A proclamation ceremony has taken place on the forecourt of Parliament, officially acknowledging Charles III as New Zealand's new King.
The late Queen Elizabeth II will lie in state for four days before the funeral, which will be held at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19. The public will be allowed to view the coffin during this time.
During the week leading up to the funeral, Britain's new Prime Minister Liz Truss will accompany King Charles on a tour of the UK to lead days of national mourning for his mother, Queen Elizabeth.
1:50pm - We are ending our live updates here. Newshub Live at 6pm will have full coverage of the day's events.
1:35pm - Australia has also proclaimed King Charles III as its new Head of State.
Governor-General David Hurley said Queen Elizabeth II set an example of "selfless service, devotion to duty and compassion for others" and her son would take up that "weighty responsibility".
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also thanked the Queen.
"In Queen Elizabeth’s own words, that grief is the price we pay for love, is I think a fitting statement on how so many Australians are feeling at this time.
"Today, we mark formally the new head of state in King Charles III and the proclamation – the first in my lifetime and the first in a majority of Australian’s lifetime - is an historic event."
1:20pm - Footage of the moment King Charles III got angry at a pen tray has gone viral with some saying it was a "priceless moment" which was the "highlight" of the day.
After formally being proclaimed as King following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III held his first Privy Council meeting, where he sat to sign official declarations.
In the video, Charles can be seen signing one document before moving on to the next one.
It's at this moment, he realises he doesn't have enough space on the table to sign the second document.
1pm - That marks an end to Newshub's special coverage. Flags on public buildings will remain at full mast until 5pm on Sunday, when they will return to half-mast for the rest of the mourning period.
12:50pm - The NZDF 21 gun-salute is now happening on the Wellington waterfront. A gun salute is also being fired at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland.
12:45pm - The proclamation is now being read publicly. It was earlier signed by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro. She said it would be her honour to serve as King Charles' representative in New Zealand.
12:40pm - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is now speaking about the Queen's service to New Zealand and how King Charles has "demonstrated his deep care for our nation".
"As one chapter closes, another begins."
She is followed by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro.
12:35pm - The ceremony has begun with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro leading the formal party down the steps of Parliament.
You can watch it live above or on Three.
12:30pm - The ACT Party has released this statement:
"The ACT Party welcomes the formal accession of His Majesty King Charles III as head of state," says ACT Leader David Seymour.
"We acknowledge His Majesty for his fortitude and solidarity in what is a time of profound sorrow.
"I met His Majesty as the Prince of Wales when he visited New Zealand in 2015. I was struck by his presence and attention to detail, he had been briefed on each guest and had something to say to them. I believe his charm and sincerity will make him a very good King for New Zealand and the Commonwealth.
"As the world mourns the loss of a true leader and matriarch, it is comforting to hear His Majesty speak of his desire to continue in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II and dedicate himself to selfless and tireless public service.
"Her Majesty will be remembered fondly by New Zealanders and all in the commonwealth. We have been fortunate to experience a long period of stability under Queen Elizabeth II's leadership and are confident this will continue under the new leadership of His Majesty King Charles III.
"God save the King."
12:20pm - Invited guests, all in black, are gathering on the forecourt of Parliament. The formal Proclamation Ceremony will begin at 12:30pm, when King Charles III is publicly proclaimed New Zealand's Head of State. Members of the public are able to attend on the lawn of Parliament.
12:10pm - The Governor-General has signed an Order in Council proclaiming King Charles III as New Zealand's Head of State. Dame Cindy Kiro made a few remarks prior to her signing, when she said she didn't think such a historic moment would happen during her tenure.
The proclamation will be read publicly at 12:30pm.
12pm - The Governor-General and the Executive Council are currently meeting ahead of the Proclamation Ceremony. The Executive Council is made up of all ministers and it advises the Governor-General on Orders in Council.
11:55am - A Newshub special will begin at 12pm covering the Proclamation Ceremony at Parliament. We've placed a stream of this above in the video component, or you can watch on Three.
11:45am - Luxon says the Queen has a "great legacy of public service" and one that New Zealanders can follow.
He says it is a difficult time, as on one hand we are mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, but we're also celebrating a new King. He expects Charles III to follow in the steps of the Queen.
On Tuesday, political leaders will speak about the Queen and the new King.
11:40am - Christopher Luxon, Leader of the Opposition, has signed the book of condolence at Parliament ahead of the Proclamation Ceremony at 12:30pm.
11:35am - With regards to a public holiday in New Zealand to mourn the Queen's death, the Prime Minister's Office says "no decisions have been made".
11:30am - In case you missed it, Prince William has released a touching and emotional tribute to his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday (local time).
The newly-appointed Prince of Wales took to Instagram to share his grief after the death of Queen Elizabeth.
"On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign," the Prince of Wales wrote.
11:15am - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced there will be a public holiday in Australia to mourn the Queen. No such holiday has been announced in New Zealand.
11:05am - Australia will also be proclaiming Charles III as King on Sunday. The country's Governor-General David Hurley will make a statement at a special meeting of the Federal Executive Council at 11am AUS time. There is also a public event planned in Sydney.
10:50am - Kate, the Princess of Wales, has revealed what her youngest son, Prince Louis, has said about the Queen's death.
"Louis said at least Grannie is with great grandpa now."
The Daily Mail reports Kate as telling this to a group of children during a walkabout outside Windsor Castle on Sunday morning (NZT). The Princess of Wales was reportedly "welling up" as she spoke to the children.
10:35am - We've just received this statement from the New Zealand Defence Force about personnel heading to the UK to take part in mourning events:
A contingent from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is set to embark on travel to the United Kingdom this week to pay tribute to the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
More than 30 personnel from the Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Air Force and Defence civilians will begin to leave New Zealand today on civilian flights.
The Queen had a special relationship with the NZDF. As head of state, Her Majesty was the head of the NZDF and its three Services, Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Some of the personnel selected to attend are drawn from the units and are reflective of the military appointments that were held by the Queen which include:
- Captain-General of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery (1953);
Captain-General of the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps (1953);
Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers (1953);
Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1964); and
Air-Commodore-in-Chief of the Territorial Air Force of New Zealand (1954)
The contingent's role will be to march in the funeral procession with UK Armed Forces and those of other Commonwealth countries who have significant links to the late Queen. This will require several days of in-country preparation and rehearsals before the funeral.
Deputy Contingent Commander Lieutenant Colonel Edward Craw said while the occasion was sombre, the contingent were looking forward to being able to pay their respects.
"The Queen's Colours of the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and those of the regiments of the New Zealand Army, have been a very tangible and public statement of our relationship with the Her Majesty," he said.
"We are honoured to take part in official events and to reflect the long standing and significant relationship between HM Queen Elizabeth II and New Zealand, the NZDF and her constituent Services, Regiments and Corps."
The contingent will return to New Zealand later this month following the end of formal mourning activities.
10:30am - It is now night time in the United Kingdom. According to the BBC, on Sunday UK Time, the Queen will be transported in her oak coffin from Balmoral Castle to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh.
This journey will take about six hours at low speed with thousands expects to line the roads. Her coffin will lie within the Palace of Holyroodhouse before a procession to St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh the following day. People will be allowed in to pay their respects.
On Tuesday (UK Time), her coffin will be flown to Buckingham Palace in England.
10:15am - Following the proclamation ceremony, the New Zealand Defence Force will conduct two 21-gun salutes.
"The New Zealand Army’s 16 Field Regiment will fire a salute from Point Jerningham in Wellington on the Proclamation of Accession being made at Parliament. In accordance with naval tradition, a gun salute will also be fired at the same time from Devonport Naval Base," the NZDF says.
9:53am - A ceremony will be held at Parliament on Sunday to proclaim the new Sovereign as King Charles III of New Zealand.
Before the ceremony, cabinet will convene beforehand for a special meeting, along with a meeting of the Executive Council, which includes the Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro.
Here is the statement from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage:
A ceremony will be held at Parliament tomorrow [Sunday] to proclaim the new Sovereign as King Charles III of New Zealand.
To mark His Majesty’s accession to the throne, the New Zealand Flag is to be flown at full mast on Proclamation Day from 8am to 5pm Sunday 11 September on all Government and public buildings. This instruction applies to all Government departments, buildings and naval vessels which have flag poles and normally fly the New Zealand Flag.
Proclamation Day is the day in which we celebrate the accession of King Charles III as Sovereign of New Zealand. To recognise the national and constitutional significance of this milestone, the New Zealand Flag will fly at full mast for the duration of Proclamation Day.
The New Zealand Flag is flown at full mast on days of national commemoration, that are of particular importance and significance to us as a nation. Other days on which Government buildings are also required to fly the New Zealand Flag at full mast are; Waitangi Day, Commonwealth Day, Anzac Day and Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki/Matariki Observance Day.
The New Zealand Flag must be hoisted from half-mast to full mast at 8am on Sunday 11 September.
At 5pm on Proclamation Day (Sunday 11 September 2022), t he New Zealand Flag should be returned to its half-mast position and continue to be flown at half-mast up to and including the day of the State Memorial Service in New Zealand of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
You can watch the proclamation of King Charles here and on Three.
9:22am - Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated King Charles after he was formally proclaimed as King, following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
"Please accept my sincere congratulations on Your Accession to the throne," the statement from Putin read.
"The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom are inextricably linked with the name of Her Majesty. For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as stature in the international arena.
"I wish Your Majesty success, good health and all the best," it added.
9:12am - Details of the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II have been confirmed overnight by royal officials.
The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19th September (UK Time).
Elizabeth's oak coffin, covered with a wreath of flowers on top has been lying in the ballroom of Balmoral Castle.
On Sunday, the coffin will be driven by hearse through remote highland villages to Scotland's capital, Edinburgh.
The coffin will then be flown to London on Tuesday where it will remain at Buckingham Palace before being taken to Westminster Hall to lie in state until the funeral at Westminster Abbey at 11am on September 19.
Read more here.
8:50am - Britain's new Prime Minister Liz Truss will accompany King Charles on a tour of the UK's four nations to lead days of national mourning for his mother, Queen Elizabeth, her spokesman said on Saturday.
Truss, who was appointed prime minister by Elizabeth on Tuesday in her last public act, was one of several senior lawmakers who swore a new oath of allegiance to the new king in a special session in parliament earlier on Saturday following the queen's death.
She was also present, along with six former prime ministers, senior bishops and several politicians, when Charles, 73, was officially proclaimed Britain's new king in a colourful ceremony laden with pageantry and tradition.
She later met Charles along with other senior ministers at Buckingham Palace.
"In terms of the prime minister's involvement, she will join the king as he leads the national mourning across the United Kingdom, attending services of reflection in Scotland on Monday afternoon, in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, and Wales on Friday," the spokesman told reporters.
Reuters
8:40am - Prince William has issued an emotional and heartfelt tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The newly-appointed Prince of Wales took to Instagram to share his grief following the death of Queen Elizabeth who died aged 96 at her home in Balmoral, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday (local time).
"She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real," the Prince of Wales wrote on Instagram.
William added he will honour the Queen's memory by helping King Charles "in every way I can".
"My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen. I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can."
Read the full story here.
8:12am - William and Harry's walkabout echoed the touching scenes 25 years ago when the princess walked among flowers laid for their mother Diana, who died in car crash in Paris.
Diana was 36 when she died in 1997 and the country then, as it has now, went into a period of mourning. It was reported at time around 60 million floral tributes were placed at various sites around the UK.
The Royal Family and particularly the Queen came under heavy criticism at the time for not officially acknowledging the death of the former Princess of Wales.
But five days after she died the Royal Family, including a very young William and Harry walked through the gates of Buckingham Palace and viewed the thousands of floral tributes left outside the royal residence.
Almost 25 years later to the day the two Princess, along with their wives Kate and Meghan greeted crowds and viewed the tributes left to their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II who died at Balmoral Castle on Friday NZ time.
8:07am - King Charles III was formally proclaimed as King on Saturday night (NZ time) following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
Charles is the 41st monarch in a line that traces its origins to the Norman King William the Conqueror who captured the English throne in 1066. Saturday's events reflected proclamations announcing new kings and queens that date back hundreds of years.
It was the first proclamation of a monarch to be televised. And for most Britons, it was the first such event in their lifetime as Elizabeth was the only monarch they have ever known. Charles himself was just three when she became queen in 1952.
Britain has declared a period of mourning until the state funeral for Elizabeth, which will be a public holiday.
Leaders from around the world are expected in London for the funeral, including US President Joe Biden, who said on Friday he would attend.
Charles' coronation as king will take place at a later date - and the timing for that is not yet clear. There was a 16-month gap between Elizabeth becoming queen and her coronation in 1953.
Elizabeth, who was the world's oldest and longest-serving head of state, came to the throne following the death of her father King George VI on Feb. 6, 1952, when she was just 25.
Over the decades she witnessed a seismic change in the social, political and economic structure of her nation. She won praise for modernising the monarchy during her long reign, despite intense media scrutiny and the often highly public travails of her family.
"My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love," Prince William, Charles's eldest son and now the heir, said in a statement. "All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary queen."
Reuters
8am - Reaction is pouring in online after Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle joined Prince William and Princess Catherine, to pay their respects outside Windsor Castle on Saturday afternoon (local time).
The two couples emerged from the same car, all wearing black, outside the castle and went on a 40-minute walkabout looking at a sea of floral tributes laid outside the gates of the royal estate in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
One well-wisher said Catherine had "welled up" as she told children that her youngest son Louis - who stole the hearts of the nation during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations - consoled her by telling her: "At least Grannie is with great grandpa now", according to the Daily Mail.
Another fan told the Daily Mail "it's lovely to see them both together. Maybe they can get back to a proper relationship".
"Lovely ripple went through the crowd as they approached. Hopefully the healing between Harry and his brother can start now. I'm just so excited to have seen them both together. It's lovely," the royal fan said.
Another fan said they "couldn't believe it" when the gates opened and they saw William and Harry together walking down from Windsor Castle.
Another fan added, "it might have been the Queen's wish."
On social media one person said, "they look so happy together" while another added: "The Queen would have loved this".
7:40am - Incredible photos and videos are emerging on Sunday morning of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle joining Prince William and Princess Catherine in paying their respects outside Windsor Castle.
The two couples were greeted by a large crowd who applauded and cheered them once they emerged from the same car.
This was the first public appearance the royal couples have made together since the passing of the Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.
A Kensington Palace source said Prince William invited the Sussexes to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier on Saturday, according to the Daily Mail.
The two couples talked to members of the large crowd with William handed a Paddington Bear toy while Kate and Meghan were both given flowers by members of the crowd.
This outing has sparked comparisons to the photo of William and Harry gathering outside Kensington Palace on September 5, 1997 after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
The pair looked at flowers and messages left by well-wishers outside Kensington Palace.
