A CEREMONY to proclaim the new King has taken place in Droitwich.
The event came after communities up and down the country took part in the historic moment to mark the change of monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
In Droitwich, a ceremony was held at 4.30pm on Sunday, September 11, in the garden outside St Richard’s House.
Hundreds of people came together to hear the town’s mayor, councillor George Duffy, read the proclamation.
Speaking afterwards, he said: “An absolutely incredible honour to mark this historic day of both great excitement for what lays ahead as well as sorrow of an era passed.
“A difficult time made easier by the support of all those there with us today and throughout the town.”
Richard Morris, county councillor representing Droitwich, added: "It was a poignant and most historic moment in our lives, we have lost and mourn a dedicated honourable lady who has been the only monarch I and many of us have known, a constant inspiration on public service who will be very sadly missed and a very tough act to follow.
"The change is monumental and we pledge our support to our new King, God save the King!’
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Residents have been able to pay their respects to the late Queen by signing a book of condolence, located at St Richard’s House.
Well-wishers are also able to leave floral tributes in the garden.
Speaking after the announcement of Her Majesty’s death, councillor Duffy said: “Through 70 years of her service to our country and commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II gave us inspiration with her public duties and a reign of stability seen by nowhere else in the world. For this, we will be ever grateful.
“The loss of a loved one is a terribly difficult time but can feel much heavier when it touches the hearts and lives of so many around the world.
“The loss of Queen Elizabeth will be felt by so many but none more than her family so our thoughts are with the Royal Family whilst they grieve and hold together not only their family but also the monarchy, one of the great fabrics and legacies, of our great country.
“As we come together to mourn, we must stay together in offering our support by mourning with the Royal Family and our respect by celebrating the life and service of Queen Elizabeth.”
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Before the ceremony in Droitwich, chair of Wychavon District Council, councillor Alex Sinton, read out the proclamation in Pershore.
Before reading it, he said: "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.
"Today, however, is one of the first occasions when communities have an opportunity 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."
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