KING Charles III has formally been proclaimed King at the Accession Council Ceremony held at the state apartments of St. James Palace.
The event was televised this morning for the first ever time.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Alba Party politician Alex Salmond were both among the 200 privy counsellors to attend the accession.
Also in attendance were former UK prime ministers Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron and Gordon Brown.
Charles automatically became King on the death of his mother, but the Accession Council, attended by Privy Councillors, officially confirmed his role.
Opening proceedings at the Accession Council, Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt said: “My lords, it is my sad duty to inform you that Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away on Thursday the 8th of September 2022, at Balmoral Castle.
“I propose that, when certain necessary business has been transacted, a deputation consisting of Her Majesty, His Royal Highness, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York, the Prime Minister, the clerk of the Council, and myself, shall wait on the King and inform him the Council is assembled.”
READ MORE: Queen's funeral confirmed to be bank holiday across the UK
Keeping with tradition, the new monarch did not attend the ceremony, only joining after he was proclaimed monarch, to hold his first Privy Council meeting.
Speaking at the following Privy Council meeting, he said: “I know how deeply you and the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me in this irreparable loss we have all suffered.”
“[The Queen's] reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life.”
He also affirmed the independence of the Church of Scotland from Government as one of his first acts, and approved an order that the day of the Queen’s funeral will be a bank holiday.
The date of the funeral is yet to be announced, although there is early speculation it could fall on Monday September 19.
Charles gave a landmark address to the nation on Friday, paying tribute to his “darling Mama” the Queen who died on Thursday afternoon at Balmoral.
He said of his “beloved mother” the late Elizabeth II: “We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example”.
More to follow...
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