Update 6 May 2023: Coronation of King Charles lll
King Charles III and Queen Camilla pose for a picture, released April 4, in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace in London
King Charles’ coronation is just days away, and the U.K. is gearing up for a special ceremony not seen in seven decades. Both Charles and Camilla will be crowned on May 6, making the former Prince of Wales the 40th monarch to be crowned at Westminster.
Though Charles ascended to the throne when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died on Sept. 8, 2022, his official crowning is set to take place on May 6 at Westminster Abbey.
Coronations have taken place at Westminster since 1066, and the entire event will be steeped in hundreds of years of tradition (think holy oil and pieces of what was once ― allegedly ― Jesus’ cross). The first coronation is to take place in over 70 years.
King Charles III formally proclaimed, funeral date set on 19 Sep
King Charles III was formally proclaimed as monarch on Saturday hours before Buckingham Palace announced Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral will be held Sept. 19.
The accession ceremony at St James's Palace in London officially marks a new era in British rule following Queen Elizabeth's death Thursday. Though Charles automatically became king after his mother's death, he was officially announced as Britain's new king Saturday in a ceremony steeped in ancient tradition and political symbolism — and, for the first time, broadcast live.
David White, the Garter King of Arms, made the king's proclamation official while flanked by trumpeters in gold-trimmed robes before leading cheers — “hip, hip, hooray!” — for the new king. After the proclamation concluded, Buckingham Palace announced the official date and plan for Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral, which will be preceded by her coffin lying in state for four days for the public to pay respects. On Sunday King Charles III will meet with Britain's secretary general at Buckingham Palace and will later host high commissioners in the palace's Bow Room.
King Charles III, the new monarch
It is expected that Charles will be officially proclaimed King on Saturday. This will happen at St James's Palace in London, in front of a ceremonial body known as the Accession Council
At the moment the Queen died, the throne passed immediately and without ceremony to the heir, Charles, the former Prince of Wales. But there are a number of practical - and traditional - steps which he must go through to be crowned King. He will be known as King Charles III.
That was the first decision of the new king's reign. He could have chosen from any of his four names - Charles Philip Arthur George. He is not the only one who faces a change of title. Although he is heir to the throne, Prince William will not automatically become Prince of Wales - that will have to be conferred on him by his father.
He has inherited his father's title of Duke of Cornwall - William and Kate are now titled Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. There is also a new title for Charles' wife, Camilla, who becomes the Queen Consort - consort is the term used for the spouse of the monarch.
King Charles III makes first statement after Queen Elizabeth’s death
King Charles has released his first statement as monarch following the passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. REUTERS/Toby Melville/Pool/File Photo
King Charles III made his first statement Thursday as the new monarch immediately following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, expressing his family’s deep “sadness” over her passing.
King Charles wrote in a statement from Buckingham Palace:
- “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,”
- “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,”
- “During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held,”
The death of Queen Elizabeth II at 96 on Thursday instantly made her eldest son Charles the head of the British monarchy. For Charles to officially be proclaimed King, an accession council is to be held at St. James’ Palace in London within the first 24 hours of the Queen’s death.
What can the world expect from King Charles III?
Charles has continued to be a pioneer on green issues in recent years
In a statement released shortly after the official announcement of her passing, Charles described the death of his “beloved” mother as “a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.” The coming days will be a time during which Charles both assumes his new duties and mourns a great personal loss. After a lifetime in the public eye, he is a familiar figure to many in Britain and around the globe. But no one yet knows what kind of monarch King Charles III – the title he has taken, ending years of speculation – will become.
As CNN’s royal correspondent, I’ve reported on Britain’s new king for many years and traveled around the world with him. One of the best insights I had was when I was invited with a group of other journalists to Dumfries House, his stately home near Glasgow in Scotland, in 2018 ahead of his 70th birthday. I spent two days there and was given unusual access to Charles and many of those closest to him. I was treated to tours of the estate, high tea, dinners and a spectacular bagpiping performance beside a roaring open fire.
King Charles III, Britain's conflicted new monarch
A June 2022 photo shows Britain's Prince Charles and his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, during celebrations for the queen's platinum jubilee celebrations in London. PHOTO: AFP
With the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth on Thursday, Prince Charles has become king of the United Kingdom and 14 other realms, ending a wait of more than 70 years - the longest by an heir in British history.
The role will be daunting. His late mother was overwhelmingly popular and respected, but she leaves a royal family that has seen reputations tarnished and relationships strained, including over lingering allegations of racism against Buckingham Palace officials.
King Charles III confronts those challenges at the age of 73, the oldest monarch to take the throne in a lineage that dates back 1,000 years, with his second wife Camilla, who still divides public opinion, by his side.
King Charles expreses love for Harry and Meghan
In March 2021, they gave a bombshell interview to Oprah Winfrey during which Meghan said her unhappiness during her time as a working royal had pushed her to the brink of suicide. She also said there had been concerns within the family when she was pregnant with Archie about what colour the baby's skin would be. Meghan's mother is Black and her father is white.
While the Twitter fires continue to burn over Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s relationship with Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex just paid quiet tribute to the late monarch.
On Thursday, the couple paid their respects through the homepage of their Archewell Foundation with a simple statement. “In loving memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” the white text said against a black background. “1926 to 2022.” The message remains in place no matter how much site visitors scroll, on both desktop and mobile browsers. The homepage also lacks navigation features that could take users to different pages on the site. To access those different pages, visitors have to either manually enter the specific links or go through a search engine.
The subtle and stationary memorial appeared shortly after news of the queen’s death broke Thursday morning. Prince Harry, who is now fifth in line for the throne, made the trip to Balmoral, where his grandmother spent her final moments before she died at age 96. Meghan stayed behind in England, but did not attend Thursday’s WellChild Awards.
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King Charles III
Charles III (Charles Philip Arthur George; born 14 November 1948) is King of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms. He acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022 upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. As Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay from 1952 to his accession, he was the oldest and the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, and the longest-serving Prince of Wales, having held the title from 26 July 1958 until his accession. At 73, Charles is also the oldest person ever to assume the British throne.
Charles was born in Buckingham Palace, the first child of his mother and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; he was the first grandchild of King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth. He was educated at Cheam and Gordonstoun schools, both of which his father attended as a child. He later spent a year at the Timbertop campus of Geelong Grammar School in Victoria, Australia. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cambridge, Charles served in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy from 1971 to 1976. In 1981, he married Lady Diana Spencer, with whom he had two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. In 1996, the couple divorced after they had each engaged in well-publicised extramarital affairs. Diana died as the result of a car crash in Paris the following year. In 2005, Charles married his long-time partner, Camilla Parker Bowles.
As Prince of Wales, Charles undertook official duties on behalf of Elizabeth II. He founded the youth charity The Prince's Trust in 1976, sponsors The Prince's Charities, and is a patron, president, or a member of over 400 other charities and organisations. He has advocated for the conservation of historic buildings and the importance of architecture in society. Since 1993, Charles has worked on the creation of Poundbury, an experimental new town based on his architectural tastes. He is also an author or co-author of a number of books. A self-described environmentalist, Charles has supported organic farming and action to prevent climate change as the manager of the Duchy of Cornwall estates, which has earned him awards and recognition from environmental groups. He is also a prominent critic of the adoption of genetically modified food. Charles III's support for alternative medicine, including homeopathy, has been the subject of criticism. The conduct of his charities has also attracted criticism, with The Prince's Foundation subject to an ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation into cash-for-honours allegations.
related: Succession to the British throne
The UK’s royal line of succession explained
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, has died at 96 after 70 years on the throne, Buckingham Palace has said. Elizabeth II was born in London on April 21, 1926. She was most likely set to remain a princess until she was nudged towards succession by the abdication of her uncle, King Edward VIII, in 1936, and her father – King George VI – was crowned.
In 1952, when she was 25 years old, Elizabeth acceded to the throne, following the death of her father. In 2015, she became the United Kingdom’s longest-ruling monarch, overtaking her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who reigned for more than 63 years. Succession to the British throne determines who will become the next king or queen. It is decided based upon descent, religion and primogeniture. Protestant descendants of Princess Sophia, the granddaughter of James I, are eligible to the throne. The future monarch must also be “in communion” with the Church of England.
Previously, younger male heirs acceded to the throne, displacing elder daughters. However, in 2013, a law was passed that allowed female heirs equal rights in the line of succession. As Prince Charles becomes King Charles III, the line of succession for the British crown is:
- Prince William, the duke of Cambridge (40)
- Prince George (9)
- Princess Charlotte (7)
- Prince Louis (4)
Britain's royal line of succession
After an historic 70 years on the throne as Britain's longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96, at her home at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, on Sept. 8, 2022.
Immediately upon her passing, her eldest son, Prince Charles, became the new king.
There are detailed protocols governing the line of succession and who would eventually take over after Charles's reign. In January 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, announced plans to pare back their royal duties. However, those plans do not include an abdication and they remain in the line of succession... as do their two children.
Here's a look at who is in line for the throne after King Charles III:
- Prince William, Duke of Cambridge - Son of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales
- Prince George - Son of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
- Princess Charlotte - Daughter of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
- Prince Louis - Son of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
- Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex - Son of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales
- Archie Harrison Mountbatten - Son of Prince Harry; great-grandson of Queen Elizabeth II
- Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor - Daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
- Prince Andrew, Duke of York - Son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
- Princess Beatrice of York - Daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York
- Miss Sienna Mapelli Mozzi - Daughter of Princess Beatrice of York
- Princess Eugenie of York - Daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York
- August Philip Hawke Brooksbank - Son of Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank
- Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex - Son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
- James, Viscount Severn - Son of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex
- Lady Louise Windsor - Daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex
- Anne, Princess Royal - Daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
- Peter Phillips - Son of Princess Anne and Mark Phillips
- Savannah Phillips - Daughter of Peter and Autumn Phillips
- Isla Phillips - Daughter of Peter and Autumn Phillips
- Zara Tindall - Daughter of Princess Anne and Mark Phillips
- Mia Tindall - Daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall
- Lena Elizabeth Tindall - Daughter of Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall
- Lucas Philip Tindall - Son of Zara and Mike Tindall
- David Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley - Son of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon
- Charles Armstrong-Jones - Grand-nephew of Queen Elizabeth II (son of David Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley and Serena Armstrong-Jones, Viscountess Linley)
- Margarita Armstrong-Jones - Daughter of David Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley, and Serena Armstrong-Jones, Viscountess Linley
- Lady Sarah Chatto - Daughter of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon
- Samuel Chatto - Grand-nephew of Queen Elizabeth II (son of Lady Sarah Chatto and Daniel Chatto)
- Arthur Chatto - Grand-nephew of Queen Elizabeth II (son of Lady Sarah Chatto and Daniel Chatto)
- Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester - Son of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester
Camilla becomes officially known as Queen Camilla from coronation day
Happier times for the King, pictured here in 2005 after marrying his long-term partner Camilla who is now the Queen consort of the United Kingdom.
Queen Camilla has completed her transformation from Queen Consort to Queen as her coronation day arrived.
The former Mrs Parker Bowles will be anointed and crowned in Westminster Abbey during a historic ceremony steeped in history and celebrated with great pageantry.
The official invitation to the day, the order of service, the Church of England’s prayers and Royal Collection souvenirs all hailed Camilla as the Queen or Queen Camilla.
Buckingham Palace tweeted late on the eve of the coronation, using “Queen Camilla” for the first time on the monarchy’s official account.
Diana, Princess of Wales
At St Paul's Cathedral in London in 1981, Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, who then became the Princess of Wales. The event was watched by millions of people on television at home and thousands flocked to the streets to cheer for the couple.
Diana, Princess of Wales (born Diana Frances Spencer; 1 July 1961 – 31 August 1997), was a member of the British royal family. She was the first wife of King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and mother of Prince Prince William and Prince Prince Harry. Her activism and glamour made her an international icon and earned her enduring popularity.
Diana was born into the British nobility and grew up close to the royal family on their Sandringham estate. In 1981, while working as a nursery teacher's assistant, she became engaged to Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II. Their wedding took place at St Paul's Cathedral in 1981 and made her Princess of Wales, a role in which she was enthusiastically received by the public. The couple had two sons, William and Harry, who were then respectively second and third in the line of succession to the British throne. Diana's marriage to Charles suffered due to their incompatibility and extramarital affairs. They separated in 1992, soon after the breakdown of their relationship became public knowledge. Their marital difficulties were widely publicised, and the couple divorced in 1996.
As Princess of Wales, Diana undertook royal duties on behalf of Elizabeth II and represented her at functions across the Commonwealth realms. She was celebrated in the media for her unconventional approach to charity work. Her patronages were initially centred on children and the elderly, but she later became known for her involvement in two particular campaigns: one involved the social attitudes towards and the acceptance of AIDS patients, and the other for the removal of landmines, promoted through the International Red Cross. She also raised awareness and advocated for ways to help people affected by cancer and mental illness. Diana was initially noted for her shyness, but her charisma and friendliness endeared her to the public and helped her reputation survive the acrimonious collapse of her marriage. Considered photogenic, she was a leader of fashion in the 1980s and 1990s. Diana's death in a car crash in Paris in 1997 led to extensive public mourning and global media attention. An inquest returned a verdict of "unlawful killing" following Operation Paget, an investigation by the London Metropolitan Police. Her legacy has had a deep impact on the royal family and British society.
King Charles III's life in pictures
