The Accession Council

A new Sovereign succeeds to the throne as soon as his or her predecessor dies; and is proclaimed as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours) at an Accession Council held at St James’s Palace.

The purpose of an Accession Council is to make formal Proclamation of the death of the Monarch and the accession of the successor to the throne. It should be held before Parliament meets, and Parliament should meet as soon as practicable after the death.

The Privy Council Office is responsible for the planning and delivery of an Accession Council.

Accession Councils, which are presided over by the Lord President of the Council, are divided into two parts:

Part I

Formed of certain Privy Counsellors, Great Officers of State, the Lord Mayor and High Sheriffs of the City of London, Realm High Commissioners, some senior civil servants and certain others invited to attend, and is held (without the Sovereign) to formally announce the death of the Monarch and proclaim the succession of the new Sovereign and to make certain consequential Orders of Council mainly relating to the Accession Proclamation.

Part II

The holding by The Sovereign of his or her first Council, which is attended by Privy Counsellors only.