King Charles III has been formally proclaimed the new monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, amid ceremony and pageantry in London.
About 200 senior ministers, advisers and diplomats gathered at St James's Palace for the Accession Council, a traditional meeting that is convened as soon as possible after a sovereign's death.
While King Charles gained his new title as soon as the Queen died, the Accession Council formally proclaimed him King and set in motion pageantry across the Commonwealth.
The first part of the Accession Council, which took place without King Charles, proclaimed the new King and formally approved other matters relating to the proclamation.
In the second part, Charles declared his commitment to the Commonwealth, and took an oath in support of the Church of Scotland.
He said he would dedicate "what remains of my life" to his new role.
King Charles also paid tribute to his late mother and her 70-year reign as monarch.
"My mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service," he said.
"My mother's reign was unequalled in its duration, dedication and devotion.
"Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life.
"I am deeply aware of this deep inheritance and of the grave duties and responsibilities which are now passed to me."
For the first time in history, the Accession Council was being broadcast on television.
Lord President of the Privy Council, Penny Mordaunt, began by calling business for part one of the council.
"My lords, it is my sad duty to inform you that our most gracious majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, has passed away on Thursday, the 8th of September 2022 at Balmoral Castle," Ms Mordaunt, who is also leader of the House of Commons, said.
The formal proclamation was signed by senior figures including Queen Consort Camilla and Prince William, British Prime Minister Liz Truss, and the archbishops of Canterbury and York.
Six former prime ministers, senior bishops and a swathe of politicians shouted "God Save The King" as the announcement was approved.
King Charles also confirmed that the late Queen's funeral, for which no date has been set, will be a public holiday in the UK.
After the Accession Council meeting, Garter King of Arms David White read the Principal Proclamation from the balcony above the Friary Court of St James's Palace.
"Whereas it has pleased almighty God to call to his mercy, our late sovereign lady, Queen Elizabeth the Second of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is solely and rightfully come to the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George," he proclaimed.
Several hundred members of the public were admitted from The Mall into Friary Court of the palace to witness the proclamation of the new King.
The proclamation was heralded by trumpeters of the senior British Army regiment, the Life Guards, and accompanied by gun salutes at Hyde Park and the Tower of London.
That was followed by a rendition of God Save The King by the Band of the Coldstream Guards, and then three cheers then rang out for His Majesty The King.
After the proclamation, King Charles was driven back to Buckingham Palace, where loud cheers rang out as the classic Rolls Royce he was riding in passed through the palace gates.
Proclamations to follow around UK, Canberra
Flags which were lowered to half-mast for the Queen's death will be flown at full-mast as soon as the Principal Proclamation is made.
They will return to half-mast on Sunday evening, after proclamations are made in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
A carriage procession of heralds travelled to Mansion House in the City of London, for a second public reading at the Royal Exchange.
Large crowds lined the route and gathered outside the Royal Exchange, which was the scene of the same ceremony for the Queen's proclamation in 1952.
After the proclamation, a rendition of God Save The King was played by the Coldstream Guards.
Lord Mayor of London Vincent Keaveny then called for "three cheers for His Majesty The King".
On Sunday, proclamations will also be read publicly in Edinburgh, Belfast, and Cardiff, at 9pm.
Before that, Australia's Governor-General will read the proclamation in front of Parliament House in Canberra on Sunday at 12pm.
The Canberra ceremony will be open to the public, and followed by a 21-gun salute.
