King Charles now official proclaimed monarch of Aus, NZ

In ceremonies held on Sunday in the capitals of the two countries, King Charles was formally installed as the head of state of both Australia and New Zealand.

The proclamation of Charles as king of New Zealand took place in the Wellington parliament, replacing Queen Elizabeth, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 96.

The event recognized the queen’s son, “His Majesty King Charles III as our sovereign,” according to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who was speaking from the steps of parliament.

Following the passing of the queen, New Zealand, according to Ardern, had entered a period of change.

She said, “King Charles has consistently shown his genuine concern for our country.” “Our people place a great deal of value on this relationship. I am certain that it will get deeper.”

In Australia, King Charles was formally proclaimed head of state at Parliament House in Canberra by Governor General David Hurley, who represents the British monarch there. A 21-gun salute was fired to mark the proclamation.

Among the 14 realms outside of the United Kingdom, the British monarch serves as head of state in Australia and New Zealand, though the position is largely ceremonial.

Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that September 22 would be a national day of mourning for the queen and a holiday.

Albanese announced that he would fly to London on Thursday, attend the funeral of the queen on September 19, and fly back to Australia on September 21.

The memorial service and the National Day of Mourning are scheduled to take place the following day, he told television.

The prime minister explained, “That’s to let people pay their respects for Queen Elizabeth’s passing.”

According to Albanese, Australia offered to fly 10 of his counterparts from Pacific Island countries as well as dignitaries from New Zealand to Britain for the queen’s funeral.

Albanese responded that King Charles would have to “create his own path” when asked about how Australians would see the new monarch.

Australian national flags are flown at half-mast, parliament has been adjourned, and a massive image of the queen has been placed atop the Sydney Opera House’s sails as a show of respect.