The Proclamation was read out to the people to herald the beginning of the new King's reign.
We, the people of the Civil Parish of Silk Willoughby are united together during this period of National Mourning following the passing of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September 2022. Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe, as we remember with affection and gratitude, the lifetime of service given by our longest reigning Monarch.
However, the basis on which our monarchy is built, has ensured that through the centuries, the Crown has passed in an unbroken line of succession. The Accession Council met in the State Apartments of St. James’s Palace, London, to proclaim our new Sovereign in London on 10th September 2022. This marks the formal Proclamation to the people of the United Kingdom, of the beginning of our new King’s reign. The Proclamation was read by Garter King of Arms, accompanied by the Earl Marshal, other Officers of Arms and the Sergeant’s at Arms.
The flags which had flown at half-mast since The Queen’s death were raised briefly to their full height to mark the start of His Majesty King Charles III’s reign.
The Accession Council also made an Order requiring High Sheriffs to cause the
Proclamation to be read in the areas of their jurisdiction. The proclamation of the new Sovereign is a very old tradition which can be traced back over many centuries. The ceremony does not create a new King. It is simply an 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.
This is one of the first occasions when communities have an opportunity to come together and reflect on this moment in our nation’s history, when the reign of our longest-serving Monarch came to an end and our new Sovereign succeeded.
The Chairmen of the Districts and Boroughs within each County are presented with copies of the proclamation, so that they may read the Proclamation to the people. In North Kesteven District this was undertaken by the Vice Chairman of North Kesteven District Council at The Council Buildings on Sunday 11th September 2022.
During the Proclamation the Union Flag was raised to Full Mast and following the ceremony it will be flown at half-mast until 8.00 a.m. on the day following the funeral.
At Civil Parish level, a copy of the proclamation will be displayed on noticeboards and websites with a copy placed within the minute book of the Parish Council.