King Charles III; Credit – Wikipedia
Operation London Bridge was the codename for the detailed set of plans following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The plans had long been planned in consultation with the Government. The following is what happened on Saturday, September 10, 2022.
- The Accession Council, which includes senior government figures, met at St. James’ Palace in London to proclaim King Charles III the new sovereign.
- King Charles III held his first Privy Council, accompanied by Queen Consort Camilla and The Prince of Wales who are also Privy Counsellors. The new king made his personal declaration and oath.
- The first public proclamation of the new sovereign was read in the open air from the Friary Court balcony at St James’s Palace by the Garter King of Arms.
- The proclamation was then read at the Royal Exchange in the City of London, confirming Charles as King.
- Proclamations were made around the city and across the country. Union flags went back up to full mast at 1 pm and remain there for 24 hours to coincide with the proclamations before returning to half-mast.
- Parliament met to agree on a message of condolence. Members of Parliament gave tributes in the House of Commons. All other parliamentary business was suspended for 10 days.
- King Charles III held an audience with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.