West country to proclaim Charles III as King
Special proclamation ceremonies will be held across the west country today
Charles III will be officially proclaimed as King at special ceremonies all across the west country today.
Events are planned in Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon and Taunton among other places.
In Bristol it will begin at 1pm on College Green, with the surrounding roads closed to traffic to help accommodate the expected crowds.
It will be delivered by the High Sheriff of Bristol and accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant, Lord Mayor of Bristol and Bishop of Bristol.
Bath's proclamation will begin slightly later at 2pm at the city's Guildhall and will be read by the chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall.
He will be joined by the Mayor of Bath, Councillor Rob Appleyard and other dignitaries.
That follows a regional proclamation from the High Sheriff of Somerset, Jennifer Duke, which takes place in Taunton at 1pm.
After Bath's proclamation floral tributes will be laid to Queen Elizabeth II in Parade Gardens.
Cheltenham's proclamation will also begin at 2pm, like Bath's, with the town Mayor due to read it there on the steps of the Municipal offices.
Cheltenham’s Town Crier, Ken Brightwell will be informing residents and visitors in the town centre before the proclamation takes place.
Gloucester's proclamation, also at 2pm, will take place at North Warehouse, while Swindon's will happen at the Civic Offices in the town at 1:15pm.
Alex Raikes MBE DL, High Sheriff of Bristol, said: “The passing of her Majesty The Queen will have such an impact on the people of Bristol – many have told me how emotional they are feeling about her death.
"The outpouring of emotion and respect already being seen across communities is a clear indication of the high regard in which Her Majesty was held.
"Whilst this remains a difficult time for many as we collectively mourn the loss of such an important figure, it’s important that we take the time to welcome His Majesty The King onto the throne.”
While the proclamation ceremonies take place, flags across the country will temporarily be raised to full mast, before being lowered again to half mast for the rest of the period of mourning.