As Britain Mourns Queen, Charles Rises to King
2022-09-10
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1Bells rang across Britain on Friday and mourners gathered in London and other places to honor Queen Elizabeth II.
2She died Thursday at the age of 96, after 70 years as the country's ruler.
3Around the world, her exceptional reign is being remembered, celebrated, and debated.
4Many are also considering what the future will look like with the new king, Charles III.
5The British monarchy's rules state that "a new sovereign succeeds to the throne as soon as his or her predecessor dies."
6So, as Elizabeth's first son, Charles became king immediately upon her death.
7Charles has spent much of his 73 years preparing to be king.
8On his first full day of duties, the King met in London with Prime Minister Liz Truss.
9Queen Elizabeth had officially appointed Truss earlier in the week.
10Charles arrived at Buckingham Palace, the monarch's London home, to cheers from crowds nearby.
11His wife Camilla, now queen consort, was by his side.
12Shouts of "Well done, Charlie!" were heard.
13The crowd began singing the national song, God Save the King. One woman gave Charles a kiss on the cheek.
14Later Friday, Charles gave his first speech to the nation as king.
15He said he feels "profound sorrow" over the death of his mother and promised to carry on her "lifelong service" to the nation.
16His speech was broadcast on television and streamed at St. Paul's Cathedral, where some 2,000 people were attending a service of remembrance for the queen.
17Mourners at the service included Truss and members of her government.
18The new king is expected to travel around the country in the coming days.
19The queen's body will be brought to London, to lie in state before a funeral at Westminster Abbey, expected around September 19.
20As prince, Charles lost some public support when he and the late Princess Diana ended their marriage.
21Some also say he stretched the rules that bar the monarchy from intervening in public affairs.
22He entered into public debate on issues such as environmental protection and preservation of historic buildings.
23"He now finds himself in, if you like, the autumn of his life, having to think carefully about how he projects his image as a public figure," said historian Ed Owens.
24"He's nowhere near as popular as his mother, " Owens said.
25Charles' rise to the throne is likely to fuel debate about the future of Britain's monarchy.
26Some see the monarchy as a sign of national unity and others as an outdated system that should end.
27Charles, who will be the head of state for Britain and 14 other countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, has defended his past actions.
28He has said his interest and involvement in public issues was aimed at "motivating" people, or moving them to take action.
29Charles also said, however, that as king he would not be able to interfere in politics because a sovereign's duties are different from those of the Prince of Wales.
30He has said he plans to reduce costs for the monarchy and better represent modern Britain.
31His mother was Britain's longest-ruling monarch.
32She represented dependability during many crises that affected her, the monarchy and the country.
33Whether Charles will be as loved by his subjects as was Queen Elizabeth II remains to be seen.
34For now, Britain will continue to mourn her passing.
35I'm Caty Weaver.