Local proclamation ceremony for the new monarch in Stoke-on-Trent
A local proclamation ceremony for the new monarch will take place at Stoke Cenotaph at 2:30pm on Sunday 11 September. It will be one of a series of similar events in towns and cities throughout the nation.
The city of Stoke-on-Trent proclamation will be read at 2:30pm on Sunday (11 September) at Stoke Cenotaph by the High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Ben Robinson MBE DL, who has been invited by the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Ian Dudson. At the end of the proclamation there will be three cheers for “God Save The King”. Present will be Lord Mayor Councillor Faisal Hussain, council leader Councillor Abi Brown and Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Lesley Adams.
The proclamation of a new monarch is an age-old ceremony last performed in February 1952 on the Accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The proclamation will first be read from the balcony at St James Palace above Friary Court by the Garter King of Arms (principal advisor to the monarch on matters of ceremony and heraldry) on Saturday 10 September. The Garter King of Arms then proceeds to make the proclamation at other London locations.
During the period of proclamations, starting with the initial event in London, flags will be raised back to full mast. They are subsequently lowered at 1pm on Sunday or immediately after local proclamations that take place after that time on Sunday. They then remain at half-mast until the morning after the state funeral.
Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor Faisal Hussain said: "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, has been Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, a remarkable achievement, and throughout she has given unfailing service to our country, through the hard times and the good. We know that Her Majesty’s devotion and service to our nation will always be remembered by our residents for years to come.
“The local proclamation is a unique opportunity for residents to pay their respects and we encourage residents to attend. This is one of the first occasions when communities can come together and reflect on the moment when the reign of our longest-serving Monarch came to an end and our new Sovereign succeeded.”
This comes as yesterday (9 September) the Stoke-on-Trent City Council book of condolence for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened.
On behalf of the city, Lord Mayor Councillor Faisal Hussain and council leader Councillor Abi Brown signed the book of condolence and laid a floral tribute. The book of condolence is based in the King's Hall, Stoke, with floral tributes being laid on Kingsway on the grass near to the cenotaph. Residents are encouraged to sign the book of condolences, share their memories of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, lay their floral tributes and have time to reflect.
The book of condolence at the Kings Hall in Stoke, will be open today (10 September) from 9am to 5pm. It will then reopen next Monday (12 September) to Friday (16 September), 9am to 5pm and 9am to 1pm on Saturday (17 September) in the Kings Hall.
A national online book of condolence will be available on the official website of the British Monarchy: www.royal.uk/send-message-condolence. Any residents who wish to sign the national online book of condolence who do not have internet access can use public computers in libraries, where library staff are able to assist.
Council leader Abi Brown said: "We know many people across the city will have seen and been touched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her work, she has championed so many of our city’s causes and honoured individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the city and public life.
“At such a significant time it is important to allow our residents the opportunity to pay their own tributes. I encourage residents to sign the book of condolence over the next week.”
Further details can be found at www.stoke.gov.uk/HMTheQuee
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