Crowds flock to Canberra, NSW Parliament House for King Charles III’s proclamation

Crowds gathered in droves outside Parliament House in Canberra for King Charles III’s Australian proclamation ceremony, but a significant number also celebrated the new King in Macquarie Street.

Thousands gathered outside Australian Parliament House to witness the National proclamation ceremony for the accession of King Charles III.

Australian Defence Force personnel marched through the Parliament House forecourt before Governor-General David Hurley officially honoured King Charles’s new role.

To mark the occasion the Australian flag will fly at full mast until dusk before flying at half mast until Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral on September 19.

Governor-General David Hurley officially proclaims King Charles III the ruler of Australia at Parliament House. Picture: Tracey Nearmy

The half hour ceremony included a band performance of the Australian national anthem and for the first time in 70 years, a performance of God Save the King.

After a welcome to country by Aunty Violet, the Governor-General read out the official proclamation.

Thousands of Aussies gathered at Parliament House, watching on from the turfed area above. Picture Tracey Nearmy

Mr Hurley described the queen as “blessed and glorious” before welcoming King Charles III to “reign over” Australia and the other commonwealth nations.

“With hearty and humble affection, we promise him faith and obedience. May King Charles III have long and happy years to reign over us.”

An Indigenous spiritual dance performance followed the speech. Picture: Tracey Nearmy

Governor-General David Hurley. Picture: Tracey Nearmy

The Australian federation guard played God Save the King before an Indigenous spiritual dance performance.

The ceremony ended with a 21 gun salute.

In Sydney, a short ceremony was held outside NSW Parliament House where Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley proclaimed His Majesty The King.

Up to 4000 people are estimated to have attended the Sydney ceremony. Picture: NSW Government

“We now proclaim Prince Charles Phillip Arthur George to be King Charles III by the grace of god, King of Australia and his Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth,” Her Excellency Ms Beazley said.

“And with hearty and humble affection we promise him faith and obedience, may King Charles III have long and happy years to reign over us.”

The NSW Police ceremonial band and Mounted Unit featured in the ceremony, which was attended both by Premier Dominic Perrottet and Opposition leader Chris Minns.

PremierDominic Perrottet and NSW Governor Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley meet and greet the general public. Picture: Edwina Pickles / SMH/Pool

A historic day as Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales read out the Proclamation of the new Sovereign, King Charles the Third. pic.twitter.com/sE7kEqG6es

— Dom Perrottet (@Dom_Perrottet) September 11, 2022

Macquarie Street was closed off between Bent Street and St James Road until 3pm, allowing a few thousand people to gather and honour the new King.

The crowd echoed the chant “God Save the King”, then fell silent for a 21 gun salute at Government House.

Public transport was made free for all of Sunday across the state to encourage NSW residents to attend the ceremony.

“The unique way in which our Constitutional Monarchy enshrines the rights of the people means that it’s only appropriate for everyone to be given the chance to attend the Proclamation,” Transport Minister David Elliott said.