KING Charles today vowed to follow the Queen's "inspiring example" as he was formally declared Monarch in an historic Accession ceremony.

The royal automatically became King following the tragic death of his mother on Thursday but his role has been confirmed this morning.

A ceremony was carried out by the Accession Council at St James' Palace, which was not attended by King Charles III, in line with tradition.

He then later entered the throne room where he vowed to follow the Queen's "inspiring example" in front of Prince William and Queen Camilla.

The newly-appointed Prince of Wales and Prince Harry gifted King Charles the inkpot he used to sign the declaration.

It comes as…

• Prince William has been seen for the first time since his grandmother's death
• One of the Queen’s last guests at Balmoral has told of his final poignant conversation with Her Majesty
• King Charles III paid tribute to his "darling Mama" in an emotional first address to the nation
• King Charles told Harry ‘it wasn’t right’ for Meghan to come to Balmoral

The King said: "I know how deeply you, the entire Nation – and I think I may say the whole world – sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered.

"It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my Sister and Brothers and that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss.

"To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my Mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service.

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"My Mother’s reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life."

King Charles also approved an order that the day of the Queen's funeral, which is yet to be decided, will be a Bank Holiday.

He continued: "I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to my Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports my official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation.

"And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God."

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Prince William earlier signed the proclamation to formally make him King.

It is the first time he has been seen in public since his grandmother's death.

The King also praised his "beloved" wife, Queen Consort Camilla, who also added her name to the historic document.

A cheer of "God Save the King" was given during the first-ever televised Accession ceremony.

Flags lowered in mourning for the Queen will fly at full-mast again after the historic meeting.

At 11am, the first public proclamation will be heralded from the Friar Court balcony of the Palace as gun salutes ring out at Hyde Park and the Tower of London.

Although not part of the formal proclamation, the words "the Queen is dead, long live the King" are often added afterwards.

The formalities will continue this afternoon when King Charles holds a string of audiences at Buckingham Palace.

At 2pm, he will receive the Archbishop of Canterbury, followed by PM Liz Truss and her Cabinet at 2.30pm.

He will then meet with leaders of the opposition parties at 3pm and then the Dean of Westminster an hour later.

The formalities come after King Charles last night pledged to follow his "darling mama's" life of service in his first address to the nation.

He also spoke of his "profound sorrow" at her death and praised the “affection, admiration and respect” the Queen inspired that “became the hallmark of her reign”.

The King spoke of her "unswerving dedication" as he took a "solemn pledge" to uphold the same "constitutional principles" for "the remaining time god grants me".

And he poignantly touched on the Queen's "qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people.”

The King ended the speech by saying: "To my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you.

"Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May ‘flights of angels sing thee to thy rest’.”

Charles stepped foot on English soil yesterday for the first time as King after flying back from Balmoral.

There were cheers of "God save the King" as he arrived at Buckingham Palace.

He shook hands with well-wishers as he begun his first day as the nation's monarch after a 70-year wait for the throne.

One over-eager supporter even gave the King a kiss on the cheek in a breach of protocol.

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He then poignantly visited the sea of flowers left for his mum and paused for a moment of silent reflection.

It came after King Charles led the royals in paying tribute to his beloved mum.

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.

"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

"During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held."

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