Thousands turned out to witness County and City Proclamation of King Charles III
After the sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen on Thursday afternoon (8 September) the Proclamation of King Charles III was made at 11am on Saturday (10 September) at St. James’s Palace and then again at the Royal Exchange, in the City of London at 12noon.
Yesterday, (Sunday 11 September), the Proclamation was made in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast before being cascaded to County, City, Borough and Parish levels.
The High Sheriff of Cumbria, Mr Alan McViety made the County Proclamation outside The Courts, on English Street in Carlisle shortly after 12noon on Sunday, where thousands of people attended to watch.
Cadets from various Armed Forces, Scouts, Guides and Fire and Rescue Service smartly turned out and lined the route of the County Proclamation.
This historic moment outside The Courts (the gates to the city) replicated the last Proclamation on 8 February 1952 where the then High Sheriff of Cumberland, Col. Tim Fetherstonhaugh proclaimed the accession of Queen Elizabeth II.
Following a verse of the national anthem, three cheers to His Majesty The King and a brass band fanfare, the 100+ group of dignitaries, led by HM Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Claire Hensman, High Sheriff, Mr Alan McViety and the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Mike Mitchelson, processed to the Old Town Hall where the Carlisle City Proclamation was made by the City Mayor from the Old Town Hall steps. More than 5,000 people gathered to watch the occasion.
Chair of Cumbria County Council, Cllr Andy Connell said: “Hearing the proclamation of our new King Charles III read by the High Sheriff of Cumbria is a moment that I will never forget. I’d like to pass on my thanks to everyone who came out to witness the Proclamation, not just in Carlisle but around the county, as well as to those who worked so hard to organise the events.”
Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Mike Mitchelson added: “I felt privileged to read the proclamation for the City of Carlisle and was delighted that more than 5,000 people attended and witnessed this moment of history. It was proud day for the city and was made possible by the multi-agencies working together to ensure the occasion was a day to remember.”
Books of condolence are situated in key community buildings around the county. A list of locations can be found on Cumbria County Council’s website. Condolence can also be left online on the Buckingham Palace e-book, which can be found at www.royal.uk
Flowers can be left outside the East Window in Carlisle Cathedral as well as churches and near monuments in local areas, but please where possible remove cellophane wrappers.
A National Moment of Reflection will be held on Sunday at 8pm to mourn and reflect the life and legacy of The Queen. This will be a one-minute silence and people are encouraged to mark this moment of reflection privately at home or with friends and neighbours, out on your doorstep or street with neighbours, or at a locally arranged community event and vigil.
Crowds gathered to watch the County Proclamation outside The Courts
Royal Air Force cadets lining the County procession route
High Sheriff of Cumbria reading the County Proclamation
Crowds gathered in Carlisle City Centre to watch the City Proclamation
Mayor of Carlisle reading the City Proclamation
Stuart Walker photography