10 September 2023 , 09:00
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In what was a first in royal history, King Charles' Accession Council was broadcast live from St James's Palace one year ago today.
Two days after Queen Elizabeth's death at Balmoral Castle at the age of 96, the King was proclaimed monarch in front of the Privy Council and signed the official documents alongside Queen Camilla and the Prince of Wales.
As the ancient ceremony had previously always taken place behind closed doors, the moment provided a rare glimpse into such a historic milestone at the start of the new reign.
It also allowed for every part of the ceremony to be scrutinised by the public - including one moment where the pressure and significance of the day clearly got the better of the new King.
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The pens of the desk were in the way as King Charles signed his accession documents (Getty)After addressing the assembled members of the Privy Council, King Charles sat down to sign the official declarations with his pens lined up on an ornate tray that had been placed on the table. However, there was a point where the stress of the momentous signing became visible as the King grimaced and gestured to have the pens removed from his desk.
As is the nature of social media, the moment was picked up by many on Twitter with one remarking: "The King not very happy that the pen tray was in his way." Another noticed: "I think the king didn't want that pen tray there." While another said: "King Charles really grumpy at the pen tray left on the table."
The new King had travelled from Balmoral Castle the day after his accession back to London where he greeted the waiting crowds and later made his first public address to the nation from Buckingham Palace. Paying tribute to his late mother, the King said: “I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow.
"Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved mother – was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example. Queen Elizabeth’s was a life well-lived, a promise with destiny kept, and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today."
Elsewhere in his speech, King Charles confirmed that Prince William would succeed him as the new Prince of Wales as he said: “With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given."
He ended his message with the note: “On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express.
“And 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’.”