[VIDEO] This happened Saturday, yesterday. Two days after Queen Elizabeth's death, an accession council meets at St. James Palace in London to officially proclaim Charles King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In his speech he does refer to himself as head of state and head of nation which is his role, Charles will reign but effectively doesn't rule.
His gov't headed by the Prime Minister governs in the name of the King. The King appoints the leader of the party that won the most seats in the House of Commons to be the Prime Minister.
You will also notice that the King signs with his first name - or the name we have known him as - and the initial R. You will see this after he takes an oath with the church of Scotland. R represents rex which is Latin for King. This is how he will sign state documents.
It's interesting to see the other previous living British Prime Ministers who are in attendance for the accession council. I was even surprised to see John Major who was the first British Prime Minister I remember when following world news or better yet when C-Span would air Prime Minister's Questions.
And of course the British understand protocol, pomp, and ceremony. You will hear trumpets along with some royal guards at at Friar's Court Balcony at St. James Palace and the reading to the public of the proclamation of King's accession to the throne by Garter King of Arms, David White.
It's cool to see the seemingly once in a lifetime transition between monarchs.
BTW, forgot to note you will see Camilla, Queen Consort and the newly created - in that address I shared with you Friday from the King - William, Prince of Wales. They also sign the document re-affirming the Scottish oath that the King signed showing visible irritation at an inkwell as he signs both documents.
No comments:
Post a Comment