King Charles III addresses the Accession Council at St. James's Palace on September 10, 2022, where he was formally proclaimed monarch. (Photo: AFP)

Addressing the Accession Council of senior political and religious advisers, King Charles III said he was deeply aware of the great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to him following the death of Queen Elizabeth on Thursday.

The 73-year-old head of state said he would try to follow the inspiring example of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, “in upholding constitutional government and seeking the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these Islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world.“

The same day, Buckingham Palace announced the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will take place at Westminster Abbey in London at 10am on September 19. After the funeral, the British royal family will mourn for 7 days with flags at half-mast at royal residences, it said.