Prince Charles is the new King and head of state of the United Kingdom and 15 commonwealth nations following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Centuries’ old accession protocol states that the “new Sovereign succeeds to the throne as soon as his or her predecessor dies,” the royal family website states.
However, while Charles, 73, is the rightful heir to the throne and new king, the Act of Settlement from 1701 still gave the British government.
As such, an Accession Council will be convened as soon as possible to meet at St. James’ Palace to officially declare Charles the new monarch.
It usually meets within 24 hours and “as soon as practicable after the death,” with invitations sent to representatives of remaining Commonwealth countries.
