How King Charles Will Make History When He's Proclaimed Monarch on Saturday

Mar. 15, 2025

Preparations begin to usher inKing Charles III.

Though he immediately rose in rank after motherQueen Elizabeth’s death, the accession is not to be confused with the formal coronation. The first step of several formalities, tomorrow marks the meeting of the Accession Council, comprised of officials from thePrivy Council, including senior Cabinet ministers, judges and leaders of the Church of England, theAssociated Pressreports.

At the gathering, Charles will be formally proclaimed the new sovereign. In royal transitions past, this ritual occurred behind closed doors, making tomorrow’s broadcast all the more momentous.

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King Charles III.Hugo Burnand-Pool/Getty

Charles' formal coronation isnot immediately expected, and courtiers have not announced a date. The crowning ceremony for his mother was held 16 months after her accession on Feb. 6, 1952, following the sudden death of her father, King George VI.

In updated communications on Buckingham Palace’swebsite, King Charles has asked the public to observe a period of mourning, effective immediately and lasting until one week afterQueen Elizabeth’s funeral, the date of which has not yet been announced.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles.Aaron Chown/AFP/Getty

Flags will be flown at half-staff at royal residences through the period, and the buildings themselves will be closed.

Though there are no formal condolence books, supporters are invited to share sympathies on theroyal website.

source: people.com