Charles proclaimed King in Wiltshire
County proclamation takes place of King Charles III
Last updated 12th Sep 2022
The County Proclamation of King Charles III was held today (11 September) at County Hall, Trowbridge, with dignitaries and members of the public in attendance to witness the historic local event.
Following the deeply sad news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen, the local Proclamation took place one day after the National Proclamation, as is tradition.
In Wiltshire, the County Proclamation was made by the High Sheriff of Wiltshire on the steps of old County Hall following a minute’s silence. An introduction to the event was provided by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton.
In her introduction, Mrs Troughton said: “ This is a unique occasion. We are witnessing part of the fabric of our history dating back to the Middle Ages, to a time when this form of communication was the only official way that people heard such news. “As we stand here we can feel the link through centuries of British history being made.
“His Majesty King Charles III’s speech to the nation on Friday touched us all. As His Majesty's proud Lord Lieutenant for our county, I would like to send him, on your behalf, our most loving and respectful good wishes, and assure him and his family that they have Wiltshire's loyalty and support.”
The Bishop of Salisbury, the Very Reverend Stephen Lake gave a blessing.
The event was live streamed on Wiltshire Council's Facebook page.
'Humbled and proud'
The national anthem, God Save The King, was sung by those in attendance, accompanied by music from the Downton Band.
Once the County event had concluded, Local and Town Proclamations then took place throughout Wiltshire including Salisbury, Tidworth, Amesbury and Downton.
In Salisbury the Mayor, Cllr Tom Corbin read the local proclamation and the Guildhall’s flag also returned to half-mast.
Book of condolence
From tomorrow (12th September) books of condolence will be available to sign at County Hall, Trowbridge; Monkton Park, Chippenham; Bourne Hill, Salisbury; and all Wiltshire Council libraries and mobile libraries. There is also an online book of condolence on the Wiltshire Council website.
The condolence books will remain open until the day after the funeral and will then be sent to the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre for the archives.
There is also a book of condolence in Salisbury's Guildhall and at Salisbury Cathedral where you can also light a candle as a mark of respect.
Floral tributes have also been left outside Salisbury Cathedral, you can also leave flowers at the