The Bishop of Carlisle is in London to support some of the arrangements around the Queen lying in state and the state funeral.
Eight years ago, the Rt Rev James Newcome was appointed Clerk of the Closet to the Royal Household and it is in this position that he will be involved over the comings days.
Yesterday, Bishop James attended Westminster Hall as King Charles III addressed Parliament, and later in the House of Lords he renewed his vows to the new sovereign.
Tomorrow, he will be among a delegation that receives the late Queen’s coffin at Westminster Hall prior to its lying in state for four days. He will also attend the state funeral and will then accompany the coffin to St George’s Chapel in Windsor for a service of committal.
Bishop James said: “It is an honour to be able to support the royal family in whatever small way I can at this time. The national, and indeed global, outpouring of love and grief following Her Majesty’s death has been striking to witness. It speaks so much of the high regard in which the Queen was held for a life of dedicated and faithful service.
“Likewise, the affection shown towards our new king, Charles III, has been equally palpable. He and all the royal family will continue to be in my prayers at this time.”
As Clerk of the Closet, Bishop James is the head of the Ecclesiastical Household, supporting more than 30 royal chaplains and priests in ordinary, who look after several royal chapels. He also presides when a new diocesan bishop pays homage to the sovereign.
Bishop James added: “The role is a huge honour and privilege, and I shall be continuing in it for King Charles.”
On Sunday he and the Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, attended the county and district proclamation of the new king in Carlisle city centre.
Meanwhile, special services of commemoration and thanksgiving were conducted this weekend in churches across Cumbria and a number of civic ceremonies are also planned for the coming days.
