New British Prime Minister Theresa May vowed Wednesday to steer her country through the uncertainty and turbulence of its split from the European Union, declaring, “Because we are Great Britain, we will rise to the challenge.”

But there were few illusions about the size of the task confronting May as she seeks to navigate a complex new relationship with continental Europe and foster unity in a society whose deep rifts were laid bare by last month’s “Brexit” referendum.

It was a day of the pomp-filled choreography that characterizes both solemn and joyous British formal events — and one punctuated by moments of unguarded emotion, especially on the part of departing leader David Cameron. May also quickly got down to business, naming some key members of her new Cabinet — including prominent “Leave” campaigner and former London Mayor Boris Johnson as the new foreign secretary.