The Passing of Queen Elizabeth II

As this country, along with the rest of the world, knows, our Lady Sovereign, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, known and loved by us all as Queen Elizabeth II, passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle on Thursday 8 September 2022. This led to the sort of protocol and ceremony at which this country excels.

She is succeeded by her son Charles Philip Arthur George who, up to that time, was known to us all as the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cornwall. And it was with dignified solemnity that he assumed the mantle of our monarch, King Charles III.

As the world watched, on Saturday 10 September, the Garter King of Arms read King Charles’ Accession Proclamation from the balcony at St James’ Palace. The protocol demanded that the same Accession Proclamation then be read in towns and cities throughout the United Kingdom.

This was done at various local times on Sunday 11 September. Mostly it was delivered by Lord Mayors, Chairmen of Councils and the like, but it was delivered in their local towns by just 9 Town Criers from all around the country, of which I was one.

I was, and am, proud to be afforded the honour and privilege of making this announcement as, without a doubt, were my 8 colleagues. We make an exclusive group within this truly once in a lifetime event. Or at least, once in our lifetime.

The text of the Proclamation was:

Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to His Mercy our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second 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 the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain 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.

Given at St. James’s Palace this tenth day of September in the year of Our Lord two thousand and twenty-two.

God save the King.

You can find the event and proclamation as it was held in Watton by clicking HERE