WHITCHURCH joined the rest of the country and Commonwealth in delivering the Proclamation of the new King, following the passing of the Queen.
Crowds gathered outside St Alkmund's Church in Church Street on Sunday, September 11 at 4pm to watch the mayor of Whitchurch, Councillor Andy Hall, officially deliver the Proclamation of King Charles III.
Cllr Hall was joined by the Reverend Judy Hunt and the deputy lord lieutenant of Shropshire, Tullis Matson.
The mayor of Whitchurch paid tribute to Her Majesty for her service to the country during her 70 years on the throne.
He said: "We come together to the mourn the passing of our most Sovereign Queen II.
"Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe as we remember with affection and gratitude the life time of service by our longest reigning monarch.
"But the base on which our monarchy is built has ensured that through the centuries that the Crown has passed in a line of succession.
"Today's ceremony marks the formal Proclamation for the town of Whitchurch, Shropshire, the beginning of the new King's reign.
"Yesterday, the Accession Council met at St James' Palace to declare our new Sovereign.
"The flags have flown at half mast since the Queen's death and raised briefly to their full height to mark the start of His Majesty's reign."
Reverend Judy Hunt read a prayer for the new King.
She said: "Lord God, you provide for your people by your power and rule over them in love.
"Grant to your servant, our King, Charles III, the spirit of wisdom and discernment.
"That being devoted to you with his whole heart, he may so wisely govern.
"That in his time, we may live in safety and in peace."
The town clerk of Whitchurch Town Council, Mike McDonald thanked the town and those who took part.
He said: "Thank you Whitchurch.
"The mayor of Whitchurch, Cllr Andy Hall, delivered the Proclamation of King Charles III at St Alkmund’s Church at 4pm today, having received the official scroll from the High Sheriff of Shropshire at a ceremony earlier today.
"Andy was joined by Reverend Judy Hunt, who provided prayers of reflection and thanksgiving, and the deputy lord lieutenant, Tullis Matson.
"Thank you, too, to local Royal British Legion standard bearer, Jay Taylor for adding to the formality of the occasion."
Queen Elizabeth II's funeral will be held on Monday, September 19.
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