A crowd of people gathered in Bury town centre today, Sunday, and witnessed a "poignant" service to celebrate the beginning of the reign of King Charles III.
The new monarch's role and the name he will use was confirmed during a meeting of the Accession Council attended by privy councillors at St James’s Palace in London yesterday, Saturday.
The announcement came following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who died aged 96 on Thursday.
Across the country today, local proclamations have been held to mark the announcement of the new head of state.
Bury's event took place at Union Square, opposite the main entrance of the town hall at 3pm, in the form of a spirited five-minute service.
Members of the clergy and council were present for the occasion, which was led by borough mayor, Cllr Shaheena Haroon.
She delivered a speech setting out the proclamation of the King before a rendition of the newly-renamed national anthem, "God Save the King", was played beautifully by a band and sang heartily by those in attendance.
The audience then gave three cheers in honour of the King and a round of applause concluded the service.
Spectators were also reminded that books of condolences in memory of the Queen are available for people to sign in six locations across the borough.
The late monarch's funeral will take place on Monday, September 19, with a bank holiday being declared on that day to give people the chance to pay their respects.
Knowsley Street was closed for the service this afternoon but was reopened shortly afterwards.
Following the service, Cllr Haroon said: “It was an honour and a privilege to be able to make the Local Proclamation of the accession of His Majesty King Charles III.
“It was also a pleasure to see so many people from Bury at the proclamation, to remember the Queen and welcome our new King.
"It was both a poignant and a happy occasion which all who were there will never forget.”
READ MORE:
Bury remembers Queen Elizabeth II ahead of King Charles III's reign
Books of condolence in memory of Queen at 6 Bury locations
Will schools close for the Queen’s funeral? Full plans revealed in lead up to funeral
Bank Holiday announced for Queen's funeral as King Charles III formally declared
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