The County Proclamation of King Charles III. The High Sheriff of Cumbria Alan McViety reads the proclamation to assembled dignitaries and members of the public outside the Courts in English Street, Carlisle. The crowds of people in English Street. Picture: Stuart Walker Photography 2022
Proclamations have been made across the county to mark King Charles III’s accession to the throne.
The historic day began when the High Sheriff of Cumbria, Alan McViety, made the proclamation outside The Courts, on English Street in Carlisle just after noon.
The High Sheriff of Cumbria Alan McViety reads the proclamation to assembled dignitaries and members of the public outside the Courts in English Street, Carlisle. Picture: Stuart Walker Photography 2022
Then, each of the districts made a proclamation at 12.30pm in Carlisle, Barrow, Workington, Whitehaven, Penrith and Kendal.
People sang God Save the King and gave three cheers for his majesty after the proclamations were read out by the area’s civic leaders.
Parade in Workington before the Proclamation
Brass bands played and flags, which had rose to full mast for the period of the Proclamation since it was first read in London yesterday, fell to half-mast again to honour the Queen.
In Carlisle. Picture: Stuart Walker Photography 2022
The Bishop of Carlisle and the Bishop of Penrith joined the dignitaries for the county and district Proclamations of King Charles III in Carlisle.
The Rt Rev James Newcome and the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh were in the city for the County Proclamation given by the High Sheriff.
Bishop James said: “Both Proclamations were very moving occasions. Whilst there have been rigorous plans and protocols in place for this sad occasion, it is still humbling to be a part of such a moment of history.
“I have been forcibly struck by the outpouring of love and affection for our Late Queen and also for her son King Charles III who has made such strong commitments to serve our nation, the Commonwealth and the Realms, all undergirded by his strong Christian faith.
“I continue to hold him and all the Royal Family in our prayers as we give thanks for the Queen’s wonderful life of service and commit to support our new Sovereign.”
The Lord Lieutenant for Cumbria Claire Hensman during the service at Carlisle Cathedral. Picture: Stuart Walker Photography 2022
A service at Carlisle Cathedral saw hundreds of people join the dignitaries to give thanks for the Queen’s life of service and to pray for the new King, Charles III.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Claire Hensman, gave a reading from St John’s Gospel and the cathedral choir sang a special anthem which was inspired by the speeches of the Queen.
Bishop Rob had been due to be officially welcomed and installed as the Suffragan Bishop of Penrith at a service in Carlisle Cathedral today at 3pm. This has been postponed to a date yet to be arranged.
He said: “Today’s Proclamations were sombre occasions yet an opportunity for people to publicly demonstrate their love for Her Majesty and pledge their support for our new King.
“I know that across our county people have come together in churches this morning to pray and give thanks for Her Majesty and to pray too for our new King, Charles III. This will have been replicated across our nation and my hope is that the new king and all his family are buoyed by this wave of prayer.
“As church communities we will continue to reach out to people offering spaces for prayer and reflection and the opportunity for people to leave their memories of our Late Queen in one of the many books of condolence which are available.”
Meanwhile special services of commemoration and thanksgiving were conducted today in churches across the county and a number of civic ceremonies are also planned for the coming days.
