Immediate Constitutional and Institutional Changes
When the British monarch dies, the Accession Council convenes at St James's Palace within 24 hours to formally proclaim the new sovereign. The Proclamation of Accession is published in the London Gazette, and the new monarch takes the Accession Oath before the Privy Council. The Lord Chamberlain traditionally breaks his staff of office over the coffin of the late monarch, symbolizing the end of the reign. The new sovereign is automatically head of state of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The Privy Council, the Cabinet, and the civil service continue to function under the new sovereign without interruption to government operations. The Bank of England, the Royal Mint, and the UK Parliament operate on a business-as-usual basis, with all legal instruments, currency, and official documents transitioning to bear the new monarch's name and portrait. The Royal Household and the Crown Estate continue to manage assets and revenues, with the Duchy of Lancaster and the Duchy of Cornwall transferring to the new sovereign or the heir. The line of succession follows the rules of the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, which removed male primogeniture and disqualification for marrying a Roman Catholic. The heir presumptive or heir apparent is immediately identified and begins receiving the King's or Queen's Consent for parliamentary matters. The Royal Collection Trust, Historic Royal Palaces, and the Crown's commercial arm continue to operate under the new sovereign's name. The change does not affect the legal personality of the Crown as a corporation sole, ensuring continuity in property ownership, contracts, and litigation. The new monarch issues Letters Patent to confirm the style, title, and regnal name, and the Royal Assent process for legislation continues without delay. The Accession Council also advises on the public proclamation and the national mourning period, which is typically observed for 12 days. The Privy Council orders the closure of stock exchanges and government offices for the state funeral, which is coordinated by the Earl Marshal. The Royal Mews, the Household Cavalry, and the Royal Air Force prepare the state funeral procession and flypast. The new sovereign holds a private audience with the Prime Minister and receives the briefing books, known as the "red boxes," from the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). The Bank of England updates its official communications, and the Royal Mint begins production of coins and banknotes bearing the new monarch's portrait. The change of sovereign does not alter the constitutional role of the monarch as the head of the Church of England, the Supreme Governor of the Church, and the Defender of the Faith. The Archbishop of Canterbury and the College of Bishops issue a statement of loyalty and continue to advise the sovereign on spiritual matters. The Royal Prerogative powers, including the dissolution of Parliament, the appointment of the Prime Minister, and the granting of royal assent, remain unchanged in their legal operation. The new sovereign continues to appoint the Prime Minister, who commands the confidence of the House of Commons, and the Privy Council continues to issue Orders in Council. The Crown's relationship with the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney General's Office, and the Crown Prosecution Service remains intact, with the monarch acting on the advice of ministers. The change does not affect the jurisdiction of the courts, the operation of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, or the judicial committee of the Privy Council. The new sovereign continues to appoint judges on the advice of the Lord Chancellor and the Judicial Appointments Commission. The Crown's immunity from prosecution and its role in the appointment of bishops and peers continue under the new reign. The Royal Assent to bills passed by Parliament is a formal function, and the new sovereign continues to grant assent in accordance with the Ministers of the Crown Act 1975. The change of sovereign does not affect the operation of the Human Rights Act 1998, the Scotland Act 1998, the Government of Wales Act 2006, or the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Crown's role in the