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UK Royal Family: Who is in it and what does the King do? UK Royal Family: Who is in it and what does the King do?
(5 days later)
The King is hosting his first state visit as monarch as he welcomes the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to the UK. Charles became king after Queen Elizabeth's death in September 2022.
Charles III succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth II when she died in September, months after celebrating her Platinum Jubilee. The Royal Family is expected to be criticised in a Netflix documentary about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
What happened after the Queen died? In the six-part series, the couple will explain why they stood back as working Royals, a decision which was said to have "hurt" the rest of the family.
A period of national mourning was declared after Queen died at Balmoral Castle, at the age of 96. What is in the documentary?
Her eldest son Charles inherited the throne immediately, and was formally proclaimed king two days later. In a programme trailer, Prince Harry says the Royal Family played "a dirty game" by leaking and planting stories to discredit him and his wife.
He also talks about the "pain and suffering of women marrying into this institution" - apparently referring to the experiences of Meghan and of his mother, Princess Diana.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as "senior" Royals in January 2020, and moved to California.
Harry and Meghan did an interview with US presenter Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, in which the Duchess said she had found life in the Royal Family unbearable.
The revelations created tensions between Harry and his father, King Charles III, who recently became head of the Royal Family.
When did Charles III become king?
King Charles was the first-born son of Queen Elizabeth II, and he inherited the throne on 8 September, immediately after her death at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle.
A period of national mourning was declared, and he was formally proclaimed king two days later.
Thousands of people queued up to see the Queen's coffin lying in state in Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament in the days leading up to her funeral.Thousands of people queued up to see the Queen's coffin lying in state in Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament in the days leading up to her funeral.
Her funeral service at Westminster Abbey was attended by 2,000 people, including leaders and dignitaries from around the world.Her funeral service at Westminster Abbey was attended by 2,000 people, including leaders and dignitaries from around the world.
Thousands of people then lined the streets as her coffin was transported to Windsor Castle where a committal service was held. She was buried later, alongside her late husband the Duke of Edinburgh. Thousands of people lined the streets as her coffin was transported to Windsor Castle where a committal service was held. She was buried later, alongside her late husband the Duke of Edinburgh.
This was history - solemn, spectacular and intenseThis was history - solemn, spectacular and intense
Extraordinary photos from the Queen’s funeralExtraordinary photos from the Queen’s funeral
What does the King do?What does the King do?
The King is the UK head of state. However, his powers are symbolic and ceremonial, and he remains politically neutral.The King is the UK head of state. However, his powers are symbolic and ceremonial, and he remains politically neutral.
He receives daily dispatches from the government in a red leather box, such as briefings ahead of important meetings, or documents needing his signature.He receives daily dispatches from the government in a red leather box, such as briefings ahead of important meetings, or documents needing his signature.
The prime minister normally meets the King on a Wednesday at Buckingham Palace, to keep him informed on government matters.The prime minister normally meets the King on a Wednesday at Buckingham Palace, to keep him informed on government matters.
These meetings are completely private and there is no official record of what is said.These meetings are completely private and there is no official record of what is said.
King Charles III, the new monarchKing Charles III, the new monarch
The Queen and the former Prince of Wales at the 2019 State Opening of ParliamentThe Queen and the former Prince of Wales at the 2019 State Opening of Parliament
The King also has a number of parliamentary functions:The King also has a number of parliamentary functions:
Appointing a government - the leader of the party that wins a general election is usually called to Buckingham Palace, where they are formally invited to form a government. The King also formally dissolves a government before a general electionAppointing a government - the leader of the party that wins a general election is usually called to Buckingham Palace, where they are formally invited to form a government. The King also formally dissolves a government before a general election
State Opening and the King's Speech - the King begins the parliamentary year with the State Opening ceremony, where he sets out the government's plans, in a speech delivered from the throne in the House of LordsState Opening and the King's Speech - the King begins the parliamentary year with the State Opening ceremony, where he sets out the government's plans, in a speech delivered from the throne in the House of Lords
Royal Assent - when a piece of legislation is passed through Parliament, it must be formally approved by the King in order to become law. The last time Royal Assent was refused was in 1708Royal Assent - when a piece of legislation is passed through Parliament, it must be formally approved by the King in order to become law. The last time Royal Assent was refused was in 1708
In addition, the King hosts visiting heads of state, and meets foreign ambassadors and high commissioners based in the UK. He leads the annual Remembrance event in November at the Cenotaph in London.In addition, the King hosts visiting heads of state, and meets foreign ambassadors and high commissioners based in the UK. He leads the annual Remembrance event in November at the Cenotaph in London.
The King is also head of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 independent countries and 2.5 billion people. For 14 of these countries, known as the Commonwealth realms, he is their head of state.The King is also head of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 independent countries and 2.5 billion people. For 14 of these countries, known as the Commonwealth realms, he is their head of state.
In pictures: King Charles hosts first state visitIn pictures: King Charles hosts first state visit
King Charles 50p coins struck for the first timeKing Charles 50p coins struck for the first time
New King Charles royal cypher revealedNew King Charles royal cypher revealed
What happens at a coronation?What happens at a coronation?
A coronation is the ceremony at which the monarch is formally crowned. It takes place after a period of mourning for the previous sovereign.A coronation is the ceremony at which the monarch is formally crowned. It takes place after a period of mourning for the previous sovereign.
Elizabeth II became Queen on 6 February 1952 on the death of her father King George VI, but was not crowned until 2 June 1953.Elizabeth II became Queen on 6 February 1952 on the death of her father King George VI, but was not crowned until 2 June 1953.
The Queen was the 39th sovereign to be crowned at Westminster AbbeyThe Queen was the 39th sovereign to be crowned at Westminster Abbey
King Charles III's coronation will take place on Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey in London. He will be the 40th monarch to be invested there.King Charles III's coronation will take place on Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey in London. He will be the 40th monarch to be invested there.
During the ceremony, the King will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort.During the ceremony, the King will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort.
The occasion will be marked by an additional bank holiday across the UK on Monday 8 May 2023.The occasion will be marked by an additional bank holiday across the UK on Monday 8 May 2023.
Everything we know about King Charles's coronation so farEverything we know about King Charles's coronation so far
The coronation is an Anglican religious service, carried out by the Archbishop of Canterbury.The coronation is an Anglican religious service, carried out by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The monarch is anointed with "holy oil", and receives the orb and sceptre, symbols of royalty. At the climax of the ceremony, the Archbishop will place St Edward's Crown on Charles's head - a solid gold crown, dating from 1661.The monarch is anointed with "holy oil", and receives the orb and sceptre, symbols of royalty. At the climax of the ceremony, the Archbishop will place St Edward's Crown on Charles's head - a solid gold crown, dating from 1661.
This is the centrepiece of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, and is only worn by the monarch at the moment of coronation itself.This is the centrepiece of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, and is only worn by the monarch at the moment of coronation itself.
Unlike royal weddings, the coronation is a state occasion - the government pays for it, and ultimately decides the guest list.Unlike royal weddings, the coronation is a state occasion - the government pays for it, and ultimately decides the guest list.
Queen Elizabeth's coronation was the first to be broadcast live on TV, and was watched by more than 20 million people.Queen Elizabeth's coronation was the first to be broadcast live on TV, and was watched by more than 20 million people.
Who else is in the Royal Family?Who else is in the Royal Family?
Members of the Royal Family celebrated the Queen's official birthday at Buckingham Palace in 2019. Members of the Royal Family celebrated the Queen's official birthday at Buckingham Palace in 2019
Prince William is the elder son of King Charles and his first wife, Diana, Princess of Wales. Following the death of the Queen, he became the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall and retained the title of Duke of Cambridge. He is married to the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge (Catherine). They have three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince LouisPrince William is the elder son of King Charles and his first wife, Diana, Princess of Wales. Following the death of the Queen, he became the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall and retained the title of Duke of Cambridge. He is married to the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge (Catherine). They have three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) was the Queen's second child and only daughter. She is married to Vice Adm Timothy Laurence. She has two children with her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips: Peter Phillips and Zara TindallThe Princess Royal (Princess Anne) was the Queen's second child and only daughter. She is married to Vice Adm Timothy Laurence. She has two children with her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips: Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall
The Earl of Wessex (Prince Edward) was the Queen's youngest child. He is married to the Countess of Wessex (Sophie Rhys-Jones). They have two children: Louise and James Mountbatten-WindsorThe Earl of Wessex (Prince Edward) was the Queen's youngest child. He is married to the Countess of Wessex (Sophie Rhys-Jones). They have two children: Louise and James Mountbatten-Windsor
The Duke of York (Prince Andrew) was the Queen's second son. He has two daughters with his former wife, the Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson): Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Prince Andrew stepped down as a "working Royal" in 2019 after a controversial Newsnight interview about allegations that he had sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre. In February 2022, he paid an undisclosed sum to settle the civil sexual assault case Ms Guiffre brought against him in the USThe Duke of York (Prince Andrew) was the Queen's second son. He has two daughters with his former wife, the Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson): Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Prince Andrew stepped down as a "working Royal" in 2019 after a controversial Newsnight interview about allegations that he had sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre. In February 2022, he paid an undisclosed sum to settle the civil sexual assault case Ms Guiffre brought against him in the US
The Duke of Sussex (Prince Harry) is William's younger brother. He is married to the Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle). They have two children: Archie and Lilibet. In 2020, they announced they were stepping back as senior royalsThe Duke of Sussex (Prince Harry) is William's younger brother. He is married to the Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle). They have two children: Archie and Lilibet. In 2020, they announced they were stepping back as senior royals
What are Harry and Meghan doing now?
After stepping down as working members of the royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex can no longer call themselves HRH (His/Her Royal Highness), or carry out official duties.
The Duke of Sussex also gave up his official military titles.
Harry and Meghan were married in May 2018
Since June 2020, they have not received any money from Royal sources. Until then, they had been funded through the Sovereign Grant and the Prince's of Wales' estate, the Duchy of Cornwall.
They have a media company called Archewell Productions, which is making a range of programmes for Netflix, an arrangement thought to be worth tens of millions of dollars.
Archewell also makes podcasts for Spotify.
The couple returned to the UK for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June 2020 and the Queen's funeral in September 2020. They may also return to attend the King's coronation.
Where do Harry and Meghan get their money?
How does succession work?How does succession work?
The order of succession sets out which member of the Royal Family takes over as monarch when the existing one dies or abdicates. First in line - the heir to the throne - is the monarch's eldest child.The order of succession sets out which member of the Royal Family takes over as monarch when the existing one dies or abdicates. First in line - the heir to the throne - is the monarch's eldest child.
Royal succession rules were amended in 2013 to ensure that sons no longer take precedence over their older sisters.Royal succession rules were amended in 2013 to ensure that sons no longer take precedence over their older sisters.
As Queen Elizabeth's first-born child, Charles became King on his mother's death and his wife, Camilla, became Queen Consort.As Queen Elizabeth's first-born child, Charles became King on his mother's death and his wife, Camilla, became Queen Consort.
King Charles's heir is his elder son, Prince William.King Charles's heir is his elder son, Prince William.
Prince William's eldest child Prince George is second in line to the throne, and his daughter Princess Charlotte is third. Prince William's eldest child Prince George is second in line to the throne, and his daughter Princess Charlotte is third. Prince Louis is fourth and Prince Harry is fifth.
Royal Family tree and line of successionRoyal Family tree and line of succession
Where do the Royal Family live?Where do the Royal Family live?
King Charles and the Queen Consort live in Buckingham Palace. They previously split their time between Clarence House in London and Highgrove in Gloucestershire.King Charles and the Queen Consort live in Buckingham Palace. They previously split their time between Clarence House in London and Highgrove in Gloucestershire.
Other Royal residences include Windsor Castle, Sandringham in Norfolk, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, and Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire.Other Royal residences include Windsor Castle, Sandringham in Norfolk, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, and Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire.
In August 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales moved from Kensington Palace in west London to live in Adelaide Cottage, on the Windsor Estate.In August 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales moved from Kensington Palace in west London to live in Adelaide Cottage, on the Windsor Estate.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live in California.
The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children on their first day at Lambrook School in Berkshire.The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children on their first day at Lambrook School in Berkshire.