CROWDS gathered in Weston yesterday, September 11, to hear a rare proclamation of the new King, Charles III.

Scores of people attended the once-in-a-lifetime event, at the Italian Gardens, as the local Accession Proclamation was heard for North Somerset residents. 

The Proclamation of a new sovereign is an ancient tradition that can be traced back hundreds of years.

The ceremony doesn't create a new king, but simply announces the accession which took place on Saturday, September 10, at St James's Palace in London. 

It was read by North Somerset Council chairperson Cllr Karin Haverson, who was accompanied by Weston MP John Penrose, North Somerset MP Liam Fox, Weston’s deputy mayor Cllr Pete McAleer, and other councillors and dignitaries.

At 3pm, the formal ceremony which marks the beginning of the King's reign was read. 

Cllr Haverson said: "We come together this afternoon following the passing of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth the Second.

"Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe, as we remember with gratitude and great affection the lifetime of service given by our longest reigning monarch, and we give thanks for all she did for our country during her long and illustrious reign.

"Here in North Somerset we held Her Majesty in great esteem and it was our immense fortune to be visited by her several times - including in her silver jubilee year in 1977 and most recently in 2007.

"Many people will have personal memories of those visits, which will stay with them for a very long time."

Books of Condolence will remain to be signed at the Town Hall, in Weston, and at Castlewood in Clevedon throughout the period of national mourning.

People can record their tributes in the books between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.