Australia and New Zealand proclaim Charles III as monarch

Charles III was officially proclaimed the new monarch of Australia and New Zealand on Sunday when he took office as King of the United Kingdom after the death of his mother, Elizabeth II, on Thursday.

The governments of both countries held separate acts in front of their respective parliaments.

In Canberra, the Governor General, David Hurley, representative of the British monarchy in the oceanic country, extolled in a speech the figure of the “pleasant and glorious” Queen Elizabeth II and wished the new head of state of the United Kingdom, who will bear the name of Charles III, a “long and happy” reign.

“Her Majesty (Elizabeth II) was the only reigning monarch to visit Australia and it was clear from her first trip that she had a special place in our hearts,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement, indicating that the country will celebrate September 22 a day of national mourning.

In addition to the government representatives, the ceremony in the Australian capital was also attended by representatives of the aboriginal minority who performed chants and the fire ritual in honor of the new monarch.

New Zealand close bond
For her part, in Wellington, the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, thanked the “close bond” that the late monarch had with New Zealand and recalled the “deep affection” that Charles III has shown with the country during his visits. “And just as one chapter closes, another begins,” Ardern remarked at a ceremony that took place in English and the Maori language.