King Charles III has been formally declared King at the historic Accession Council. 

The new monarch automatically became King following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II who passed away peacefully on Thursday aged 96.

However, the former Prince of Wales attended the Accession Council with the Privy Councillors which confirmed his role on Saturday morning.

The new monarch did not appear in the first half of the ceremony which was held at the State Apartments of St James’s Palace.

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Historically, the entire Privy Council is summoned to the Accession Council for the tradition of proclaiming the new monarch.

However, on this occasion, only 200 were summoned to the Council with the rest asked to enter an annual ballot for a few remaining seats.

Queen Consort Camilla, the new Prince of Wales, and other Privy Councillors including the Prime Minister and Archbishop of Canterbury were in attendance.

The Northern Echo: Members of the privy council gather in the Throne Room for stage two of the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London,Members of the privy council gather in the Throne Room for stage two of the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London, (Image: PA)

Former prime ministers including Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron and Gordon Brown were also present at the monumental ceremony which has not taken place for 70 years.

For the first time ever, King Charles III’s accession will be televised, Clarence House has confirmed.

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The Palace said: “His Majesty The King will be proclaimed at the Accession Council at 10.00hrs tomorrow morning 10th September in the State Apartments of St James’s Palace, London.

Part I involved the Privy Council, without The King present where they proclaimed the new Sovereign.

They also formally approved various consequential Orders, including the arrangements for the Proclamation.

The Palace has explained what the second part involves: “Part II, is the holding by The King of His Majesty’s first Privy Council. The King will make his Declaration and read and sign an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and approve Orders in Council which facilitate continuity of government.”