why doesn’t the king come out?

Fanfare, military parade, very formal language, oaths, cannon salutes and even a new anthem. After decades waiting for his turn, the ‘D-day’ of Charles III of England arrived who, after the death of his mother Elizabeth II this Thursday, was proclaimed king this Saturday, at the age of 73.

This is the first official act of Carlos III as head of state, although it will not be the most important, since in a few months – the date has not yet been set – his coronation will take place, a ceremony that will have even more pomp and pageantry, since it requires more preparation.

This Saturday’s act was in charge of the Ascension Council, which is only summoned when there is a new monarch. This ceremonial institution pronounced inside the palace of st James the proclamation, in which it is formally stated the death of Elizabeth II and its succession by Carlos III, although in reality the heir automatically replaced it after his death last Thursday.

The Council, made up of political and social authorities, states in very formal and ancient language that, after the death of the sovereign, the crown passes to her eldest son.

[La gran tristeza de Camilla: riguroso luto y solemnidad en su primer acto como reina consorte]

“The Lords Spiritual and Temporal of this Realm, and Members of the House of Commons together with other Members of Her Late Majesty’s Privy Council and Representatives of the Realms and Territories, Aldermen, Citizens of London and others, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart we publish and proclaim that the prince Charles Philip Arthur George has now become, due to the death of our sovereign of happy memory, our only legitimate and happy lord, Carlos III,” says the text.

king’s speech

before youn large group of political and social authorities, Carlos III, already king formally and officially, delivered his first speech, in which he stated that will follow “the example” set by his mother in his reign, committing himself to respect the constitutional principles and to serve the citizens with dedication.

“To carry out the heavy task that has been entrusted to me, to which I dedicate the rest of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of almighty God.”

After his words, it was time for the oaths. On the one hand, the new head of state swore to ensure the protection of the Church of Scotland (he is head of the Church Anglican) and authorized distribution of his statement to be read in Scotland, Welsh and North Irelandas well as in the countries of the commonwealth.

Subsequently, he sat down to sign a document that certifies that he has performed the oathin the presence of the queen consort, Camilaand the Prince of Wales, William.

Confusion on the balcony

And after the act inside the palace, the second part of the ceremony took place, which consisted of a public reading from the balcony of St James’s courtyard of the king’s proclamation, accompanied by cannon salutes and a rendition of the national anthem, in which from now on the “God save the queen” is replaced by “God save the king”.

[Carlos III, proclamado rey de Inglaterra: “Me voy a dedicar a esta tarea el resto de mi vida”]

The day also left images of bewilderment. After the king of arms was in charge of reading “the first and main Proclamation” of Carlos III, culminating in a fanfare and military parade, the supporters gathered under the balcony assumed that the new monarch would come out to greet them.

“Where is the king, why doesn’t he come out?”they wondered anxiously. The wait was in vain, since Carlos III did not show up. The truth is that the protocol indicated that the public proclamation would be made from the balcony, but without detailing that the son of Elizabeth II would make an appearance.

Funeral

While Carlos III assumes his new duties, preparations continue for the queen’s state funeral, which is expected to be the September 19thalthough the official schedule has not been announced.

What has already been communicated is that that day, when leaders from around the world will come to London to bid farewell to Elizabeth II, will be declared a public holiday in the United Kingdom.