Prince Charles is the new King and head of state of the United Kingdom and 15 commonwealth nations following the death of his mother.
The former Prince of Wales automatically became the new monarch the moment Queen Elizabeth II died – but his coronation will likely not take place for many months.
Charles, 73, has been heir to the throne since 1952, four years after his birth at Buckingham Palace.
His former title, the Prince of Wales, will now likely be passed to his son, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, along with several other titles.
There have already been two King Charles’ in British history – with one of them ending up executed – and there are some question marks about what title the modern-day Charles will take.
The new monarch ascends to the throne as tributes pour in for his mother and her remarkable reign of more than 70 years.
King Charles said in a statement: ‘The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
‘We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
‘During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.’
As praise for the late Queen echoes around the globe, Charles will join the UK in a period of mourning for her.
The new King had already lost his father, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, last year, when he died on April 9.
Charles, who is widely seen as less popular than his mother, is expected by some Royal observers to modify the direction of the monarchy.
He takes to the throne at a far later age than his mother did and with the public already aware of some of his personal opinions, which his mother was more guarded about.
The King has been a strong advocate for nature and environmental protection and has founded a number of charitable organisations, including the Prince’s Trust.
(Metro)
