Braintree Council holds proclamation of King Charles III

In Braintree, residents paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II before the proclamation of King Charles III followed.

Books of condolences opened in Braintree, Earls Colne, Feering, Halstead and Witham.

Floral tributes were laid out in Weavers Park, Braintree, Halstead Public Gardens and Witham Town Park, open from 7am to 7pm every day.

Here, tributes will be cared for and maintained by staff until the day after the Queen's funeral.

Following the Essex proclamation, which took place at County Hall, Chelmsford, at 1pm on Sunday there was the Braintree proclamation.

Steve Brading (Image: Steve Brading)

Crowds and dignitaries gathered outside Causeway House at 1.30pm yesterday for the local proclamation of the new King.

Steve Brading (Image: Steve Brading)

These events follow the Royal Proclamation which took place on Saturday when King Charles III, was formally proclaimed monarch at a historic Accession Council.

The proclamation in Braintree was led by Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Juliet Townsend and Braintree Council chairman Andrew Hensman.

Steve Brading (Image: Steve Brading)

Ms Townsend opened the ceremony, saying: “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 on in an unbroken line of succession.

“Today’s ceremony marks the formal proclamation to the people of Braintree district, of the beginning of our new king’s reign.”

Steve Brading (Image: Steve Brading)

The proclamation continued with Mr Hensman officially proclaiming the new king.

The ceremony finished with the National Anthem, God Save the King and three cheers for the new King.

Braintree Council thanked all who attended.