PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS because of the death of our blessed and glorious Queen Elizabeth the Second, the Crown has solely and rightfully come to Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.
We, therefore, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor‑General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and members of the Federal Executive Council, do now proclaim Prince Charles Philip Arthur George to be King Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Australia and his other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, and, with hearty and humble affection, we promise him faith and obedience.
May King Charles the Third have long and happy years to reign over us.
Given at Canberra this eleventh day of September, Two thousand and twenty two, and in the first year of His Majesty’s reign.
Signed and sealed with the
Great Seal of Australia
on 11 September 2022
His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d)
Governor-General
By His Excellency’s Command
Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister
Overview
The proclamation, C2022G00869, was issued under the authority of the Governor-General of Australia, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), and the Federal Executive Council on 11 September 2022, marking the accession of King Charles the Third following the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second. This proclamation serves to formally recognise the transition of the Crown to King Charles the Third, affirming his position as the new sovereign of Australia and other realms and territories, as well as Head of the Commonwealth. The enactment aims to ensure a seamless and orderly transition of power, reflecting the continuity of the constitutional monarchy in Australia and reaffirming the nation’s allegiance and loyalty to the new monarch.
Scope and Application
The proclamation under the C2022G00869 Gazette marks the transition of the Crown to King Charles the Third upon the death of Queen Elizabeth the Second. This act applies to the Commonwealth of Australia, affirming King Charles the Third as the King of Australia and his other Realms and Territories, while also acknowledging him as the Head of the Commonwealth. This legal instrument encompasses all governmental and ceremonial duties tied to the sovereign role within Australia and internationally, reflecting the constitutional framework that binds the nation to the monarchy. The proclamation is an official statement of allegiance and duty by the Governor-General and the Federal Executive Council, ensuring continuity in governance and adherence to the constitutional monarchy. The act does not explicitly delineate exclusions or thresholds, as it is a formal declaration rather than a regulatory statute, but it sets the foundational legal basis for the monarch’s role within Australia’s constitutional structure.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of Proclamation C2022G00869 include the proclamation of Prince Charles Philip Arthur George as King Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Australia and his other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth (Section 1). The Proclamation also includes a promise of faith and obedience to the new sovereign (Section 2). The document is signed and sealed with the Great Seal of Australia by the Governor-General, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), and countersigned by the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese (Section 3).
The Act imposes several obligations on the parties and entities it governs. The Governor-General is responsible for making the proclamation and promising faith and obedience on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia (Section 1). The Prime Minister and other members of the Federal Executive Council are required to countersign the document, thereby officially endorsing the proclamation (Section 3). These obligations are ceremonial in nature and serve to recognise the succession of the new sovereign and to affirm the loyalty of the Commonwealth of Australia to the new monarch.
There are no offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences specified in the Act for breach of its provisions. The Proclamation is a ceremonial document that does not impose any legal requirements or obligations on individuals or entities beyond those outlined in the Act itself. However, any failure to comply with the obligations outlined in the Act could be seen as a breach of faith and loyalty to the Crown, which could have political and diplomatic consequences.
In summary, Proclamation C2022G00869 is a ceremonial document that recognises the succession of King Charles the Third and affirms the loyalty of the Commonwealth of Australia to the new monarch. The Act imposes obligations on the Governor-General and the Prime Minister to make the proclamation and promise faith and obedience to the new sovereign. There are no legal consequences for breach of the Act’s provisions, but failure to comply with its obligations could have political and diplomatic repercussions.