Historic day for Britain as King Charles III succeeds to the throne

For the first time in the lives of most Britons, a new monarch today succeeds to the throne, as the country continues to mourn the end of Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year reign.

Charles III, though already the King, still has a host of ceremonies and other procedures to go to before his official transition to the head of the monarchy is complete.

His coronation may be months away, but Saturday, September 10, is a major step in the process capped by his accession to the throne.

LIVE UPDATES: King Charles III arrives back in London

What is accession to the throne?

Within 24 hours of a monarch's death, a new sovereign is proclaimed formally as soon as possible at St James's Palace in London by the "Accession Council".

This is made up of officials from the Privy Council, which includes senior Cabinet ministers, judges and leaders of the Church of England, who are summoned to the palace for the meeting. 

READ MORE: King Charles III greets crowds at Buckingham Palace with Queen Consort

What happens at the Accession Council?

The proceedings at St James's Palace involve two parts, beginning with the Accession Council meeting, without the King, to proclaim the sovereign and make arrangements for the proclamation.

Next, his majesty's Privy Council meets for the first time as the king makes a declaration and takes the oath to preserve the Church of Scotland. He'll swear a similar oath to the Church of England at his coronation.

The royals haven't lived at St James's Palace for almost 200 years but accession ceremonies have carried on being held there.

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When will Charles be proclaimed and succeed to the throne?

The Accession Council meets at 10am (7pm AEST) in the state apartments of St James's Palace in London.

The Principal Proclamation is due to be read out at 11am from the palace from  balcony overlooking Friary Court. That's done by the garter king of arms, accompanied by the earl marshal, other officers of arms and the sergeants at arms.

A second proclamation is read an hour later at the Royal Exchange in London, with more to come 24 hours later in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. 

READ MORE: Details of royal period of mourning announced

Does Camilla become Queen?

According to University College London: yes. 

"Under common law the spouse of a King automatically becomes Queen," the school's explainer notes. 

"And the matter was put beyond doubt by the Queen in her Accession Day message of 5 February 2022 when she said 'it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service'."

What are the nation's politicians doing today?

Much like yesterday, they're paying tribute. The House of Commons met for almost 10 hours for tributes from the prime minister, former leaders and others. 

The second day of tributes begins again at 1pm (10pm AEST). Politicians in both the House of Commons and House of Lords are expected to take their oaths of allegiance to the new monarch. 

It's just a few days since Queen Elizabeth II met Liz Truss to appoint her as the nation's new prime minister.

Source: 9News