THE reading in Harlow of the Proclamation of King Charles III took place on the balcony of Harlow Civic Centre at 2pm on Sunday 11 September.

Local dignitaries, councillors and other leaders from the town joined the public to hear the proclamation, which was introduced by Hugh Toler MBE DL, the Deputy Lieutenant of Essex.

When opening the ceremony, the Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, said:

“We come together this afternoon following the passing of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth the Second. Our sadness at this time is shared by 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 Harlow of the beginning of our new King’s reign.”

The Chair of Harlow Council, Councillor Andrew Johnson, then read out the official proclamation of King Charles III and, after the singing of the National Anthem, invited attendees and the crowd to give three cheers to His Majesty the King.

Attendees at the proclamation included: Hugh Toler MBE DL, the Deputy Lieutenant of Essex; Councillor Andrew Johnson, Chair of Harlow Council; Councillor Sue Livings, Vice Chair of Harlow Council; Councillor Russell Perrin, Leader of Harlow Council;

Councillor Tony Edwards; Simon Freeman, Deputy Chief Executive of Harlow Council; Shona Johnson, consort to Chair of Harlow Council; Paul Austin, Chief Inspector and Harlow District Commander; James Taylor, Group Manager Essex Fire & Rescue Service; and Reverend Martin Harris.

The reading of the Proclamation in Harlow followed Essex’s Proclamation at 1pm.