Hundreds of people gathered in Harrow today to hear formal declarations to the devolved nations that King Charles III has acceded to the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Janet Mote, joined by Deputy Lieutenant Simon Ovens and dozens of Councillors and representatives, read the proclamation of the accession that was made in London yesterday that King Charles III is head of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
Hundreds of people gathered outside Harrow Civic Centre for this historic occasion, not seen for over 70 years, as the Mayor was greeted by cheers from members of the public.
Following the reading, the national anthem was sung, with the crowd chanting ‘God Save the King’.
Harrow residents gathered outside the Civic Centre and then again in Harrow Town Centre for a second reading, next to Katie’s Statue, to witness the historic event that ended with onlookers singing the national anthem.
Local resident Adelina Botezatu told Harrow Online: “It is so nice to see the community coming together like this for a moment so special, everyone is in good spirits, despite it being such a sad week for the country. I’m proud to be part of this in Harrow.”
Another attendee from Harrow, Gary Smith, with his family said: “What a turnout. I’m actually pleased to see so many people here as it’s such an important occasion for the county, and the Mayor did a fantastic job.”
The proclamation of accession is when a new King or Queen takes over the throne as soon as his or her predecessor dies. The new monarch is proclaimed as the new ruler as soon as possible at an Accession Council in St James’s Palace.
The Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Janet Mote, joined by Deputy Lieutenant Simon Ovens as Proclamations of the King were read in Harrow in front of hundreds of spectators… @HarrowTown @harrow_council pic.twitter.com/yBhrMZejQN
— Harrow Online (@harrowonline) September 11, 2022