(CNN) — The pomp and procession surrounding Charles III’s official declaration as the new ruler of the British Empire dates back hundreds of years.

The ceremony was conducted by the Ascension Council, which only met after the death of an English monarch. It is made up of members of the Privy Council, the formal advisory body to the king or queen. The larger body is made up of more than 700 prominent figures in British life, including senior politicians, senior civil servants and others.

The origins of the Ascension Council are lost to the mists of time, but the first meeting of the current version took place in 1603 when King James VI of Scotland became King James I of England in the unification of the crown between the two nations, previously independent and fierce rivals.

Today’s event was attended by Penny Mourdant, a British politician who is Leader of the House of Commons, a Cabinet post, who automatically also serves as Lord President of the Privy Council. Charles was proclaimed king by the council secretary, Richard Tilbrook, after which Mourdant read out a series of orders for the proclamation to be read by representatives of the king and the governments of the constituent parts of England.

In the era before modern technology, this would be a means of spreading important news throughout the kingdom. A series of “council orders” were also made to make the ascension official.

King Charles III also took an oath to keep the “safety” of the Church of Scotland, a Presbyterian church separate from the Church of England, and relates to the time in 1707 when the details of their union between Scotland and England were formalized.

This is what King Carlos III said in his speech at the proclamation

King Charles III is proclaimed at St James’s Palace. During his speech, he paid tribute to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and spoke of “the great legacy and the heavy duty and responsibility of the Sovereignty which has now been handed over to me.”

Here is his full speech:

Woman and man.

It is my most painful duty to announce the death of my beloved mother, the queen.

I know how deeply you, the entire nation – and I think you might say the whole world – sympathizes with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered. It is my greatest comfort to know the sympathy expressed by so many of my sisters and brothers and that such incredible love and support should be extended to our entire family in our loss.

To all of us as a family, like this kingdom and the extended family of nations of which this kingdom is a part, my mother set an example of lasting love and selfless service.

My mother’s reign was unmatched in its duration, commitment and devotion. Even when we suffer, we are grateful for this faithful life.

I am well aware of this great legacy and the heavy duty and responsibility of the Sovereignty which has now been placed upon me. In assuming this responsibility, I will endeavor to follow the inspiring example I have been set in establishing constitutional government and seeking peace, harmony and prosperity for the people of this Archipelago and the Commonwealth of Nations and Territories around the world.

In this end, I know that I will be sustained by the love and loyalty of the people whom I have been called to sovereign, and that in the performance of these tasks I will be guided by the advice of their elected Parliament. In all of this, I am deeply encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife.

I take this opportunity to affirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of handing over hereditary income, including the Crown Estate, to my Government for the benefit of all, in return for State Grants, which support my official duties as head of State. and head of state.

And in carrying out the heavy task that was entrusted to me, and which I now dedicate my whole life to, I ask for the guidance and help of God Almighty.