Upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the throne passed immediately and unceremoniously to the heir, Charles, the former Prince of Wales.
But there are a number of practical – and traditional – steps he must go through to be crowned King.
One of his first acts is to decide whether he will reign as King Charles III, or take another name.
For example, his grandfather George VI’s first name was Albert, but he reigned using one of his middle names.
Charles could choose from any of his four names – Charles Philip Arthur George. He is not the only one facing a title change.
Although he is heir to the throne, Prince William will not automatically become Prince of Wales.
However, he immediately inherits his father’s other title, Duke of Cornwall.
His wife Catherine will be known as the Duchess of Cornwall.
There will also be a new title for Charles’ wife, whose full title will be Queen Consort – consort being the term used for the monarch’s consort.
