Britain’s new King Charles III was sworn in with a colorful inauguration ceremony. He was sworn in as the 40th King of Britain on Saturday. At this time he was crowned. The question may arise – in the democratic United Kingdom there is a cabinet, there is also a head of government, so what is the function of the king? The BBC’s analysis has revealed details about this.
In Britain, the King is the de facto head of state or president. But his power is symbolic and ceremonial. He is politically neutral. Every day the report of the work of the British Government was sent to him in a red leather box. These include briefings before important meetings, or documents, that the king signs. Usually, the British Prime Minister visits the King every Wednesday of the week at Buckingham Palace and informs the King about the activities of the government. These meetings are strictly private and no official record is kept of the conversations that take place there.
The leader of the party that wins the general election is invited to Buckingham Palace to form the government. Before the general election, the king formally announced the dissolution of the government. Apart from this, the King started the parliamentary year with a ceremony. This event is called State Opening. Sitting on the throne of the House of Lords, the King delivers a speech that sets out the government’s plans.
Apart from this, the British monarch has many important responsibilities. Whenever a bill is passed by Parliament, it must be formally approved by the King to become law. In addition, the King presides over the annual Remembrance Ceremony in November each year. It is held at the Cenotaph or National Monument in London. The King invited heads of state from different countries before they left for the UK. Apart from this, he regularly meets with ambassadors and high commissioners of different countries assigned to Britain.
King Charles III went on his first state visit to Germany, where he addressed Parliament. He was the first British monarch to address the German Parliament. The British monarch is also the head of the Commonwealth. It consists of 56 independent countries. The population of Commonwealth countries is about 2.5 billion. The King of Britain is the head of state of 14 Commonwealth countries.
Queen Consort Camilla assisted King Charles III in his duties. Apart from this, he also supports the 90 charities associated with the royal family. These charitable programs include working with people’s health and helping and supporting victims of rape or sexual abuse.
Where do you live: King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla live in Buckingham Palace. They previously shared time at Clarence House in London and Highgrove in Plastershire. Other royal residences include Windsor Castle, Sandringham in Norfolk, Palace of Holyrood House in Edinburgh and Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire. Prince William and the Princess of Wales moved from Kensington Palace in West London to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Estate in August 2022.
The coronation ceremony of King Charles III was attended by hundreds of governments and heads of state, dignitaries. This event has been very grand and traditional. The last coronation ceremony was held in 1953 by Queen Elizabeth II, mother of King Charles. It is said that at that time the ceremony was performed with more grandeur. For thousands of years, London’s Westminster Abbey has hosted royal initiation ceremonies.