BY HER SIDE
Sweet moment Prince William offers steadying hand to Camilla at historic ceremony
THE sweet moment Prince William offers Queen Camilla a steadying hand was spotted during today's Accession ceremony for Charles III.
The Prince of Wales helped Camilla onto the stage at St James' Palace as the family come to terms with the loss of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
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The Queen passed away peacefully at her Balmoral estate aged 96 on Thursday with the new monarch and Princess Anne by her bedside.
Prince William also rushed to Scotland on a private jet alongside Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and the Duchess of Wessex but was too late to say his final goodbyes.
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Just hours after her death the King and Queen consort and the Prince of Wales travelled back to London to carry out a series of protocols and traditions.
Charles automatically became King following the tragic death of his mother on Thursday but his role has now been confirmed.
READ MORE ON THE QUEEN'S DEATH
And today Prince William and Camilla signed the proclamation at St James' Palace to formally make his father a King.
On the table used to sign the proclamation was a small ink pot which is believed to be a gift given to Charles by his sons.
In a clip that shows the pair taking to the stage for the ceremony, a concerned William offers his hand to steady the Queen consort.
It is unclear if Camilla, who is out of shot, becomes unsteady on her feet but the Prince appears to put his arms around her in a bid to stop her from falling.
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The touching footage shows a warm moment between Camilla and her stepson after past tensions between the pair.
The breakdown of Charles and Diana's marriage in 1992 and their later divorce in 1996 sparked a frosty relationship between Camilla and stepsons William and Harry.
However, William, 39, was said to be "supportive" of the move and "respectful" of his grandmother's decision to name her Queen consort.
OFFICIALLY KING
Gun salutes sounded across the country and chants of "god save the King" rang out to usher in the historic ceremony today.
It came after the first-ever televised Accession Ceremony at St James' Palace where the King vowed to follow the Queen's "inspiring example".
Flanked by Prince William and Queen Camilla, the King said: "I know how deeply you, the entire Nation - and I think I may say the whole world - sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered.
"It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my Sister and Brothers and that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss.
"To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my Mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service.
"My Mother’s reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life."
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King Charles also approved an order that the day of the Queen's funeral, which is yet to be decided, will .
He continued: "I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to my Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports my official duties as Head of State and Head of Nation.
"And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God."
At 11am, the Principal Proclamation of the King was given by the Garter King of Arms at 11am from the balcony above Friary Court.
He ended the declaration "God save the King" as history was made.
The Band of the Coldstream Guards and State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry then played the newly-revised anthem.
Three cheers were also given for the new monarch as trumpeters sounded the fanfare.
Smoke also filled the air as 41 guns were fired from Hyde Park and 62 at the Tower of London in a stunning salute.
There were also gun salutes at Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Gibraltar, Colchester, York, Larkhill near Stonehenge, naval bases in Devonport and Portsmouth and a number of stations at sea.
Flags lowered in mourning for the Queen will fly at full-mast again after the ceremony.
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Further proclamations will also be given today - including in the City of London.
The guards made their way through the capital to deliver the second declaration in front of the Royal Exchange.
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