Prince Charles Becomes King

Rachel Armstrong

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When Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, her eldest son, Charles, became king. At the time of her death, Queen Elizabeth II had ruled for over 70 years. Charles, however, who is 73 and soon to be 74, has waited his whole life for the throne. Charles was officially confirmed as the new British monarch on September 10, 2022, only two days after the death of his mother. This event occurred at St. James's Palace in London, in front of the Accession Council. The royal family jumped straight into working, as is required, all while grieving the passing of a beloved family member. King Charles III gave his first official address to the people of Great Britain on September 9, following his mother's passing. He began this address with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in which he said “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.” Although Charles is already King, his coronation ceremony is expected to be in May or June of 2023, around the same time his mother had her coronation in 1952. With Charles becoming king, his oldest son, William, Prince of Wales, is first in line for the throne. William's son, George, becomes second in line for the throne at only 9 years old.