THE Test Valley Borough Proclamation saw the Romsey community rally together to pay their respects to the Queen and cheer for King Charles III.
King Charles became monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, September 8. His accession to the throne was proclaimed in ceremonies across the country, with people paying tributes to The Queen and singing “God Save the King” for the first time in 70 years.
In Romsey, crowds were entertained by the Michelmersh Silver Band at Memorial Park ahead of the ceremony. Hampshire Deputy Lieutenant, Andrew Kent Esq, read the official welcome and introduction before the Deputy Mayor of the Test Valley, Cllr Philip Lashbrook, took centre stage to read the age-old words of the Proclamation of the Accession of King Charles III to the throne. Ending with the words God Save the King which were echoed by all in attendance.
Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Alan Dowden, said: “It was a great honour to have read the proclamation of the new King and to have taken part in such a historic event. It has been an incredibly moving few days, and just as people have gathered in grief, we gathered to mark the King’s accession to the throne and the start of a new era for each of us. I wish to thank everyone who attended. God Save The King.”
The Reverend Sarah McClelland, accompanied by the Reverend Thomas Wharton, lead the blessing before a drum roll from the band signaled the start of the National Anthem. The Proclamation concluded with the Deputy Mayor doffing his hat and leading the crowd in three cheers for His Majesty the King.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, added: “As one era ends, so another begins - and while we continue to mourn the passing of Her Late Majesty The Queen, it is important too that we celebrate the beginning of the reign of King Charles III. A huge thank you to everyone who attended in Andover and Romsey, and to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Deputy Lieutenants for leading the services. It was great to see so many people there, which made for a really special atmosphere.”
READ MORE: Romsey people remember Her Majesty The Queen
The Countess Mountbatten of Burma, the Mayor of Romsey and MP Caroline Nokes were also in attendance. Councillor John Parker, for the Romsey Tadburn ward, said: “Despite everyone already knowing that we have a new monarch, it was wonderful to see how many people were in the War Memorial Park to hear the traditional proclamation of King Charles III as though this was news.”
Councillor Roy Perry, former leader of the Test Valley Borough Council, said: "I was really impressed by number of Romsey residents who attended - far more than Winchester which was also well attended."
The Michelmersh Silver Band received the call to perform from the mayor’s office late on Friday evening but managed to get band members together to play the National Anthem and a short programme of celebratory music for the procession less than two days later.
Band chairman Adam Smith, said: “We were honoured and delighted to be asked to play on such an historic occasion and pulled out all the stops to do so on the accession of the seventh Monarch that Michelmersh Silver Band has played for in its 136 year history.”
Simon Morgan, from Totton, was there with his wife Dawn and captured the historic event. The former Royal Marines bandmaster is the deputy conductor of Southampton Concert Wind Band and last year marched at Whitehall Cenotaph with the Royal Marines Association veterans.
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Mr Morgan said: “My wife and I were really pleased that we chose to attend the event, which was conducted at such short notice but with all due dignity and respect. It was a historical event to hear the proclamation declaring the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles III. The playing and singing of God Save the King, and the three cheers to His Majesty was taken up vocally by the many hundreds of people who were there. Long live the King.”
In keeping with protocol, the Union Flag at Romsey Abbey was temporarily flown at the top of the mast as the bells tolled, before the flag returned to half-mast.
Queen Elizabeth II visited Romsey Abbey in 2007 to mark Romsey’s 400th anniversary of being a town. People have been laying floral tributes to Her Majesty at Memorial Park in the days following her passing.
Click on the video at the top of the page to hear the Romsey crowd sing "God Save the King".
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