Following the passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, Charles III was formally crowned as Britain's new monarch by the Accession Council in a ceremony rich in historical significance. Even though the new king instantly became ruler after the queen's dying, the council, which was broadcast for the first time is a centuries-old formality to acknowledge his dominion. The 73-year-old Charles formally took the oath of office as the next monarch, declaring that he was fully aware of the responsibilities and weighty duties of holding the throne. The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41-gun salute at Hyde Park in London as the Garter King of Arms delivered a Principal Proclamation aloud for the first time. Along with his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William, the current Prince of Wales, is King Charles' son and successor to the throne.
