NEARLY 1,000 people attended Coventry’s official reading of the Accession Proclamation earlier today.
The proclamation was read by Coventry Lord Mayor Coun Kevin Maton on the steps of the Council House earlier today after a short introductory address.
Following the proclamation reading, ‘God Save the King’ was uttered three times, first by the Lord Mayor, then by official guests and finally, everyone in attendance joined in.
The entire crowd then sang the new National Anthem for the first time before the Lord Mayor called for three cheers in honour of King Charles III.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, the Proclamation formally announces the start of the reign of the new Monarch.
It was first made at a meeting of the Privy Council yesterday, followed by a reading at St James’ Palace and afterwards in London.
Local proclamations have been read today across the country.
The Union Flag outside the Council House was raised for the national proclamation but lowered again to half-mast following the Lord Mayor’s reading today.
Coun Kevin Maton said: “I think that the enormity of this occasion is only just beginning to dawn on us.
“I think everyone here today will look back at this and feel that they were part of something historic.
“Watching the reaction of Queen Elizabeth’s children following her loss has been emotional and Coventry has really wanted to pay tribute to Her Majesty and we will continue to do so in the coming weeks.
“The new King has a lot of responsibilities, the world has changed such a lot over the last 70 years so it’s an interesting time.”
People can pay their tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II by laying flowers at the altar end of the Cathedral Ruins.
Books of Condolence are available at the Council House and Cathedral, and a virtual book, which has had nearly 250 contributions so far, is available on the Coventry City Council website.
