy our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second of Blessed and Glorious Memory, by whose Decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George: We, the Bailiff, Deputy Bailiff, Officers of the Crown, Dean of Jersey, Jurats, Members of the States Assembly and the people of Jersey gathered here today in accordance with the Law of Jersey, therefore do now hereby publish and proclaim that The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now, by the Death of our late Sovereign of Happy Memory, has become our only lawful and rightful Liege Lord Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of His other Realms and Territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, to whom we do acknowledge all Faith and Obedience with humble Affection; beseeching God by whom Kings and Queens do reign to bless His Majesty, our Duke, with long and happy years to reign over us.

GOD SAVE THE KING.

Proclamations in Canada

The proclamation in Canada took place at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on September 10. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon signed the proclamation. The ceremony included trumpets, a 21-gun salute, and a moment of remembrance for Queen Elizabeth II.

TO ALL TO WHOM these presents shall come or whom the same may in any way concern,

GREETING:

Whereas our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth the Second, passed away on September 8, 2022, by whose death the
Crown of Canada vests in His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George;

We, the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, Governor General of Canada, assisted by His Majesty’s Privy Council for Canada, proclaim that His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now, by the death of our
late Sovereign, Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and His other Realms and Territories King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, to whom we acknowledge faith and allegiance.

Given under my Hand and Seal of Office at Ottawa, this tenth day of September, two thousand and twenty-two.

Long Live the King

The proclamation was read in both English and French by Samy Khalid, the Chief Herald of Canada.

Proclamations in Canadian Provinces

Proclamations were also held in several Canadian provinces by their lieutenant governors.

New Brunswick: The proclamation took place at Government House in Fredricton on September 10. Lieutenant Governor Brenda Murphy read it, followed by God Save the King and a 21-gun salute.
Newfoundland and Labrador: Lieutenant Governor Judy Foote read the proclamation at Government House in St. John's on September 10.
Nova Scotia: Lieutenant Governor Arthur LeBlanc read the proclamation at Government House in Halifax on September 10, including a 21-gun salute.
Saskatchewan:

Government House, Regina, where King Charles was proclaimed by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.

Lieutenant Governor Russell Mirasty read the proclamation at Government House in Regina on September 10.

Ontario: Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell read the proclamation at the Ontario Legislative Building in Toronto on September 12.
Prince Edward Island: Lieutenant Governor Antoinette Perry read the proclamation at Government House in Charlottetown on September 12, followed by a 21-gun salute.
Alberta: Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani read the proclamation at the Government House in Edmonton on September 15.

Proclamations in Australia

The proclamation in Australia happened in front of Parliament House, Canberra, on September 11. Governor-General David Hurley read it after it was approved by the Australian Executive Council. An Indigenous Australian dance ceremony and a 21-gun salute followed.

Whereas because of the death of our blessed and glorious Queen Elizabeth II, the Crown has solely and rightfully come to Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.

We, therefore, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and members of the Federal Executive Council, do now proclaim Prince Charles Philip Arthur George to be King Charles III, By the Grace of God, King of Australia and his other realms and territories, Head of the Commonwealth, and with hearty and humble affection, we promise him faith and obedience. May King Charles III have long and happy years to reign over us.

Given at Canberra, this 11th day of September, 2022, and in the first year of His Majesty's reign.

Signed by me, as Governor-General and counter-signed by my command, by the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia.

God Save the King

Proclamations in Australian States

Similar proclamations took place in all Australian states.

New South Wales: Governor Margaret Beazley read the proclamation on the steps of the New South Wales Parliament House in Sydney on September 11, followed by a 21-gun salute.
Queensland: Governor Jeannette Young read the proclamation at Government House and later at the Parliament House in Brisbane on September 11.
South Australia: Governor Frances Adamson read the proclamation outside the South Australian Parliament House in Adelaide on September 11.
Tasmania: Governor Barbara Baker read and signed the proclamation at Government House in Hobart on September 11.
Victoria: Governor Linda Dessau read the proclamation at the Government House in Melbourne on September 12.
Western Australia: Governor Chris Dawson read and signed the proclamation at the Government House in Perth on September 11.

Proclamations in New Zealand

New Zealand Herald Extraordinary, Phillip O'Shea, reads the proclamation in Wellington, New Zealand.

The proclamation in New Zealand happened on the steps of the Parliament Buildings in Wellington on September 11, with a 21-gun salute.

Whereas by the death of our late beloved Sovereign Queen Elizabeth II, the Crown is solely and rightfully come to His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.

We, therefore, The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand, The Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, and Members of the Executive Council, assisted by members of Parliament, Judges, Representatives of the Realm, and numerous other representative citizens here present, hereby proclaim that His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur Arthur George is now King Charles III, By the Grace of God King of New Zealand and of His Other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, to whom His subjects swear their faith and true allegiance, with hearty affection; wishing His Majesty King Charles III a long and happy reign.

Given under the hand of Her Excellency the Governor-General, and issued under the Seal of New Zealand, this 11th day of September 2022.

Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister

God Save the King

The proclamation was read in English by Herald of Arms Phillip O'Shea and then in Māori by parliamentary kaumātua Kura Moeahu.

Proclamations in Other Commonwealth Realms

Many other Commonwealth countries also held ceremonies to proclaim King Charles III as their new head of state.

Jamaica

On September 10, a 21-gun salute was fired by the Jamaica Defence Force. The official proclamation ceremony for Jamaica took place at King's House in Kingston on September 13. Governor General Sir Patrick Allen read the proclamation.

Whereas on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and by virtue of the Accession Act of the United Kingdom and the Constitution of Jamaica, His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George has succeeded Her Majesty as the Constitutional Sovereign.

I, therefore, Patrick Linton Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica, hereby proclaim that King Charles III is, By the Grace of God, King of Jamaica and of his Other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, and wish His Majesty King Charles III good health and longevity in his Reign.

Given under my hand and the Broad Seal of Jamaica at King’s House this 13th day of September in the Year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty- Two, and the First Year of the Reign of His Majesty King Charles III.

GOD SAVE THE KING

Antigua and Barbuda

The proclamation in Antigua and Barbuda took place at Government's House in St. John's on September 10. Prime Minister Gaston Browne signed the document.

The Bahamas

The proclamation in The Bahamas took place at Parliament Square in Nassau on September 11. Governor-General Cornelius A. Smith signed it. The ceremony included trumpets and a 21-gun salute.

Whereas our late sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II died on 8th day September 2022, by whose death the Crown of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas now and solely and rightfully comes to Prince Charles Philip Arthur George. Now therefore I, the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius Smith, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, along with the President and Members of the Senate, the Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly, and the members of the late Majesty's Privy Council in the realm of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, with one voice and consent, publish and proclaim that King Charles III by the death of our sovereign Queen Elizabeth II, is now formally proclaimed sovereign of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Given under my hand and the public seal in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas at Government House in the City of Nassau this 11th day of September 2022 and the first year of His Majesty's reign. God save the King.

Grenada

The proclamation in Grenada took place at the Government House in St. George's on September 12. Governor-General Cécile La Grenade read and signed it with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.

Solomon Islands

King Charles was officially declared King of Solomon Islands on September 12 after Governor-General David Vunagi read the proclamation.

Papua New Guinea

The proclamation in Papua New Guinea took place at National Parliament House in Port Moresby on September 13. Governor-General Bob Dadae led the ceremony, which included a 96-gun salute and a moment of silence for the Queen.

We, Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, the Governor General of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the Honorable James Marape, Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Members of the National Executive Council, the Honorable Job Pomat, Speaker of the National Parliament, Members of Parliament, His Honor, Sir Gibbs Salika, Chief Justice of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Judges, Representatives of our ordinary citizens here present, hereby proclaim that His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now King Charles III, and by the Grace of God, King of Papua New Guinea, and of his other realms and territories and the Head of the Commonwealth.

Images for kids

21-gun salute at Edinburgh Castle
Proclamation at the Royal Exchange
Members of the public and members of the Accession Council watching the proclamation at Friary Court balcony.
Government House, Regina, where King Charles was proclaimed by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.
New Zealand Herald Extraordinary, Phillip O'Shea, reads the proclamation on the steps of the New Zealand Parliament Buildings.