A GOOD crowd of people gathered in Crediton’s Town Square today, Monday, September 12, to hear the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Elizabeth Brookes-Hocking, make the official announcement of King Charles III, known formally as the Proclamation of the Accession of His Present Majesty.

The Order of Service for the outdoor ceremony began with a fanfare from Crediton Town Band and a welcome by the Town Crier, Kevin Payne.

This was followed by the Mayor’s Opening Address and then the Introduction of The Proclamation, followed by the Proclamation of the Accession.

At the end of the Proclamation the Mayor led “God Save The King” (first said by the Mayor, second by invited officials, then by all in attendance).

Following this Crediton Town Band led “The National Anthem”, which began “God save our gracious King!”

This was followed by Three Cheers for the King, led by the Mayor.

The ceremony then included a Statement of Thanks to all who attended “this solemn and historic ceremony today”.

Closing prayers were then led by the Rector, Rev Matthew Tregenza.

The Mayor’s closing statement was: “Please go in peace and be a comfort to each other at this sad time but please may I ask you to always remember that while Queen Elizabeth The Second is no longer with us she will live on in the hearts and minds of all of us present here today.

“Let us resolve to go forth from today’s ceremony inspired to live better lives following the tremendous example set by Her late Majesty.

“May we always strive to attain those values she held most dear and demonstrated so well.”

More than 150 people attended the ceremony including representatives from Crediton Police, members of the Royal British Legion, Mid Devon Scouts and local councillors.

DEEP SADNESS

The Mayor of Crediton, Councillor Liz Brookes-Hocking expressed her deep sadness on behalf of residents and offered sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and The Royal Family.

The national proclamation of the accession of King Charles III took place from 10am on Saturday, September 10 at St James’ Palace, London.

The Proclamation of the new Sovereign is a very old tradition which can be traced back over many centuries.

It is the announcement of the accession which took place immediately on the death of the reigning Monarch.

In an age where modern methods of communication convey news around the globe in an instant, the proclamation is no longer the means by which people learn for the first time that they have a new Monarch.

The Proclamation was one of the first occasions where the Crediton community had atheopportunity to come together and reflect on the moment in our nation’s history when the reign of our longest-serving Monarch came to an end and our new Sovereign succeeded.

DEVON PROCLAMATION

The Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, as His Majesty’s representative, held the official announcement of the new King at County Hall, Exeter, on Sunday, September 11.

The principle proclamation for Devon was read by the High Sheriff of Devon, Richard Youngman.

Mid Devon District Council held its Proclamation this morning, Monday, September 12.

There has been praise for the Mayor of Crediton on social media.

Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking earlier today attended the funeral of her late husband, Rod, at Crediton Parish Church.

One person said on social media: “The strength shown by the mayor to complete her official duties, under such difficult personal circumstances is a true testament of her character.

“A fitting ceremony in memory of our beloved Queen and in honour of our new King.”