Charles III praises Queen's reign as he is officially proclaimed King of England

King Charles III hailed the Queen's "unequal rule" after he was proclaimed king in a ceremony at St James's Palace on Saturday, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported.

King Charles became the monarch after the death of his mother, but a meeting officially confirmed this on Saturday.

He also approved that the day of the Queen's funeral be a public holiday, although it is unclear on what date.

Speaking before the Accession Council, the King said his mother's death had been an "irreparable loss".

Making his speech in the State Apartments at St James's Palace in London, King Charles said: "It is my greatest consolation to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and my brothers and that such overwhelming love and support should be extended to our entire family in our loss.”

He later spoke of the Queen's "selfless service", saying, "My mother's reign was unequaled in duration, dedication and devotion.

"Even though we mourn, we give thanks for this most faithful life."

The king added that he would "strive to follow the inspiring example" set by his mother in assuming the "heavy responsibilities of sovereignty".

This is the first time the historic ceremony, which dates back centuries, has been televised.

The king himself was not present for the first part of the meeting when he was proclaimed monarch by the Membership Council, which is made up of senior politicians, judges and civil servants.

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Clerk of the Privy Council Richard Tilbrook proclaimed Charles "King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith", before declaring "God save the King".

The full house, including the six living former British prime ministers, repeated the phrase. The proclamation was then read from a balcony above Friary Court in St James's Palace.