Charles III proclaimed Australia’s king in official ceremony in Canberra

Australians young and old have gathered to witness the historic moment Charles was proclaimed King, but one local says Charles will have a hard time doing one thing.

Australians young and old gathered in their hundreds to witness the proclamation of King Charles III.

In a short formal ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra, Governor-General David Hurley made the new monarch’s accession to King of Australia official.

“May King Charles III have long and happy years to reign over us,” he told onlookers.

“With hearty and humble affection, we promise him faith and faithfulness.”

General Hurley arrived at Parliament House around midday and was greeted with a smoking ceremony and welcome to country by Ngunnawal elder Aunty Violet Sheridan.

Aunty Violet Sheridan said the new King would be thoughtful in his rule. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

She said the new King would be “thoughtful in his rule”.

“No matter what your views, Queen Elizabeth lived a life of service, and she also was also a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,“ Aunty Sheridan said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, federal ministers and MPs from both sides of politics watched on while the Australian Army Band Corps performed the first rendition of God Save the King in more than 70 years.

The flags surrounding the building were raised to fly at full-mast and a 21-gun salute boomed throughout the typically quiet capital.

The proclamation is the first to occur at new Parliament House. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The 21 gun salute rang out across Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Many members of the community who showed up for the event arrived hours before in order to secure her spot up close to the action.

“I’m so glad that I was here to witness it. We did not want to miss anything,” onlooker Priya Badri told NCA Newswire.

“It was a really touching moment.”

Local Danielle Brice agreed. She told NCA Newswire she made the trip up to Parliament House to “represent” her mum, who is currently in hospital.

The Queen died aged 96. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“(She) would love to be here but can’t. It was a really important moment. I just wanted to be here,” she said.

Sunday's ceremony was the first time a proclamation has been read at Australia’s current Parliament House.

The Australian proclamation of Queen Elizabeth II took place at Canberra’s Old Parliament House.

Earlier at Government House, where Mr Albanese and members of the Federal Executive Council recommended the proclamation be made, General Hurley noted Australia was entering a new era.

Ministers met with the Governor-General and Anthony Albanese to recommend the proclamation. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Most Australians have not known a time without Queen Elizabeth II … Australia is an unfinished product. It is now entering a new era,” he said.

Flags around Parliament House, and government buildings, will return to half mast at dusk, where it will remain until after the Queen’s funeral.

Later in the week, Mr Albanese and the Governor-General will fly to London for the funeral and to meet the King.

Anthony Albanese will travel to London later this week. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The Prime Minister confirmed he had offered to help transport the leaders of 10 Pacific Island nations and New Zealand to the United Kingdom for the memorial service.

While there has been much debate about whether Australia should become a republic in recent years both Mr Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton agree now is not time for the conversation.

Meanwhile, out in front of parliament, Priya Badri said the monarch would have his work cut out for him.

“He will always be compared with the Queen. And nobody can beat the Queen,” Badri said.