Charles proclaimed King of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as queen’s coffin travels to Edinburgh

8m ago / 2:50 PM UTC

Highway overpass filled with crowds of people in Scotland People line an overpass along the way to Edinburgh from Balmoral in Scotland on Sunday.Elizabeth Kuhr

17m ago / 2:41 PM UTC

Anti-monarchists in Scotland turn their backs on king’s proclamation

EDINBURGH, Scotland — Not everyone was deferential when King Charles III’s proclamation was read aloud outside St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh Sunday.

A group of anti-monarchist protesters — or republicans — turned their backs, and shouted “no consent” during the proclamation, part of which says that Scotland consents to Charles being declared king.

“We wanted to make it clear that there’s more than one viewpoint in Scotland,” said John Hall, 33, treasurer of the anti-monarchy campaign group One Republic. “I wanted to make sure that I made it clear I didn’t consent to this pageantry.”

Hall added there were a number of people in the crowd shouting similar messages. “It’s nice to know I’m not the only one holding that viewpoint,” he said.

John Hall (Left), and several other protesters who did not wish to give their names.Alex Smith / NBC News

23m ago / 2:35 PM UTC

Crowds grow on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile as queen’s coffin nears Scottish capital

EDINBURGH, Scotland — With the crowds on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile already three or four deep in places, Vivienne Evans, 29, and Raina Roche, 24, were slightly worried about what it would be like when Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin arrived in the Scottish capital.

“I don’t know what the response is going to be like when we see her coffin,” said Evans, who is originally from London and goes to college in nearby Glasgow.

“I imagine it will be incredibly overwhelming for a lot of people,” added Roche, a New Jersey native studying in London.

38m ago / 2:20 PM UTC

No kidding! Goat mascot attends King Charles III’s proclamation in Wales

In Wales, an unusual guest appeared at the proclamation of Charles as king at Cardiff Castle — Shenkin IV, the mascot of the 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh, an infantry regiment of the British army. 

The battalion has kept a goat as a mascot since the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American War of Independence in 1775, according to the Royal Welsh Museum.

Queen Victoria allowed the new mascot to be chosen from the royal herd of Kashmir goats and the tradition has been followed until the modern day. Queen Elizabeth II gave Shenkin IV — who has a military rank of Lance Corporal and receives an income that contributes to his uniform and lodging — to the battalion in 2018.

Shenkin IV took four weeks to catch from the royal herd. Goat Major Sergeant Mark Jackson of the Royal Welsh said at the time it was the “cheeky look in his eye” that made him an ideal mascot.

The marching band of the 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh and its goat mascot, Shenkin IV, march to Cardiff Castle in south Wales on Sunday. Geoff Caddick / AFP – Getty Images

48m ago / 2:10 PM UTC

New Prince of Wales speaks with Welsh first minister

Prince William, newly named the Prince of Wales after his father’s ascent to the throne, spoke on Sunday with the Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford.

William told the official that he would serve the Welsh people with “humility and great respect,” according to a statement released by Kensington Palace.  

“The prince acknowledged his and the princess’s deep affection for Wales, having made their first family home in Anglesey including during the earliest months of Prince George’s life,” it added.

William and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, intend to visit the country soon and to meet with Drakeford and other leaders, according to the statement.

1h ago / 1:46 PM UTC

Anti-royalists demonstrate outside Cardiff Castle in Wales Anti-royalists hold placards reading ‘Not Our King’ as they demonstrate outside of Cardiff Castle in south Wales on Sunday.Geoff Caddick / AFP – Getty Images

1h ago / 1:30 PM UTC

Antigua and Barbuda to hold republic referendum within 3 years

The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda said he would call for a referendum on whether the his country should become a republic within three years.

The Caribbean country is one of 14 nations to retain the British monarch as their head of state, but after signing a document confirming Charles’ status as the new king, he said he would push for a new poll.

“It does not represent any form of disrespect to the monarch. This is not an act of hostility, or any difference between Antigua and Barbuda and the monarchy,” he told British broadcaster ITV News. “It is a final step to complete the circle of independence to become a truly sovereign nation.”

Since Barbados became a republic in 2021, a number of other Caribbean countries, including the Bahamas, Jamaica and St. Kitts and Nevis, signaled they intend to do the same. 

2h ago / 1:00 PM UTC

Sharp shooters over Edinburgh cathedral ahead of queen’s arrival Sharpshooters take up high positions at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh before the arrival of the hearse carrying the queen. Jon Super / AP

2h ago / 12:35 PM UTC

King arrives at Buckingham Palace King Charles III waves to the people as he arrives at Buckingham Palace.Emilio Morenatti / AP

LONDON — Crowds lining the roads cheered as King Charles III arrived at Buckingham Palace Sunday afternoon.

The new king waved as his black car drove down The Mall and through the palace gates accompanied by a motorcade of four cars and four police motorbikes.

Onlookers shouted “God save the King” while one man teared up and said he would remember the moment for the rest of his life.

3h ago / 12:15 PM UTC

India holds national day of mourning

NEW DELHI — Flags at public places are flying at half-staff across India as the country held a national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.

While some questioned why a symbol of colonial rule was being honored, others chose to focus on the person herself.

New Delhi shop owner Sameer Chaudhary, 50, told NBC News that the queen had a “terrific” reign but she symbolized the cruel colonial institution that devastated India.

The Indian flag at Red Fort in New Delhi flies at half staff during a day of nationwide mourning for the queen.Mithil Aggarwal / NBC News

3h ago / 12:00 PM UTC

What is the Royal Standard draped over the queen’s coffin?

The coffin of the late queen was draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland as it left Balmoral Estate, highlighting the monarch’s personal and official connection to one of her favorite places.

The Royal Standard has taken various forms throughout history and varies from country to country.

In Scotland, it features Scottish arms in the first and fourth quarters and English arms in the second. The lion rampant is a nod to the Royal Banner of the Royal Arms of Scotland, the crown’s official banner in Scotland.

In England, however, the standard bears four quarterings — England (represented by three lions) in the first and fourth quarters, Scotland (represented by a lion rampant) in the second quarter and Ireland (represented by a harp) in the third quarter.

The queen’s coffin was draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland.Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images

3h ago / 11:30 AM UTC

Crowds build outside Edinburgh cathedral

Andrew Lonie, 79, a retiree from Edinburgh, was among the swelling crowds outside the cathedral where Charles was officially proclaimed king of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“I wanted to come and see it in person — I’ve never heard one before,” said Lonie, who was 9 years old when the last new monarch took the throne. “It’s a piece of history, and I’m just so glad I’m able to see it.”

Andrew Lonie was 9 when Queen Elizabeth II took the throne.Alex Smith / NBC News

4h ago / 11:02 AM UTC

Charles proclaimed King of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

A fanfare of trumpets was sounded in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, Wales’ capital, Cardiff, and Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast, before Charles was officially proclaimed king in all the three countries.

Thousands of people gathered at Edinburgh Castle, Cardiff Castle and Belfast’s Hillsborough Castle to hear the official announcement, although Charles officially became king when Elizabeth died Thursday.

Many joined in as the national anthem, “God Save the King,” was played and offered three cheers for their new monarch.

Afterward, 21-gun salutes resounded outside all three venues.

The Lord Lyon King of Arms reads a public proclamation to the people of Scotland to announce the Accession of King Charles III, outside St. Giles’ Cathedral, in Edinburgh, on Sunday. Petr David Josek / AP

4h ago / 10:55 AM UTC

Wreath atop queen’s coffin adorned with flowers from Balmoral

An elaborate wreath accompanied the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, featuring flowers and leaves from her beloved Balmoral estate in Scotland.

It features dahlias, sweet peas, phlox, white heather and pine fir, the royal family said in a tweet.

Peter Summers / Getty Images

4h ago / 10:40 AM UTC

Flowers pile high at the gates of Balmoral Castle Floral tributes laid by the public in memory of Queen Elizabeth II outside the gates of Balmoral Castle on Sunday.Samir Hussein / WireImage

5h ago / 10:17 AM UTC

Australian prime minister will not hold referendum on country becoming a republic during his first term

With a pro-republic Labor Party government in power, Australia’s constitutional ties to the British monarchy will again be open to debate for the first time since change was rejected in a 1999 referendum.

However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told British broadcaster Sky News he will not hold a referendum on whether Australia should become a republic in his first term. (Sky News is owned by Comcast, the parent company of NBC News.)

In his first international interview since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Albanese said it was a moment to show gratitude for the Queen’s “service to Australia, the Commonwealth and the world.”

Queen Elizabeth II in 1954 became the only reigning British monarch to travel to Australia and went on to visit the country 16 times.

5h ago / 9:55 AM UTC

Scottish leader marks ‘sad and poignant moment’ as queen leaves Balmoral Castle

As Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin embarked on its final journey from Balmoral Castle, Scotland’s first minister posted a touching tribute to the late monarch.

“A sad and poignant moment as Her Majesty, The Queen leaves her beloved Balmoral for the final time. Today, as she makes her journey to Edinburgh, Scotland will pay tribute to an extraordinary woman,” Nicola Sturgeon said in a tweet.

On Friday, Sturgeon was pictured signing a book of condolence the monarch.

5h ago / 9:41 AM UTC

‘You’ll always be remembered’

EDINBURGH, Scotland — The outer walls and gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, have been covered in row upon row of flowers, notes and even children’s drawings mourning and thanking the late queen.

“You’ll always be remembered in my house as an example on how to behave under all circumstances,” one handwritten message said.

Another was written on a Portuguese flag. “Canada loves you forever,” one said.

Fiona and Alex Herries laid flowers with their two young daughters. “We just thought it was important for the next generation to be part of this so they understand the significance of this moment in history,” Fiona said.

Fiona and Alex Herries outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.Alex Smith / NBC News

5h ago / 9:31 AM UTC

Knitted tribute to the queen placed on postbox in Scottish village A knitted Queen Elizabeth II with a thank you note is pictured atop a postbox in the Scottish village of Ballater on Sunday. Paul Ellis / AFP – Getty Images

6h ago / 9:20 AM UTC

Children wave union flags as they wait for queen’s funeral procession Children sit behind barriers in the Scottish village of Ballater on Sunday as they wait for Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin. Paul Ellis / AFP – Getty Images

6h ago / 9:14 AM UTC

Queen’s coffin leaves Scotland’s Balmoral Castle

Draped in the Royal Standard, Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin has left Balmoral Castle to begin its journey to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital.

It is the first time her coffin has been seen since her death on Thursday.

The hearse will wind its way through tiny villages and small towns from the remote castle in the Scottish Highlands before it is laid to rest in the throne room of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, until Monday afternoon.

The hearse was driven away from Balmoral Castle in Ballater.Andy Buchanan / AFP – Getty Images The coffin was draped in the Royal Standard. Alastair Grant / AP

6h ago / 9:00 AM UTC

Royal reunion dominates British front pages

Images of Prince William, Prince Harry and their wives together for the first time in several months were splashed across the pages of British newspapers Sunday morning, with headlines proclaiming “peace” and unity for the sake of their grandmother.

On Saturday, the siblings walked together around a large flower memorial for the queen outside Windsor Castle, where they shook hands with members of the public and read handwritten notes left by mourners.

“William and Harry came together to mourn,” The Independent said while tabloid, The People said they made “Peace for Gran.”

Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals in 2020 while Prince William and Catherine, now Princess of Wales, carried on official duties.

7h ago / 7:57 AM UTC

Early mourners gather to see the queen’s funeral procession People gather along the streets of Ballater, Scotland, to view the funeral procession of the late Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday. Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images

7h ago / 7:57 AM UTC

Remebrance services to be held for queen across U.K.

Remembrance services for Queen Elizabeth II will be held across the U.K. on the first Sunday after her death.

Special guidance has been issued by the Church of England on services during the period of mourning.

“Flags to be lowered to half mast, and to remain at this height until the day after the State Funeral,” it says, adding that bells should be rung at a “practicable” time.

The queen was formally the Defender of the Faith and governor of the Church of England, titles dating back centuries that have now passed to her son.

7h ago / 7:57 AM UTC

Queen Elizabeth to leave Balmoral for the last time

On Sunday, the queen’s coffin will be driven from Balmoral Castle, Royal Deeside, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. 

Public viewing of the vehicle will be possible along the route in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen and Dundee, officials said.

The queen’s coffin will be carried into the Throne Room at Holyroodhouse, where it will remain until Monday.

Proclamations for the queen will be read elsewhere in Scotland, in Northern Ireland and Wales.

7h ago / 7:57 AM UTC

Denmark’s queen scales back her jubilee after Queen Elizabeth II’s death

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Denmark’s Queen Margrethe canceled, postponed and scaled back events of her own jubilee this weekend in which she marks 50 years on the throne of Europe’s oldest ruling monarchy.

Queen Margrethe, 82, whose reign is now Europe’s longest, has praised Britain’s late monarch as “a towering figure among European monarchs and a great inspiration to us all,” adding that “We shall miss her terribly.”

The Danish monarch also asked for a moment of silence Saturday evening before a gala performance at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen.

7h ago / 7:57 AM UTC

Billboards around the world pay homage to Queen Elizabeth II

Displayed in a solid black background, images of the queen in her earlier years and in her 90s accompanied by the queen’s initials could be seen across buildings in Manila, Philippines.

This is one of the many tributes seen across the world as people continue to commemorate the queen’s legacy.

An electronic billboard shows a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday in Mandaluyong, Manila, Philippines. Ezra Acayan / Getty Images