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Who succeeds Queen Elizabeth II? Here’s who is next in line to the throne.

By --- Updated September 8, 2022 at 1:37 p.m. EDT|Published September 8, 2022 at 11:35 a.m. EDT --- Source -- https://www.washingtonpost.com...ritain-royal-family/

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Members of the British royal family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour on June 9, 2018, in London. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth II has died at age 96. The royal family gathered at her bedside in Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch has been planning for her succession for some time. Members of the royal family, including Charles, the longest-serving heir in British history, have increased their responsibilities as the queen’s health declined.

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What to know

Who will inherit the throne now that Queen Elizabeth has died?

Charles, as the queen’s eldest son, inherits the sovereign title and job as head of the Commonwealth, along with other assets such as land and property.

Note: Only the first 10 successors are included in the line of succession.

Sources: Photos from AP, Reuters, Getty Images and EPA-EFE/Shutterstock. Staff reports.

JÚLIA LEDUR/THE WASHINGTON POST

In the past, the queen expressed desire for Charles to take over the Commonwealth. “It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations, and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949,” she said in 2018 after he was unanimously voted to be the next head.

Who is Charles, Prince of Wales?

Charles, 73, has waited decades to become king and is the longest-serving heir in British history. He is the eldest of four children born to the queen and her late husband, Prince Philip. When his mother assumed the throne at age 25, he became Britain’s heir apparent at age 3. Charles’s titles include Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay and Earl of Carrick.

Charles married Diana Spencer in 1981, and the couple became known as the Prince and Princess of Wales. They had two children, Princes William and Harry. Charles and Diana separated in 1992. Following Diana’s death in 1997, Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles, now known as the Duchess of Cornwall, in 2005.

How Princess Diana hit it off with Queen Elizabeth II — and how it all came crashing down

Charles has long campaigned for a better environment, championing global sustainability in speeches over the years. His work includes expanding education and opportunities for young people in the United Kingdom.

Will he be King Charles III?

Not necessarily. His full name is Charles Philip Arthur George, so he could select any of those as his regnal title. This means that Britain’s next monarch might not go by the name of Charles, or he could decide he wants to be referred to as King Philip or King Arthur.

Does that mean Camilla will be queen?

Usually, the wife of a king assumes the title of queen, however in Camilla’s case, this hasn’t been a given.

An agreement was made in 2005, at the time of Charles and Camilla’s wedding, that she would not be known as queen but as princess consort — although now that he is king, Charles could change her title to queen if he wishes. More recently, however, in a statement marking the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne in February, Queen Elizabeth II said she wanted Camilla to be known as queen consort when Charles became king. Charles thanked his mother, saying he was “deeply conscious of the honour” for his “darling” wife.

Camilla should be ‘queen consort’ when Charles is king, Queen Elizabeth II says

Who is next in line after Charles?

After Charles is his elder son, William, 40, known as the Duke of Cambridge. Next in line is William’s eldest child, Prince George, who is 9; and then Princess Charlotte, 7; and Prince Louis, 4.

Where is Prince Harry in all this?

Harry remains in the order of succession and is fifth in line to the throne, despite a controversial decision to step back from royal duties and move to the United States with his wife, Meghan, where they live with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

Is Prince Andrew still in line?

Andrew, Duke of York, is eighth in line to the British throne. He is the second son of the queen but announced in 2019 that he would be quitting public duties after becoming enmeshed in a sex abuse lawsuit filed by an American woman who said disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein forced her to have sex with the prince on three occasions.

As Andrew is so far down the line of succession it is unlikely he would ever be king. Further, British media has long reported that Charles is mulling the idea of a slim-downed monarchy and will likely reduce the number of family members considered senior royals — which could mean Andrew’s role is cut.

How does the order of succession change?

The line of succession is fluid, and the sequence often changes. Royals can move up or down a place whenever a member dies, abdicates or when a new baby is born.

Why isn’t Meghan and Harry’s son a prince? A look at how royal titles are bestowed.

Why can’t Prince William be king right away?

As the eldest son of Charles and the late Princess Diana, William is now first in line to the British throne and is expected to one day become king. This will only happen when Charles dies or if he retires or abdicates and chooses to pass the crown to his son.

When the time comes for William to be crowned king, his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, will become queen consort. Their firstborn child, George, will likely inherit his father’s dukedoms.

How will William’s life change once Charles is king?

William is expected to inherit the title Duke of Cornwall, which is one of many held by Charles.

On becoming the Duke of Cornwall, William will inherit the Duchy of Cornwall (an estate of 150,000 acres, with a yearly income of around 20 million pounds ($27 million).

Could a toddler become king or queen?

Half of the royals waiting in line to the throne are children. Prince George, age 9, is second in line to the throne after his father.

Regulation states that a person of any age can become monarch, but children are not permitted to carry out duties until they reach the age of 18. Therefore, if it came to it, George would serve as a “symbolic” king until he is considered an adult, with a prince or princess regent who is in line and over the age of 18 ruling in his place.

Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch

Karla Adam in London contributed to this report.

FM

‘Her passing marks the end of an era’ – Pres. Ali expresses sorrow over Queen’s death

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The Queen.Photographer: Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson Collection

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest- serving British monarch, passed away on Thursday. Moments after her death was announced, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali expressed his sorrow and sympathies, reflecting on her life.

See below full statement from President Ali:

I join all Guyanese in expressing our profound and deepest sorrow at the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Her passing marks the end of an era in the history of the British Monarchy, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Queen Elizabeth’s place in history is assured and her legacy is intact. Her long and impactful reign has helped to shape the post-World War II world. Her Majesty has been a source of stability for her country. She will be long remembered for her sterling leadership of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Her visits to Guyana are recalled with great fondness.

At this time, the thoughts of all Guyana are with the members of the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom. We join in heralding the life of the longest-serving British Monarch and mourn her passing.

FM
@Former Member posted:

‘Her passing marks the end of an era’ – Pres. Ali expresses sorrow over Queen’s death

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The Queen.Photographer: Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson Collection

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest- serving British monarch, passed away on Thursday. Moments after her death was announced, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali expressed his sorrow and sympathies, reflecting on her life.

Indeed an end of an era.

Uncertain and interesting times ahead.

FM

Charles as King: What kind of monarch will he be?

As Prince of Wales, Charles's activism has led to questions about how he’ll behave as King

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As heir to the throne, Prince Charles showed an activism in areas such as architecture and climate change that left some wondering how he will act as monarch. (Joe Giddens/Getty Images)

It was a question that haunted the new King for decades: Just what kind of monarch would Charles be?

It's a tricky question, getting to the fundamental role of the one who wears the crown. To what extent could — or should — that individual share opinions? What about involvement in affairs of state? Or politics?

That has been a perpetual worry with Charles, whose activism as Prince of Wales in areas as diverse as architecture, organic farming and global warming has been seen by some as ahead of its time, but also left many wondering how he would reign.

And it differed sharply from the way his mother, Queen Elizabeth, fulfilled the role, with a deep devotion to duty but little public indication of her views or involvement in political affairs of state.

Such worries were not lost on the new King.

WATCH | What the world can expect from King Charles:
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Prince Charles: A King in Waiting

2 months ago
Duration 8:43
As the Queen begins to step back from the spotlight, The National’s Andrew Chang talks to royal correspondents who’ve watched Prince Charles for years for insight into what sort of king we can expect him to become.

As he turned 70 in 2018, Charles addressed the issue head on, telling the BBC he understood he would have to act differently once he became King.

"I'm not that stupid," he said when asked if his public campaigning would continue after he succeeds his mother. "I do realize that it is a separate exercise being sovereign, so of course I understand entirely how that should operate."

Longest-serving heir

The 1701 Act of Settlement established the succession for the throne. Charles became King the moment his mother died Thursday at the age of 96. His coronation is likely to be months down the road.

Given his mother's longevity, Charles was the longest-waiting heir to the throne in British history.

"Not once, however, has Prince Charles ever complained about the wait — nor even hinted at the frustrations of being perpetually second in line," author John Fraser wrote in The Secret of the Crown: Canada's Affair with Royalty.

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Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles attend the state opening of Parliament in London, England, on Dec. 19, 2019. (Paul Edwards/Getty Images)

But it was in that role that he always considered he would have his greatest influence. He's been heir to the throne for more than 70 years. His time as King won't be nearly as long.

"He's always known that his impact on Canadian society, on British society, on Australian society is not going to be as King. It's going to be as Prince of Wales," Matthew Rowe, manager of operations and partnership for his charitable efforts in Canada, said ahead of Charles's visit to the country in 2014.

"So it's through this charitable work that he's really building his legacy to bequeath to his citizens."

Charles's charitable works had their beginnings in 1976, when he used his severance pay of 7,400 pounds from the Royal Navy to establish the Prince's Trust.

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Queen Elizabeth holds the hands of her 20-year-old son Charles during his investiture as Prince of Wales on July 1, 1969, in Cardiff. (AFP/Getty Images)

A broad swath of charitable efforts

It's considered that the trust has helped more than 800,000 young people find work and learn skills. Actor Idris Elba, for one, got his start with a $2,000 grant to go to acting school.

Charles's charitable efforts have cut a broad swath. In Canada alone, those receiving support have ranged from disadvantaged young people and sheep farmers to soldiers trying to find a way forward after their military service is concluded.

Once he's King, there won't be such a focus on those charitable efforts, and there were suggestions in recent years that Charles was scaling back involvement in the area as he gradually assumed more and more duties on behalf of his mother.

While her death represents the stark transition between reigns, there has been a gradual shift for the past several years.

Charles travelled on her behalf after she gave up long-haul travel, and took her place on more and more high-profile occasions, including when he read the Queen's speech to open the British Parliament in May 2022.

WATCH | Prince Charles opens U.K. Parliament after Queen unable to attend:
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Prince Charles delivers Queen's speech to open U.K. Parliament for 1st time

4 months ago
Duration 1:56
Prince Charles delivered the Queen's speech to open Parliament in the U.K. for the first time. Buckingham Palace says Queen Elizabeth has been experiencing mobility problems.

In 2018, leaders of Commonwealth countries had also approved him to succeed Elizabeth as head of the organization.

A decade before, he'd sent another signal about how he might like to fulfil the role as King, suggesting he would become "Defender of Faith" at his coronation, rather than "Defender of the Faith," recognizing the multicultural nature of the country and Commonwealth that he will reign over.

Other worries from some quarters in recent years revolved around whether Charles will meddle in the affairs of state or get more deeply involved in politics than his mother ever did.

"We've had this situation with the Queen being the longest-reigning monarch in history, being very careful about never speaking about politics," Camilla Tominey, a royal commentator for the Daily Telegraph newspaper, said in an interview.

"But then we've had her son and successor, Prince Charles, being a little more politically motivated. We've seen him talk about architecture, climate change, sustainable development and other issues."

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Wading into political affairs?

Charles was the focus of numerous headlines a few years ago when it emerged that he had reportedly likened Russian President Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler during a private conversation in Halifax.

At the time, one headline suggested the remarks risked "triggering international scandal."

But is a monarch forbidden from wading into political affairs or offering up such views?

"The Queen's predecessors were more open about their views, and at times Charles seems to follow in that tradition rather than the Queen's approach," Carolyn Harris, a Toronto-based royal historian and author, said at the time.

Given the passage of time, the Queen's approach had come to be thought of as the way a monarch deals with government.

But it wasn't always the case.

  • Do you have a question about King Charles or what comes next for the new monarch? Send an email to ask@cbc.ca.

"Queen Victoria in her correspondence was quite open about her political views," Harris has said. "There were certain prime ministers she liked and certain prime ministers she disliked."

Charles found himself the focus of more controversy a few years ago after writing letters — the "black spider memos," so named for his distinct handwriting — to government ministers on issues ranging from military readiness and badger-culling to fish protection and preservation of historic buildings.

WATCH | In 1991 visit to Ontario, Charles advocated for green business:
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Prince Charles hopes Canadian business has a role to play in protecting the environment.

Prince Charles meets with business to advocate for the environment

31 years ago
Duration 2:07
Prince Charles hopes Canadian business has a role to play in protecting the environment.

Defending his actions

Some viewed that as him learning how government works and something that might make sense for a future monarch, Harris said, while others thought it suggested he might try to interfere politically as King.

But Charles himself has defended his actions. In that interview with the BBC at the time of his 70th birthday, he said he had always tried to steer clear of party politics, wondering if in fact his interventions could really be considered "meddling."

"If it's meddling to worry about the inner cities as I did 40 years ago â€Ķ if that's meddling, I'm very proud of it," he said.

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Britain's Prince Charles, left, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall speak during the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Braemar, Scotland, Saturday. (Jane Barlow/The Associated Press)

In the same BBC documentary, his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, said Charles is driven by a need to help others.

"He's pretty impatient. He wants things done by yesterday, as I think everybody who works for him will tell you. But that's how he gets things done. He's driven by this, this passion inside him to really help," she said.

"He would like to save the world."

Janet Davison is a CBC senior writer and editor based in Toronto.

With files from The Associated Press and CBC News

FM

From the Queen's death to her funeral, here's the sequence of royal events to come

Funeral for Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey will follow 11-day mourning period

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Friday marks the first official day of mourning in Britain for Queen Elizabeth's death. King Charles is expected to return to London from Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

Queen Elizabeth's funeral, expected 11 days from now, will be the culmination of an official mourning period that began with her death Thursday at Balmoral.

But planning to honour the 96-year-old's life began decades ago, in the strictest of secrecy, under its own code name — London Bridge.

As little as possible will be left to chance over the next week and a half, leading up to a funeral at Westminster Abbey in London, followed by the committal and burial at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, west of London.

As much as the next several days are about remembering the Queen, they are also about the beginning of the next reign, as Prince Charles became King Charles III immediately upon his mother's death and assumes the role he has been preparing for throughout his life.

In the royal plan, the days of mourning are identified as D (day of death) plus a number. However, D has been designated as Friday instead.

Charles is expected to address the nation in a speech at 1 p.m. ET.

CBC will broadcast that speech. Watch and listen to live coverage on CBC News Network, CBC Radio and the CBC News and Listen apps.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Liz Truss and other senior ministers are scheduled to attend a remembrance service at St. Paul's Cathedral in London on Friday evening.

While other events may change, here's what's expected each day over the next week and a half.

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Queen Elizabeth dead at 96

1 day ago
Duration 8:33
Queen Elizabeth, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has died. The CBC's Margaret Evans has a look at her life and legacy.

D+1

Charles became King the moment his mother died, but on D+1, he is expected to formally take on the role as the Accession Council meets at St. James's Palace.

Members of the Privy Council are summoned to the historic spot just down the road from Buckingham Palace. London's Lord Mayor and aldermen are invited, along with high commissioners from realms within the Commonwealth.

After the official declaration of the Queen's death and the proclamation of Charles as King, he will read a declaration and take an oath to preserve the Church of Scotland.

In Canada, the Governor General receives the proclamation for Canada, with Rideau Hall determining how that is done.

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People gather outside Buckingham Palace in London after Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and Canada's head of state, died at age 96 on Thursday. (Henry Nicholls/Reuters)

1 of 19

D+2

Proclamations are read around the United Kingdom.

Canada's delegation to travel to London is announced.

D+3

Charles begins travelling around the U.K. to meet and mourn with members of the public, starting with a trip to Edinburgh. His wife, Camilla, who is now Queen Consort, is expected to join him.

In Canada, condolence books will begin to be available for members of the public to sign.

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Police officers stand amongst floral tributes left outside Buckingham Palace after the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. (Victoria Jones/PA via AP)

D+4

Charles will continue travelling around the U.K., visiting Belfast.

Condolence books will continue to be available in Canada.

D+5

The Queen's coffin is moved from the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace to the Bow Room, where prayers will be said. The Imperial State Crown will be placed on the coffin, along with a wreath of flowers. Charles and other members of the Royal Family are expected to be present.

The coffin will then be moved in a ceremonial procession via gun carriage to Westminster Hall, a Gothic building that has an extensive political and royal history and is the oldest building in the U.K. Parliament.

Charles, other members of the family and members of the royal household are expected to follow on foot. Bells will toll throughout the procession.

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When King Charles III travels the U.K. to mourn with members of the public, his wife, Camilla, now known as the Queen Consort, is expected to join him. Here, the couple watch Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa in 2017. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

At 4 p.m., lying in state will begin, and will continue for five days, 24 hours per day, except for 30-minute periods for cleaning.

There will be a queuing system, with people lining up outside Parliament and across the Thames river, and for some distance after that.

In Canada, the condolence books will continue to be available.

D+6

Lying in state continues, as do the condolence books in Canada.

D+7

Charles continues his U.K. tour with a visit to Wales, as the lying in state also continues.

The Queen's four children will take part in a vigil at Westminster Hall in the evening, when Charles returns.

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On Sept. 9, 2015, Queen Elizabeth became the longest-reigning monarch in British history, a record previously held by Queen Victoria. Elizabeth ascended to the throne at age 25, after the death of her father. Her official coronation ceremony happened 16 months later. (David Bailey/The Associated Press, AFP/Getty Images)

1 of 19

D+8

Preparations for the funeral continue and rehearsals are carried out.

Overseas leaders are expected to begin arriving in London.

Charles may also go to a control centre overseeing the events and see the operational side of things and thank those who are involved.

D+9

Heads of state and other dignitaries arrive in London, with heads of state likely to attend the lying in state at Westminster Hall.

The Queen's grandchildren might also hold a vigil at Westminster Hall.

Charles is expected to meet with the British prime minister and greet members of the public who have gathered.

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Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, drives Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Edward, Earl of Wessex to see Queen Elizabeth at Balmoral Castle on Thursday, before her death was announced. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

D+10 or later – The funeral and burial

The lying in state ends at 8:30 a.m.

Two hours later, members of the Royal Family arrive at Westminster Hall and the coffin is placed on a gun carriage.

At 10:44 a.m., the procession to Westminster Abbey begins, with members of the Royal Family following on foot.

The hour-long funeral, which will be the first funeral for a monarch held at Westminster Abbey since King George II's in 1760,  will begin at 11 a.m.

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Charles, 73, began taking over more duties from Queen Elizabeth in recent years, including reading the government's legislative program to the House of Lords in May 2022. (Hannah McKay/AFP/Getty Images)

At 12:15 p.m., Elizabeth's coffin emerges from Great West Door and Westminster Abbey for a procession to Wellington Arch.

At 1 p.m., the coffin will be loaded into the state hearse for the drive to Windsor.

At 2:55 p.m., the coffin arrives in Windsor for a second ceremonial procession through the town to St. George's Chapel.

At 3:30 p.m., members of the Royal Family will arrive for a committal service that begins at 4 p.m. After the 45-minute service, Elizabeth's coffin will be lowered into the royal vault. The Lord Chamberlain will break his white staff of office, symbolizing the end of his service as the coffin is lowered.

At 7:30 p.m., the Royal Family will return for a private burial. Elizabeth will be buried along with Prince Philip in the King George VI memorial chapel. Her father and mother are interred there, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret.

Much of what will happen is unprecedented for many who will be watching. Only those old enough to remember the last funeral for a British monarch — on Feb. 15, 1952 — may have memories of what a reigning king or queen's funeral looks like.

But even that funeral — for the Queen's father, King George VI — can only be a guide to a certain point, since it took place at St. George's Chapel rather than the much larger Westminster Abbey, the place of great historic, royal and spiritual significance in central London where world leaders will join the Queen's family to honour her.

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The coronation of Queen Elizabeth happened on June 2, 1953, in Westminster Abbey, more than a year after her father's death. Her funeral will also take place in the centuries-old church. (STP/AFP/Getty Images )

There have been other royal funerals at Westminster Abbey in moderately recent memory — Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 2002; and Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997. Diana's funeral was based on the plan for the Queen Mother's. The funeral for Prince Philip, the Queen's husband, was held at St. George's Chapel in 2021, but was significantly scaled back from plans that had been made. It occurred during the pandemic, at a time when regulations permitted only 30 guests.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janet Davison is a CBC senior writer and editor based in Toronto.

FM
@Former Member posted:

Charles as King: What kind of monarch will he be?

As Prince of Wales, Charles's activism has led to questions about how he’ll behave as King


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Britain's Prince Charles, left, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall speak during the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Braemar, Scotland, Saturday. (Jane Barlow/The Associated Press)

He probably saying with the greatest pride --- "You see, I always wear the longer skirt."

She probably saying to him with the greatest pride --- "Of course, and always ensure to do so."

FM
Last edited by Former Member
@Former Member posted:

Charles as King: What kind of monarch will he be?

As Prince of Wales, Charles's activism has led to questions about how he’ll behave as King


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Prince Charles: A King in Waiting

2 months ago
Duration 8:43

As he turned 70 in 2018, Charles addressed the issue head on, telling the BBC he understood he would have to act differently once he became King.

"I'm not that stupid," he said when asked if his public campaigning would continue after he succeeds his mother. "I do realize that it is a separate exercise being sovereign, so of course I understand entirely how that should operate."

Perhaps meaning very, very, v-e-r-y v-e-r-y stupid. 

FM

King Charles officially proclaimed as Canada's new monarch

Governor General officially announced the death of the Queen and the accession of the new monarch

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Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed an order in council and a proclamation of accession that officially proclaimed King Charles III as Canada's new monarch. It then was read by Canada's Chief Herald Samy Khalid.

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet to sign an order in council and a proclamation of accession that officially announced the Queen's death and proclaimed King Charles III as Canada's new monarch.

Charles automatically became King of Canada upon the death of Queen Elizabeth. But the accession proclamation is issued by the Governor General on the advice of the federal Privy Council Office, according to the book Canada's Deep Crown, co-authored by David E. Smith, Christopher McCreery and Jonathan Shanks.

Trudeau and Simon signed the documents at Rideau Hall on Saturday surrounded by cabinet. It then was read by Canada's Chief Herald Samy Khalid, followed by a 21-gun salute.

"We â€Ķ proclaim that His Royal Highness Prince Charles Phillip Arthur George is now, by the death of our late sovereign, Charles III, by the grace of God with the United Kingdom, Canada and his other realms and territories, King" Khalid read in front of Rideau Hall.

WATCH | King Charles makes first public address as monarch:

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In his first address to the nation and the Commonwealth, King Charles pays tribute to his 'darling mama' and pledges to serve with 'loyalty, respect and love.'

King Charles makes first public address as monarch

24 hours ago
Duration 9:00
In his first address to the nation and the Commonwealth, King Charles pays tribute to his 'darling mama' and pledges to serve with 'loyalty, respect and love.'

Speaking to reporters outside Rideau Hall after the proclamation, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Canadians should feel confident in King Charles's ability to take on the role his mother held for 70 years.

"Canadians should be very proud that King Charles III will continue to exercise the constitutional responsibilities â€Ķ in a way that will provide stability to Canadian institutions," he said.

"We have every confidence that His Majesty will be very much present and involved in the life of our country, as was his mother."

In a written statement, Simon expressed her condolences to the King on the passing of his mother.

"Our collective grief is a reflection of the deep and abiding affection we had for our Queen and the very real connection she had with Canada. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my sincerest condolences to His Majesty The King," she said.

The proclamation is simply "recognizing what's already occurred in law," Carleton University Professor Philippe LagassÃĐ told CBC Radio's The House.

LagassÃĐ said the government should then publish the proclamation in the Canada Gazette followed by a statement from the prime minister in parliament in the coming weeks.

"These are all sequences that are laid out in terms of how we typically go about doing these things, but because it's been so long since we've done it we can also see some variation," LagassÃĐ told host Catherine Cullen.

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Simon looks on as Trudeau signs documents during the accession ceremony on Saturday. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

LagassÃĐ said typically the ceremony is attended by all members of the King's Privy Council, which includes former prime ministers, cabinet ministers and speakers of the house.

But only Trudeau's cabinet were at Rideau Hall to witness the signing of the proclamation, in order to have "a more intimate event," according to the federal government's Privy Council Office.

"Over time, Canada has developed its own traditions," a PCO spokesperson said in a statement to CBC. "There will be several opportunities in the coming days for more public mourning and commemoration."

Dozens in attendance

Dozens of Canadians, including 11-year-old Megan Lamont, gathered outside Rideau Hall to witness the proclamation.

"I thought that it was a big part of history and I wanted to be here," she told CBC News afterward.

Lamont attended the ceremony with her parents. Her father Todd is also a civics teacher and said he expects the ceremony will be a topic of conversation in his next class.

"Those traditions are still important for what the represent, but also as part of people's identities are evolving and as our country's identity evolved, I think it's important to... have conversations about that," he said.

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Dozens of Canadians gathered outside Rideau Hall to listen to the accession proclamation which officially declared King Charles III as Canada's new monarch. (Marin von Stackelberg/CBC)

Calgary's Aldrin Gonsalves and his children, Camryn and Ethan, were flying to Ottawa when the Queen passed and decided to attend the proclamation and sign the book of condolences as part of their trip.

All three noted it was solemn moment but were glad to witness the historic event in person.

"It's bittersweet. It's a really nice experience to see this in person instead of on the news, but the circumstances under which its happening isn't the greatest of course," Camryn said.

The Royal Family announced Saturday that the Queen's state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Sept. 19.

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King Charles III speaks during his proclamation as King during the accession council on Saturday in London. (Victoria Jones/WPA/Getty Images)

Earlier Saturday Charles was proclaimed as Britain's monarch during a ceremony at St. James's Palace, a royal residence in London, attended by the Accession Council, made up of senior politicians and officials who advise the monarch.

In the United Kingdom, the Queen's death triggers an official 12-day period of national mourning, while Canada has a 10-day period. Much of how Canada marks the Queen's passing will be up to the current government.

At some point, according to the Manual of Official Procedure of the Government of Canada, the government will issue a declaration regarding the period of official mourning.

Leblanc said the government is considering the most appropriate for parliament to reflect the Queen's passing.

"We're very confident that in short order we'll have the appropriate moment and appropriate mechanism by which parliamentarians can gather and can reflect on and express their sympathies with respect to this historic moment," he said.

The House of Commons is adjourned for the summer and it is not scheduled to reconvene until Sept. 19. But protocol states the prime minister should reconvene Parliament and move a joint address of loyalty and sympathy and any messages of condolence. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will also arrange for the motions to be seconded by the Leader of the Opposition.

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A woman lays flowers among the tributes at The Norwich Gates at Sandringham House, one of the royal residences, on Friday in Norfolk, England. (Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

1 of 8

Late Friday, Trudeau spent several minutes writing a note in a book of condolences for the Queen at Rideau Hall, after returning to Ottawa from a three-day cabinet retreat in Vancouver.

Trudeau, who sat to sign the book that was placed on a table draped with a black cloth. Behind him was a photo of the Queen with a black ribbon placed on it.

Trudeau wrote that, "Canada came of age during Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's time as Sovereign."

He also wrote that "generations of us have benefited, profoundly, from her steady, graceful leadership and service."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darren Major can be reached via email darren.major@cbc.ca or by tweeting him @DMajJourno.

With files from Marina von Stackelberg and the Associated Press

FM

Queen Elizabeth's coffin arrives in Edinburgh as thousands pay tribute

Cortege made 6-hour, 280-kilometre journey through Scottish towns

The Associated Press · --- Source -- https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/...-elizabeth-1.6579163

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Crowds gather as the cortege carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II passes over the King George VI Bridge in Aberdeen, Scotland, on its way from her Balmoral estate to Edinburgh on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. (Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

In a slow, sombre and regal procession, Queen Elizabeth II's flag-draped coffin was driven through the Scottish countryside Sunday from her beloved Balmoral Castle to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh.

Mourners packed city streets and highway bridges or lined rural roads with cars and tractors to take part in a historic goodbye to the monarch who reigned for 70 years.

The hearse drove past piles of bouquets and other tributes as it led a seven-car cortege from Balmoral, where the Queen died Thursday at age 96, for a six-hour trip through Scottish towns to Holyroodhouse palace in Edinburgh. The late Queen's coffin was draped in the Royal Standard for Scotland and topped with a wreath made of flowers from the estate, including sweet peas, one of the Queen's favourites.

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Pallbearers carry the Queen's coffin at Holyroodhouse, the sovereign’s official residence in Scotland. (Alkis Konstantinidis/AFP/Getty Images)

The procession was a huge event for Scotland as the U.K. takes days to mourn its longest-reigning monarch, the only one most Britons have ever known. Hours before the coffin's arrival in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, people turned out early to grab a space by police barricades. By afternoon, crowds were 10 people deep in places, eager to be part of the occasion.

  • Are you planning on watching Queen Elizabeth's funeral on Sept. 19th? Tell us where you'll be watching from and how in an email to ask@cbc.ca.

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Crowds watch the cortege carrying the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II arrives in Edinburgh on Sunday. (Ian Forsyth/WPA/Getty Images)

"I think she has been an ever-constant in my life. She was the Queen I was born under, and she has always been there," said Angus Ruthven, a 54-year-old civil servant from Edinburgh as he awaited the arrival of the coffin.

"I think it is going to take a lot of adjusting that she is not here. It is quite a sudden thing. We knew she was getting frailer, but it will be a good reign for King Charles."

The first village the cortege passed through was Ballater, where residents regard the royal family as neighbours. Hundreds of people watched in silence and some threw flowers in front of the hearse as it passed.

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Thousands gathered for the arrival of the Queen's coffin in Edinburgh. It will remain in the Scottish capital until Tuesday, when it will be flown to London. (Ian Forsyth/WPA/Getty Images)

"She meant such a lot to people in this area. People were crying. It was amazing to see," said Victoria Pacheco, a guest house manager.

In each Scottish town and village the entourage drove through, they were met with muted scenes of respect. People stood mostly in silence; some clapped politely, others pointed their phone cameras at the passing cars. In Aberdeenshire, farmers lined the route with an honour guard of dozens of tractors.

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People react as the hearse carrying the Queen's coffin passes through the village of Ballater, near Balmoral, Scotland, on Sunday. (Hannah McKay/Reuters

Before reaching the Scottish capital, the cortege travelled down what is effectively a royal memory lane — passing through locations laden with House of Windsor history. Those included Dyce, where in 1975 the Queen formally opened the U.K.'s first North Sea oil pipeline, and Fife, near St. Andrews University, where her grandson Prince William, now the Prince of Wales, studied and met his future wife, Catherine.

U.K. nations read out proclamations

Sunday's solemn drive came as the Queen's eldest son was formally proclaimed the new monarch — King Charles III — in the rest of the nations of the United Kingdom: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The proclamations were read out a day after a pomp-filled accession ceremony in London for the King, steeped in ancient tradition and political symbolism.

"I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty, which have now passed to me," Charles said Saturday after he was publicly proclaimed Britain's new monarch at an event held at St. James's Palace.

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People pay tribute to the late Queen as her coffin passes through the town of Banchory, Scotland, on Sunday. (Peter Summers/Getty Images)

Even as he mourned his late mother, Charles was getting down to work. He was meeting at Buckingham Palace with the secretary general of the Commonwealth, the group of former colonies of the British Empire that grapple with affection for the Queen and lingering bitterness over their own colonial legacies. That ranges from slavery to corporal punishment in African schools to looted artifacts held in British institutions.

Prince William said he was honoured to be made the new Prince of Wales when he spoke with Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford on Sunday, Kensington Palace said in a statement.

William was given the title, previously held by his father for more than 50 years, following the death of his grandmother.

"The Prince and Princess will spend the months and years ahead deepening their relationship with communities across Wales," the statement said.

Funeral a week from Monday

On Monday, the Queen's coffin will be taken from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to nearby St Giles' Cathedral, where it will remain until Tuesday, when it will be flown to London. The coffin will be moved from Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to the Houses of Parliament to lie in state until the funeral at Westminster Abbey on Sept. 19.

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Floral tributes are seen together with a Paddington Bear toy outside Balmoral Castle in Ballater, Scotland, on Sunday, two days after Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96. (Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images)

In the village of Ballater, near Balmoral, the Rev. David Barr said locals consider the royals as "neighbours" and try to treat them as locals when they spend summers in the Scottish Highlands.

"When she comes up here, and she goes through those gates, I believe the royal part of her stays mostly outside," he said. "And as she goes in, she was able to be a wife, a loving wife, a loving mum, a loving gran and then later on a loving great-gran — and aunty — and be normal."

WATCH | Queen Elizabeth dead at 96

Queen Elizabeth dead at 96

3 days ago
Duration 8:33

Queen Elizabeth, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has died. The CBC's Margaret Evans has a look at her life and legacy.

FM

Photos: Queen Elizabeth II's visits to Canada over the years

--- Lifestyle and News Editor ---

Over the years, Queen Elizabeth II conducted 23 official tours of Canada. Her first was in 1951, one year before she began her reign, where she visited every province as Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh.

The Queen has since then took part in various important events in Canada, such as the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959, the 1976 Olympic Games held in Montreal and the 125th anniversary of the country in 1992.

Her most recent visit was in 2010 during an eight-day tour across the country, where she celebrated the centenary of the Canadian Navy and marked that year's Canada Day.

Princess Elizabeth's First Tour of Canada

Elizabeth II, pictured here with Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, first toured Canada in 1951 as Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh. On this first tour, the duo made an appearance in every Canadian province. (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)

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The 23rd Canadian Parliament Session

Elizabeth II, who was now the Queen, made history on her second visit to Canada in 1957, where she became the first reigning monarch to open a session of the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa. Wearing her coronation dress, this was the only parliament formally opened by the Queen herself, rather than the Governor General. (Photo via Getty Images)

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Opening Ceremony of the St. Lawrence Seaway

Queen Elizabeth II returned to Canada in 1959 for a royal tour, where she visited every province and territory. In this photo, she stands with former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, after they arrived in Montreal to take part in the opening ceremony of the St. Lawrence Seaway. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

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The 1976 Royal Family Tour

Queen Elizabeth II and her family visited Canada in 1976 to attend the Olympic Games in Montreal. (Photo by Doug Griffin/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

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Opening the 1976 Montreal Olympics

Pictured here, Queen Elizabeth II opened the 1976 Montreal Olympics on July 17. (Photo by Frank Barratt/Keystone/Getty Images)

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Attending an event at the 1976 Olympic Games

Queen Elizabeth II (with Prince Charles behind), is pictured before she's about to watch Princess Anne — who was on the British equestrian team — compete in the cross country event. (Photo by John Varley/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)

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The Queen's favourite tiara

Pictured here on Aug. 1, 1976, Queen Elizabeth ll is attending an event with former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, where she's seen wearing a tiara given to her by her grandmother, Queen Mary. It's known as "Granny's Tiara." (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images)

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Canada Day Celebrations in 1992

Queen Elizabeth II inspects the Canadian Guard of Honour on Canada Day in 1992 before taking part in celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The Queen visited Canada for the 125th anniversary of the country. (Photo by Chris Wilkins/AFP via Getty Images)

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Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee in 2002

During an 11-day visit to Canada for her Golden Jubilee in 2002, Queen Elizabeth II met Robbie Baker (right) and Paul Langlois of the Tragically Hip following a gala performance in Toronto. (Photo by Frank Gunn/AFP via Getty Images)

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Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee in 2002

Queen Elizabeth II waves to a crowd following an evening gala as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations in Toronto. (Photo by J.P. Moczulski/AFP via Getty Images)

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Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee in 2002

Halfway through her 11-day visit, Queen Elizabeth II took a walk-about in Fredericton. (Photo by Andre Forget/AFP via Getty Images)

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Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee in 2002

At the end of her 11-day visit, Queen Elizabeth II flew out of Ottawa where she waved goodbye to well wishers before her flight home to the United Kingdom. (Photo by Dave Chan/AFP via Getty Images)

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The Queen's 2005 Visit to Canada

Queen Elizabeth II was greeted by local corgi enthusiasts during a visit to Alberta. (Photo by Fiona Hanson/PA Images via Getty Images)

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Queen Elizabeth II Visits Canada in 2010

Queen Elizabeth II kicked off her eight-day visit to Canada in Halifax, where she inspected the Guard of Honour in 2010. She took the trip to celebrate the centenary of the Canadian Navy and to mark that year's Canada Day. (Photo by John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

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Queen Elizabeth II Visits Canada in 2010

Queen Elizabeth II kicked off her eight-day visit to Canada in Halifax, where she inspected the Guard of Honour in 2010. She took the trip to celebrate the centenary of the Canadian Navy and to mark that year's Canada Day. (Photo by John Stillwell via Getty Images)

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Queen Elizabeth II Visits Canada in 2010

On the second day of her 2010 visit, Queen Elizabeth II inspected a Guard of Honour aboard HMCS St. John's while in Halifax. (Photo by John Stillwell via Getty Images)

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Queen Elizabeth II Visits Canada in 2010

While visiting Ottawa's Canadian Museum of Nature during her 2010 visit to Canada, Queen Elizabeth II was welcomed by children who gave her flowers. (Photo by Chris Jackson via Getty Images)

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Queen Elizabeth II Visits Canada in 2010

Queen Elizabeth II also met with former Prime Minister Stephen Harper at Rideau Hall in Ottawa in 2010. (Photo via AFP via Getty Images)

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Queen Elizabeth II Visits Canada in 2010

Queen Elizabeth II is pictured here inspecting the Guard of Honour during Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa during her 2010 visit. (Photo by Geoff Robins/AFP via Getty Images

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Queen Elizabeth II Visits Canada in 2010

Queen Elizabeth II, beside Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, attended a statue unveiling at Winnipeg's Government House during her 2010 visit to Canada. (Photo by John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

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Queen Elizabeth II Visits Canada in 2010

On her 2010 visit to Canada, Queen Elizabeth II wrapped up her tour in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty Images)

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FM

Uncle’s abdication led to Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year reign on the throne

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Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-serving monarch in Britain's history, but it was a decision by her uncle that cleared Elizabeth's path to the throne. King Edward abdicated in 1936 so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson, making Elizabeth's father the new king. Anne Sebba, the author of "That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor,” joined Judy Woodruff to discuss.

Read the Full Transcript

  • Judy Woodruff:

    As we have mentioned, Queen Elizabeth was the longest serving monarch in Britain's history.

    And it's worth noting the event that changed the course of her life and influenced her reign, her uncle Edward's abdication from the throne, so that he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

    A short time ago, I spoke about the queen's legacy with Anne Sebba. She's a biographer and the author of "That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor."

    Anne Sebba, thank you very much for joining us on this sad day for Great Britain.

    We can't even think of the country without thinking of Queen Elizabeth, can we?

    Anne Sebba, Author, "That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor": Absolutely not.

    It's such a privilege. Thank you for inviting me to share my thoughts.

    I think the most extraordinary thing is that, obviously, for a woman of 96 in frail health, one had to expect that she would eventually die. And yet the sense of shock today is absolutely palpable. I can only tell you that London, where I am, and not Balmoral, where she died, is absolutely in shock. The mood is very somber, indeed.

  • Judy Woodruff:

    My colleague was just speaking with people who were reacting to this.

    How is she seen by the British people?

  • Anne Sebba:

    Ah. Even those people who possibly aren't monarchists will say to you, ah, but I love the queen.

    So, she united the British people. She was a figure of constancy, of stability. I think, if I can remember all the D's, duty, devotion, discretion, all those old-fashioned values, she was a link to the past. She was a link to the war.

    And if I really had to say what she means to Britain, I mean, this is a serious watershed moment. She's kept the country together in so many ways during these divisive times. But I think that what she really represents is how we like to see the best of ourselves.

    So, what does it mean to be British? Well, tradition, and history and duty, all those things that she really represented. So, it will be a moment of change. And the new king, King Charles, will have to earn the love that his mother had enjoyed for so long. It's going to be difficult, but I'm sure we will come through.

  • Judy Woodruff:

    So hard to sum up 70 years on the throne.

    But if you had to say what her legacy is, Anne Sebba, what would it be?

  • Anne Sebba:

    Her legacy, I think, is this stability, this constancy, that we are one nation.

    And she's grown the commonwealth at a time when empire is unfashionable. I think her legacy is twofold, really. She's the grandmother of the nation. She's a matriarchal figure. She's someone we were all able to see as our grandmother, if you like. And so she represents both a family that has been through turmoil in very difficult times of enormous social change,and somehow she has shown us a better way to be.

    She's — as I say, she's represented the best of ourselves. She's shown great discretion and love.

  • Judy Woodruff:

    And, of course, we can't look into the future, but how do you think the monarchy will be different under King Charles III?

  • Anne Sebba:

    Well, the first thing that he has said openly is, he wants a slimmed-down monarchy. He doesn't want every niece, nephew and grandchild necessarily to be a working royal, that is, a paid royal.

    So it will probably just go down to William and Catherine in the first instance, and then their children. Of course, he must be aware he is an anachronism, really, in the 21st century. So they have to show that they're worth it in terms of the work they do.

    The work ethic of Queen Elizabeth was extraordinary. She was constantly reading and studying. And all the prime ministers who went to see her said, if you hadn't read that Cabinet document, heaven help you, because she certainly had. And right up until yesterday, really, as you saw, she was doing her duty. She was absolutely determined to carry on.

    So I think, really, what she represented is this continuity, when she lived through the abdication crisis of 1936, when her uncle gave up the throne, and her uncle Edward, who married Wallis Simpson, an American. And I think that was what was shot through in her veins. You don't give up. You don't abdicate.

    And, luckily for her, she didn't have to, because she really died on the job. So, this absolute determination to keep the country together in the figurehead of the monarchy showing us the best we could be, when, in 1936, quite frankly, the monarchy had a shaky moment when her mother, Queen Elizabeth, the queen mother, and her father, George VI, took over, it wasn't a given that they would weather that storm.

    And they did, and she took over in 1952, so immense continuity and stability at every stage.

  • Judy Woodruff:

    What a life. We remember her today, and I know we will for a long time to come.

    Anne Sebba, thank you very much.

  • Anne Sebba:

    It's my pleasure. Thank you.

  • Judy Woodruff:

    And please tune in tonight for more special coverage of the queen's reign, "Queen Elizabeth: A Royal Life." It airs tonight on PBS at 8:00 p.m. Please do check your local listings.

FM

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