PEOPLE of all ages turned out to witness Solihull’s official Proclamation of King Charles III which took place on the high street in the town centre.
In an attendance was representatives from the Police and Fire Service, Honorary Aldermen, councillors, MPs and other VIPs to witness the proclamation.
A Scottish piper ushered the parade of dignitaries into their places to hear Nick Page, Chef Executive of Solihull Council explain the significance of the ceremony and ask the Mayor to read the Proclamation.
The Accession Proclamation was read by the Mayor of Solihull, Coun Ken Meeson, who paid tribute to The Late Queen Elizabeth II.
He said: “On Sunday I had the privilege of performing a historic duty, although it was one I had not wished for.
“The proclamation of the new Sovereign is a very old tradition traced back over many centuries, it doesn’t create a new King, it is simply an announcement of the accession which took place immediately on the death of the Queen.
“In our age with internet and communications I know this wasn’t how people found out about Charles III becoming our new sovereign. However, it allowed hundreds of Silhillians and dignitaries 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.
“I know my sadness at this time is shared by people across the borough, the country and the globe, as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest-reigning Monarch, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
“But as our long tradition insists when one reign comes to an end, so begins the next immediately and we welcome our new King, Charles III.”
After the Proclamation, the crowd hailed ‘God Save The King’ and those in attendance sang the National Anthem to conclude the ceremony.
Three cheers were also given to the new monarch.
