WE now have a new monarch.

Swindon marked a significant moment in the town's history on Sunday as dignitaries gathered to proclaim Charles III as our new King.

The national proclamation had been made in London a day earlier, but each part of the country also held their own ceremonies to commemorate the occasion.

Members of the public, military, church, council, government and other high offices stood around the steps of Swindon Borough Council's Civic Offices on Euclid Street at 1.15pm to be part of this official transfer of power from one monarch to the next.

The Vice-Lord Lieutenant Mr William Wyldbore-Smith said a few words before Mayor Abdul Amin read out the address and proclamation behind members of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry.

Then, a royal mace was symbolically turned and Swindon Brass Band led the crowd in the first verse of our national anthem.

Three cheers for His Majesty the King brought proceedings to a close.

 

Mr Wyldbore-Smith said: "It was interesting that there was nobody at St James' Palace who had been present when the last proclamation was made in 1952.

"It is right that first we look back with love and gratitude for Her Late Majesty, who devoted her whole life to serve all people in this kingdom, the Commonwealth and the wider world in the pursuit of peace and harmony.

"It reflects that by the way that so many around the world are in a state of sorrow and sadness at this time.

"However, Her Late Majesty had a strong and constant message to look forward.

"I believe Her Majesty would have wanted us to reflect on community and coming together, for each must focus on what binds us together and not what pulls us apart.

"We now have a new King, whose message of duty and devotion are the same, and we must give him our wholehearted support as he is supported by his Queen Consort and family and takes on the heavy burden of responsibility as King."

The flag was raised to full mast during the ceremony and has since been lowered back down to half-mast in line with guidance for the period of national mourning.

Speaking to the Adver afterwards, Councillor Amin said: "It was a historic moment so I was feeling a bit nervous initially and then I got my confidence back. I wanted to do as well as I could for the people of Swindon.

"It's sad to see Queen Elizabeth pass away - a sadness not only here in Swindon but across the globe.

"She was well-respected in every corner of the world. At the same time, we welcome the new King, who will do a fantastic job following in his mother's footsteps."

Coun Gary Sumner spoke on behalf of the local authority: "It's a siginificant and proud moment for Swindon to recognise the new King.

"The Mayor did a beautiful job, he was word perfect, as did the Vice-Lord Lieutenant. 

"We are all sad that the Queen has passed, though the King has long been in waiting and I'm sure he is highly qualified for the role he now has.

"I've been impressed by King Charles' words so far, I'm very proud to have him as King and long may he reign."

Former Mayor of Swindon Ray Fisher was in the audience watching the short ceremony. He said: "It's a historic event - I've been around for two of them as I was at the Queen's coronation on the streets of London in 1953, five or six rows deep, and I'm likely to be at the next one.

"It's really nice that so many people have managed to come here today. Charles is already doing very well indeed, he's magnificent.