KING Charles III was officially proclaimed by Tameside’s Civic Mayor, Cllr Mike Glover, in a ceremony at Dukinfield Town Hall.
Councillors, MP Jonathan Reynolds, aldermen and women, senior officers in the emergency and health services and other dignitaries – including – gathered around ten steps of the historic building for the occasion on Sunday, September 11.
Dozens of members of the public also attended, with many more watching online, as Cllr Glover made the proclamation.
He said: “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 Tameside, 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’ Palace this 10th day of September in the year of Our Lord 2022.
“God save the King.”
Three cheers for the new monarch and a singing of national anthem followed as the area, like the rest of the country, mourned the loss.
Cllr Glover added: “After 70 years of selfless dedication to our country and the Commonwealth, I’m deeply saddened by the death of our Queen.
“As most of us, including myself, have never known a time without her, it seems scarcely credible she has left us.
“The sense of loss is personal. Although the Queen was head of state, she was such a constant presence in our lives that we all felt we knew her. That makes it so difficult to say goodbye.
“On her 21st birthday, in 1947, the Queen made a public promise saying, ‘I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.’
“Her life was very long, but over the following years she fulfilled that vow in every way.
“Queen Elizabeth II was a truly remarkable woman. Even in her nineties she carried out her duties with a selfless devotion that was an inspiration to us all.
“At this very sad time I would like to extend my sympathies to the Royal Family on behalf of the people of Tameside. We mourn with them and share their grief.
“I am honoured to be leading the proclamation in Tameside and we pledge our support and loyalty to our new King as he assumes the duties so nobly carried out by his late mother.”
Two minutes’ silence will take place at 11am outside Dukinfield Town Hall on the day of the funeral, Monday, September 19.