Bishop's Stortford's mayor delivers Proclamation of the Accession at Castle Gardens
Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and the community came together on Sunday to hear the mayor declare the Proclamation of the Accession at Castle Gardens.
Young and old stood together solemnly at 3.30pm as Cllr Dave Anderson, wearing his chain of office, addressed the crowd from a lectern in front of the war memorial.
His speech marked the official accession of King Charles III – official recognition of the new sovereign taking the throne upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday September 8. The 96-year-old’s reign of 70 years and 214 days was the longest of any British monarch.
Cllr Anderson’s speech ended with the singing of the National Anthem and three cheers for the new king.
The open-air ceremony followed earlier gatherings of civic leaders in Hertford on Sunday for two ceremonies to hear the proclamation.
At 1pm, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Sally Burton, the county’s Lord Lieutenant Robert Voss and MPs including Hertford and Stortford’s Julie Marson joined county councillors in the chamber at County Hall.
Then East Herts Council chairman Cllr Ian Devonshire read the proclamation in the district council's chamber at Wallfields in Hertford, witnessed by dignitaries, faith leaders and councillors.
The new monarch praised his mother’s "unequalled reign" after being proclaimed as King Charles III at a ceremony at St James's Palace, London, on Saturday.
He also approved the day of the Queen's funeral, Monday September 19, as a bank holiday.
Books of condolence can be signed in Bishop's Stortford at the Tourist Information Centre in Market Square, the town council offices in Windhill and the library in the Causeway.