People gather across Suffolk as Charles III formally proclaimed king

Large crowds gathered in towns across Suffolk yesterday as local officials read out the proclamation declaring Charles III king.

In Bury St Edmunds, residents and friends of the town came together in Angel Hill.

At 3.30pm, the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Peter Thompson, came out onto the balcony of the historic Athenaeum theatre to deliver the proclamation.

He stated: "We come together this afternoon following the passing of our late sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II.

"Our sadness at this time is shared with people across the globe, as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest-reigning monarch.

"But the basis on which our monarchy is built has ensured that, through the centuries, the crown has passed in an unbroken line of succession.

"Today's ceremony marks the formal proclamation to the people of this town the beginning of the new king's reign."

Also speaking on the day was the Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk, Judith Shallow, and the Dean of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, the Very Reverend Joe Hawes.

The Very Revd Hawes offered a prayer to God, blessing Charles' reign and wishing him good fortune.

He said: "Guide him with your wisdom, strengthen him with your power, and let justice, truth and holiness, peace and love, and all those virtues that come from you flourish in his days.

"Grant that all he will say and do will be to your glory, and for the welfare of his people."

The people of Stowmarket also gathered in the town centre to hear the proclamation.

Mid Suffolk District Council Chairman Cllr James Caston, represented the authority at the proclamation in Stowmarket.

He said: “As the nation mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, the greatest monarch to ever live, we remember her and the unwavering service she gifted this country.

"Now King Charles III has been proclaimed and a new dawn has begun.

"Nothing will be the same again, but at the same time he shares the values and integrity of his mother and I have no doubt he will serve this country with distinction.

"The third Carolean era has begun. God save the King.”

Drone footage from Suffolk County Council shows a crowd of hundreds at the Cornhill in Ipswich.

In Eye, Mid Suffolk District Council Leader Cllr Suzie Morley said: "Today’s proclamations of King Charles III as our new sovereign were historic and moving moments for our communities and nation.

"The Queen has been a role model and someone I looked up to, throughout my life.

"The passing of Her Majesty is a great loss to our nation, and I extend my thoughts and condolences to the King and the whole Royal Family as we all continue to mourn.”

Headleigh also saw a large crowd of nearly 500 people gather for the historic moment.

Babergh District Council leader Cllr John Ward, who represented the council in Hadleigh, said: "The momentous events of the past few days have been incredibly sad for us all, but at the same time they have included hope for the future.

"Today’s accession proclamations are about that future.

"I watched the county proclamation from the Cornhill in Ipswich and later I was privileged to represent Babergh at the proclamation in Hadleigh.

"It was very moving and I was proud that so many Hadleigh residents were there for our new king.”

In Sudbury, Babergh District Council's Vice-Chairman Cllr Derek Davis said: "It is incredible to know that Babergh was not even formed as a council when Elizabeth was proclaimed Queen, so to represent the district at this historic occasion was incredibly moving.

"While the sorrow at the loss of the Queen still bites deeply, the proclamation of King Charles III as our new monarch marks a new chapter for the district, the county and the country.

"Just as we were proud to serve the Queen, as she served us right up until the day she died, we will continue that allegiance to the King Charles III.”

Mid Suffolk District Council Vice-Chairman Cllr Paul Ekpenyong attened the proclamation in Needham Market.

He said: "“I feel a deep sense of loss at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II who ascended the throne in the year of my birth.

"Now though, I look forward to the long and fruitful reign of King Charles III.”