King Charles III: 41st monarch in a line that traces its origins to Norman King

King Charles III is the 41st monarch in a line that traces its origins to the Norman King William the Conqueror who captured the English throne in 1066. Today’s events reflected proclamations announcing new kings and queens that date back hundreds of years.

Britain’s King Charles signs an oath during the Accession Council at St James’s Palace, where he is formally proclaimed Britain’s new monarch.

It was the first proclamation of a monarch to be televised. And for most Britons, it was the first such event in their lifetime as Queen Elizabeth was the only monarch they have ever known. King Charles himself was just three when she became queen in 1952.

Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla attend the Accession Council at St James’s Palace, where he is formally proclaimed Britain’s new monarch.

Following the events at St James’s, a military band led soldiers, heralds and men in ceremonial dress carrying standards and pikes, through the ancient City of London to the Royal Exchange, the capital’s first purpose-built trading centre that dates back to 1566, where the proclamation was read again.

Garter Principal King of Arms, David White, reads the Principal Proclamation from the balcony overlooking Friary Court after the Accession Council at St James’s Palace, as King Charles III is formally proclaimed Britain’s new monarch.

In parliament, lawmakers lined up to swear oaths of allegiance to the new king, led by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, and with Prime Minister Truss one of the first.

“I swear by Almighty God, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors according to law, so help me God,” the oath said.