In the United Kingdom, the Accession Council is a ceremonial body which assembles in St James's Palace in London upon the death of a monarch to make formal proclamation of the accession of the successor to the throne. Under the terms of the Act of Settlement 1701, a new monarch succeeds automatically. The proclamation confirms by name the identity of the new monarch, expresses loyalty to the "lawful and rightful Liege Lord", and formally announces the new monarch's regnal name, while the monarch and others, in front of the council, sign and seal several documents concerning the accession. An Accession Council has confirmed every English monarch since James I in 1603.
St James's Palace, London, where the Accession Council meets
The Proclamation Gallery overlooking Friary Court at St James's Palace, where the proclamation is traditionally first read.
The final public reading in London is on the steps of the Royal Exchange building.
St James's Palace is the most senior royal palace in London, the capital of the United Kingdom. The palace gives its name to the Court of St James's, which is the monarch's royal court, and is located in the City of Westminster in London. Although no longer the principal residence of the monarch, it is the ceremonial meeting place of the Accession Council, the office of the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, and the London residence of several members of the royal family.
The north gatehouse, main entrance of St James's Palace in Pall Mall
St James's Palace, left, and The Mall, 1715
Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert in the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, painting by George Hayter, 1842
The Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, showing the marriage of the future King George V (1893), by Laurits Tuxen. Royal Collection.