The United Kingdom has its new sovereign: Charles III was proclaimed king with a ceremony at St James Palace, a rite that precedes the actual coronation that will instead take place in some time, after the period of mourning and compatibly with the protocol of organization.
This morning the proclamation was signed, as required by the rite, with the signature on the document drawn up for the occasion. The king was not present at the ritual, as was the case in the second part of the oath, the first broadcast live on TV, one of the elements that hint at the new elements important for the new monarchy.
THE RITE - Dark suit, anticipated by the members of the council, King Charles III entered the throne room: “It is my duty to announce with sorrow the death of my beloved mother, I know how deeply you empathize with me for this irreparable loss. Condolences are a great consolation to me and this affection overwhelmed all of us - they were the first words - My mother gave an example of love for life. Her reign was unprecedented in duration and devotion and even now that we mourn her we thank her for her life ”.
“I am aware of this great legacy and the responsibilities and duties of sovereignty that have now passed to me and in accepting them I will strive to follow the example that has been given to me. I know that I will be supported by the affection and loyalty of the people I have been called to govern and as part of my duties I will be guided by the council, I am also very encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife. I will dedicate what remains of my life to this task and I pray for the help of Almighty God ”.
For the safety of the Church of Scotland, "I am ready to take the oath" at the earliest opportunity, then the formula: "I, Charles III, promise and swear that I will inviolably keep and preserve the religion as established by the laws made in Scotland in always pursue and in maintaining the security of the Presbyterian Church, may God help me ”.
The king accepted before the Accession Council the deed of proclamation that certifies his succession to Queen Elizabeth, signing the related documents, countersigned to follow by various institutional figures including the queen consort Camilla.
Charles III will repeat the same words in the City of London, which has a particular jurisdiction, as he will later do in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
THE PARTY - Hurray of the people present, fanfare of trumpets and cannon volleys were fired all over the United Kingdom when the act of proclamation of Charles III was given public reading.
The auctioneer read the ritual formula in a shrill voice, while wards of honor in full uniform lined up in the courtyard of the palace, adjacent to Buckingham Palace. Eventually he threw a cheer for the new king.
The eldest son of Queen Elizabeth, who died two days ago at 96, of which 70 spent on the throne, arrives at the crown at the age of 74 (which will turn in November), alongside his wife Camilla, who acquires the title of queen consort.
Yesterday afternoon the couple arrived from Balmoral and they stopped to greet many people who wanted to shake their hand. In the morning the death bells rang in the heart of London and 96 cannon shots, one for each of the years lived by Queen Elizabeth, who died two days ago .
The coffin will be exhibited first in Edinburgh for 24 hours, then in the Palace of Westminster for 5 days; and finally the state funeral scheduled for Monday 19 September.
But today is the king's day, who had words of great emotion for his mother in his first address to the nation : "I address you with a feeling of deep sadness and pain," he said quietly to millions of spectators. , not without addressing a worldwide "thank you" to his "beloved mother". By pledging to "serve" in turn the Kingdom "for life": "with loyalty, respect and love", rooted like the mother in the faith of the Anglican Church, but regardless of the beliefs or convictions of each of her subjects .
(Unioneonline / ss)