Charles III is proclaimed king
Now the secretary of the council speaks.
Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call into his mercy our late sovereign lady, Queen Elizabeth II, of blessed and glorious memory, by whose death the crown of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has been uniquely and rightfully hands of Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.
Therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm and the members of the House of Commons together with other members of his late majesty’s privy council and representatives of the realms and territories, alderman, citizens of London and others, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart we publish and proclaim that Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, now by our death of our late sovereign of happy memory, becomes our only lawful and happy lord.
Charles III, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of his other kingdoms and territories, king, head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith, to whom we acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection. , beseeching God by whom kings and queens reign to bless his majesty with long and happy years to reign over us.”
He ends by saying “God save the king”, which the members present return in unison.
The platform party now signs the proclamation, the Prince of Wales doing so first, followed by the Queen consort.
Updated at 10.36 BST
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The assembled King’s Guard then put their rifles down and return to a standing position.
They take off their helmets. White calls for “three cheers for His Majesty the King.”
The guards and the crowds present in the Court of the Convent respond in kind.
Meanwhile, salutes are being taken across the country, with television footage showing scenes in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland, and Edinburgh in Scotland.
White then reads the proclamation, which is the same text that the secretary reads to the membership council.
Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call into his mercy our late sovereign lady, Queen Elizabeth II, of blessed and glorious memory, by whose death the crown of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has been uniquely and rightfully hands of Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.
Therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm and the members of the House of Commons together with other members of his late majesty’s privy council and representatives of the realms and territories, alderman, citizens of London and others, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart we publish and proclaim that Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, now by our death of our late sovereign of happy memory, becomes our only lawful and happy lord, Charles III.
By the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and its other kingdoms and territories, King, head of the community, defender of the faith, to whom we acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching God for whom reign kings and queens to bless his majesty with long and happy years to reign over us.
The color is then lowered in front of the King’s Guard and White says, “God save the King” as the fanfare begins, and the salute is fired.
God Save the King is then performed by the Coldstream Guard.
Updated at 11.07 BST
The main proclamation was read as salutes were fired across the country
The heralds play a fanfare for the first time from the balcony overlooking the Court of the Convent of the Palau de Sant Jaume before the main proclamation.
There is then a pause to wait at 11am when the gun salutes begin. The members of the league are present with their badges.
There is another fanfare. The address was then read by the league’s King of Arms, David White, accompanied by the Earl Marshal. The process is part of the historic procedure of informing the country that the monarch has died.
Updated at 11.05 BST
Soldiers assemble at the Tower of London ahead of gun salutes to be fired at 11am.
Others can be seen in the convent court in front of the Palau de Sant Jaume with fixed bayonets.
Next to the gun salutes in less than 10 minutes, there will be a fanfare from the balcony of Palau de Sant Jaume.
Guards in the court of the convent in front of the Palau de Sant Jaume. Photograph: BBC
Updated at 10.57 BST
The Queen’s funeral will be a public holiday
The King has approved an order to make the day of the Queen’s funeral a public holiday in the United Kingdom.
The actual date is yet to be confirmed, but is expected to be Monday, September 19.
Updated at 10.53 BST
King Charles signs two final proclamations, bows to the councilors and leaves. They lean
The platform party then departs, and the Privy Councilors are invited to sign the proclamation. Penny Mordaunt thanks them for their assistance.
Back to the proceedings as Penny Mordaunt again asks King Charles if the declaration that was just signed can be made public.
“Approved,” replies the King.
Others include a request to use the great seal and existing seals from his mother’s reign, until a new one is produced.
Updated at 10.41am BST
The new king watches as the signatures continue. Among those to present is the Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon follows as the Coldstream Guards can be heard playing outside.
Updated at 10.41am BST
King Charles then gives permission for the proclamation to be circulated in the Kingdom and takes his oath to maintain the safety of the Church of Scotland.
He sits down to sign and confirm that he has taken the oath. He is followed by Camilla, Queen Consort, and William, Prince of Wales.
King Charles signs the oath. Photograph: BBC
Updated at 10.34am BST
King Charles III makes a statement
The council has been put in order and the platform party has returned, this time including King Charles.
Penny Mordaunt calls him to make her statement.
King Charles says:
It is my most regrettable duty to announce to you the death of my beloved mother, the Queen.
I know how deeply you, the whole nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathize with the irreparable loss we have all suffered. It is the greatest comfort to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers and that this overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our entire family in our loss.
To all of us as a family, to this kingdom and to the larger family of nations of which it is a part, my mother set an example of lifelong love and selfless service.
My mother’s reign was unparalleled in its length, dedication and devotion. Even when we are in pain, we give thanks for this faithful life.
I am deeply conscious of this great inheritance and of the heavy duties and responsibilities of sovereignty that have now passed to me. In assuming these responsibilities, I will endeavor to follow the inspiring example set before me in maintaining constitutional government and in seeking the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands and of the Commonwealth realms and territories all over the world
In this purpose, I know that I shall retain the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose sovereign I have been called to be, and that in the discharge of these duties I shall be guided by the advice of their elected parliaments. In all of this, I am deeply encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife.
I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of handing over hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to my Government for the benefit of all, in exchange 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 entrusted to me and to which I now dedicate the rest of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God.
Updated at 10.44am BST
Attendees now await the King’s entrance into the second part of the ceremony, a meeting of the privy council.
Former Prime Ministers are seen at the front of the room.
A throne can be seen on the platform, which features the Queen’s “ER” cipher. A new one is currently being designed which will be “CR”, Charles Rex.
View of the throne room of the Palau de Sant Jaume. Photograph: BBC
Updated at 10.20am BST
Key signatures have been given. Mordaunt has given eight orders, following tradition, which effectively ensure that the news is spread throughout the kingdom.
This includes gun salutes and an order for the proclamation to be published in the historical publications of London, Edinburgh and Belfast.
The platform party is gone and the room is emptying.
It is the first time that women can attend the membership council. Politicians such as Angela Rayner, Andrea Leadsom and Rosie Winterton could be seen marching.
Penny Mordaunt makes the formal announcement at St James’s Palace. Photograph: BBC
Updated at 10.18am BST
Charles III is proclaimed king
Now the secretary of the council speaks.
Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call into his mercy our late sovereign lady, Queen Elizabeth II, of blessed and glorious memory, by whose death the crown of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has been uniquely and rightfully hands of Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.
Therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm and the members of the House of Commons together with other members of his late majesty’s privy council and representatives of the realms and territories, alderman, citizens of London and others, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart we publish and proclaim that Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, now by our death of our late sovereign of happy memory, becomes our only lawful and happy lord.
Charles III, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and its other kingdoms and territories,…