Hundreds of people, including a number of local dignitaries, gathered in St Thomas’ Square in the county town of Newport at 13:00 today (Sunday) for the proclamation of King Charles III – a tradition that dates back centuries.
Representatives of His Majesty, High Sheriff Kay Marriott and Vice Lord-Lieutenant Brigadier Maurice Sheen CBE QVRM TD DL, stood in front of subjects of King Charles to proclaim the new monarch – something not seen on the Isle of Wight since November 1952.
The High Sheriff discharged her duty which was then followed by the National Anthem. God Save the King echoed out across Newport from the 300 or 400 people gathered, followed by 3 cheers for His Majesty the King.
Local resident Peter Woodnutt, now 81, attended today’s proclamation as he did back in 1952 when aged just 11.
Dignitaries included the Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Lora Peacey-Wilcox and Chairman Clare Critchison, as well as former High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Christopher Bland. Former Lord Lieutenant Major-General Sir Martin White KCVO CB CBE CStJ was also present alongside a variety of past High Sheriffs and Deputy Lord Lieutenants, local councillors and members of the community.
Representatives of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary were present alongside Terry Norton, Deputy Police & Crime Comissioner, Jeff Walls from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and Darren Claydon from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
The proclamation was live broadcast by Island Echo and can be watched below.
Flags have now returned to half-mast and will remain at half-mast until 08:00 on Tuesday 20th September – the day after the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
Several hundred ! , not good turn out as 120,000 plus residents and probably a few thousand tourists here. Maybe many people are not bothered that much as doesn’t affect them.
Modern living I’m afraid.
When most people can see the full Accession Committee declaration live on television in full colour HD and from the best vantage point, regional declarations hold less interest and will probably go the same way as the Town Crier, but, I hope, not too soon.
Some probably didn’t know it was happening, disabled families, young families, work commitments, school, college, care work, Nhs, police, fire brigade etc can’t just not work. A lot has changed in 70 years
Where was Susie Sheldon?
Yes, you would think being Lord Lieutenant she would have to be there. Or, as she was Lieutenant to the Queen, had her role instantly stopped?
We didn’t know it was happening. I was taking a service at Ryde including a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth ll this morning but was unaware the proclamation was happening today.