Around 400 people gathered on Sunday afternoon to witness the reading of the proclamation on the ascension to the throne of King Charles III, given from the front of the Civic Centre in Bournemouth.

Dignitaries led by HM Lord Lieutenant of Dorset included the High Sheriff of Dorset, the vice chairman, leader, councillors and the chief executive of BCP Council, heard the chairman of the council, Cllr Nigel Hedges, read the historic proclamation.

The proceedings were opened by the Dolphin Marching band.

Just before the proclamation was read, Graham Farrant, the chief executive of BCP Council welcomed the crowd to the event and explained why the flag would be temporarily raised during the proclamation. He then introduced Mr Angus Campbell, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset.

The Lord Lieutenant reminded the attendees that, although this was a sad time following the passing of the much loved Queen, they were here to celebrate and proclaim the ascension to the throne of the new King Charles III. He asked everyone, once the proclamation had been read, to sing the national anthem and he reminded everyone to watch out for the changes to the words.

A lone bugler blew a fanfare and Cllr Nigel Hedges, chairman of BCP Council, stepped up to read out the ancient proclamation. At the end of the reading, he paused and then declared God Save the King, which was well repeated by the crowd. After this, the national anthem was sung followed by three cheers for King Charles III.

Richard and Elizabeth from Highcliffe recalled the coronation of the young Queen Elizabeth II.

Many people brought flowers to lay at the Bournemouth War Memorial in honour of Her Majesty.

Local resident Alison had a particular connection to the Royal Family.

She said: “I was born and brought up in Windsor and my Mum and Dad used to work in Windsor Castle. The Queen and Royal Family always gave Christmas presents to their staff, including to my Mum and Dad, every year.  The new King has had a long apprenticeship, but I am sure he will do a good job, just like his mum has taught him to do.”