King Charles III has sworn to serve the people of the Commonwealth in his first declaration after formally being proclaimed sovereign.

At the Accession Council, a formal ceremony which took place in London on Saturday evening, he also promised to protect the Church of Scotland.

Read his speech in full below.

You can also read more about the Accession Council in this article about the proclamation, and follow updates in the ABC's live blog.

King Charles's declaration to the Accession Council

"It is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved mother, the Queen.

I know how deeply you and the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me into 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.

In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world.

In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose sovereign I have been called upon to be and that in the discharge of these duties, I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments.

In all this, I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife.

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 the official duties as head of state and head of nations.

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."

King Charles III then made an oath relating to the Church of Scotland.   

"I understand that the law requires that I should at my accession to the Crown take and subscribe the oath relating to the security of the Church of Scotland.

I am ready to do so at this first opportunity.

I, Charles III, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of my other realms and territories, King, Defender of the Faith, do faithfully promise and swear that I should inviolably maintain and preserve the settlement of the true Protestant religion as established by the laws made in Scotland in prosecution of the Claim of Right and particularly by an act intituled an act for securing the Protestant religion and Presbyterian church government and by the acts passed in the Parliament of both kingdoms for union of the two kingdoms, together with the government, worship, discipline, rights and privileges, of the Church of Scotland.

So Help me God."

Loading form...