With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96, the UK will experience a turbulent 10 days that will see a queen buried, a country mourn its longest-reigning monarch, and a new king crowned.

In a process that dates back hundreds of years, Charles, the eldest of Elizabeth’s four children, will be formally crowned king in a few hours. He is the oldest monarch in British history, having reached the age of 73.

As the nation begins a time of national mourning, flags are already flying at half-mast. Politics as usual will be put on hold as tributes arrive from all across the world.

Prior to the Queen’s state burial, which will be observed by a holiday, her casket will be positioned in Westminster Hall in London.

For a nation used to having the same monarch in power for more than 70 years, or longer than 85% of the population has been alive, the upcoming two weeks will come as a shock.

Charles will now be in charge of the nearly unchangeable institution of the monarchy in a nation that has undergone a radical transformation since his mother’s ascension.

As Scotland pushes for independence, his kingdom may split up, and after Britain leaves the European Union, its role in the world is uncertain.

How is a new monarch chosen?

As soon as Charles’ mother passed away, he was legally proclaimed king. The so-called Accession Council, which is often constituted within 24 hours after a sovereign’s passing, will grant official recognition.

The Privy Council, historically the most dependable advisors to the sovereign, is represented in the group. The prime minister is also expected to attend the meeting at St. James’s Palace if she is in or near London.

Additionally participating will be representatives from the Commonwealth, a collection of countries primarily made up of former British Empire members, as well as the City of London, the capital’s primary financial area.

The Anglo-Saxon “Witan,” or company of wise men, who would counsel the monarch and monitor the succession, are said to be the ancestors of the Privy Council, whose members today include politicians, aristocrats, and clergy.

The courtier in charge, known as the Garter King of Arms, will make a speech from the Proclamation Gallery overlooking Friary Court in the palace after the meeting to announce the new monarch.

In a custom that predates contemporary communications, the address is then repeated in towns and cities all around the country. The Queen is dead, so prepare to hear that. King is still alive.

Additionally, it is usual for the new sovereign to make a memorable statement that is later legally published in the London Gazette, the government’s official record.

Will he be referred to as King Charles?

Yes. King Charles III will be the title given to the newly crowned monarch, his office announced.

Upon ascending to the throne, British monarchs are permitted to select a new name — Although he was known as David to his family and friends, King Edward VIII selected the name Edward as his regnal title.

There were rumors that Charles would select a different name. A former King Charles was executed in 1649 when Oliver Cromwell briefly declared England a republic.

Will he make his wife the queen?

The popularity of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Charles’ second wife, has increased as Britain has moved on after the premature death of Diana, Princess of Wales in a car accident in 1997.

As a thank you for her support of Charles and her job as a working royal, Queen Elizabeth gave the order that her daughter-in-law would be referred to as Queen Camilla starting in 2022.

What occurs when the country is in mourning?

Except on the day Charles is proclaimed king, flags on public structures will fly at half-staff, and British embassies across the world will open condolence books. Although shops will continue to be open and the general people still expected to show up for work.

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