A large crowd gathered in the September sunshine today at Eastbourne Town Hall to hear the official proclamation of King Charles III.
The road was closed as residents gathered at barriers in front of the town hall steps to hear the mayor read the proclamation.
Councillor Pat Rodohan read the formal proclamation before pronouncing ‘God Save the King’, which the gathered crowd repeated twice.
The Eastbourne Silver Band, above, which had been playing as people gathered, played the National Anthem – sung with the new, still unfamiliar, replacement words – before there were three cheers for His Majesty The King.
The proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III was first read on Saturday at Friary Court, St James’s Palace in London, following an historic meeting of the Accession Council.
It was read in towns and cities across the country today:
“Whereas it has pleased almighty God to call to his mercy our late Sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth II of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.
“We, therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm, and members of the House of Commons, together with other members of Her late Majesty’s Privy Council, and representatives of the realms and territories, aldermen, and citizens of London and others, do now hereby, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now, by the death of our late Sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege lord, Charles III, by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and of his other realms and territories, King, head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching God, by whom kings and queens do reign, to bless His Majesty with long and happy years to reign over us.”
In the age of instant communications, it was an event echoing how news was spread for many centuries, read out by a man in full ceremonial regalia on the steps of a town hall.
Some onlookers shared their reasons for attending.
Christine Buss, 71, who lives in Meads, said: “I just feel it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event, for me anyway. It’s something I won’t see happen again.”
Stephen, 47, who did not want to give his full name, said he wanted to share in the experience. “Going to your local town to see the proclamation goes to the core of the community. It does not feel remote if you are here.”
Author Catherine Butcher was also waiting in the sunshine for the proclamation to be read.
She had given radio interviews earlier in the day about the book she co-wrote with Mark Greene about the Queen’s Christian Faith.
‘The Servant Queen and the King She Serves’ has a foreword written by the Queen herself.
Catherine said: “I just wanted to be part of history. The Queen was a reconcilor and it is important to be with the community at a momentous point in our history like this.”
The crowds dispersed quickly and quietly after the brief ceremony, along with Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell and other dignitaries who had been present.
Many took the time to lay flowers by the town hall wall and read cards of those already arranged in the space for tributes.
I went in my mobility scooter and a very kind gentleman asked me whether I would like to be closer. I of course said yes -and he managed to guide me to probably the very best viewing point directly opposite the Town Hall steps.
It was a wonderful and extremely moving experience. Thanks so much to the man who helped me. What a great kindness!