Hundreds of people were in attendance at the town council headquarters to celebrate the proclamation of King Charles III.

Garth Park made the stage for the proclamation ceremony of King Charles III in Bicester on Sunday, which was attended by members of the council, staff, local dignitaries and members of the public.

So many guests turned up on the day that around 50 people could not fit into the town council headquarters, and instead stood outside listening to the proclamation being read on large speakers.   

The accession proclamation was read by Mayor Alex Thrupp in the council chamber, among guests including Deputy Lieutenant Mr Robert Buckeldee, delegates from the Royal British Legion and Lieutenant Colonel Alex Atherton.

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Mayor Alex Thrupp said: “I found it to be quite an emotional occasion, as we remembered the lifetime of duty and service of Queen Elizabeth II and recognised the ascension of King Charles III.

Councillor Chris Pruden, representative for Bicester South and Ambrosden, said: ““It felt like an important event, and it marks a point in our history.

“Some members of the public did go inside, it looked fairly packed looking in from the outside.

“The event was short with the proclamation taking about five minutes.

“We then all went to watch the lowering of the flag where everyone came out and met with those of us already outside the front of the Garth.

“Considering it was the first time in 70 years and at rather short notice Bicester Town Council managed to pull it together well.

“From what I have seen so far, the King wants to continue with some of the very important aspects that made the Queen so loved – such as the vow to serve and stay politically neutral.

“This is only the very beginning of the new journey for our new King, so we will have to give him time.”

Bicester Town Council have opened a book of condolence and have set up a space in Garth Park for floral tributes to be left.

A spokesperson for Bicester Town Council said: “As you can imagine, everyone associated with Bicester Town Council has been upset by the passing of the Queen.

“The mayor delivered the accession proclamation during upsetting circumstances.

“I am sure everyone across the town will join us in recognising and remembering the service of the longest serving monarch and her achievements.

“The book of condolence will remain open at garth until after the funeral and we will leave the space in the park cordoned off for any floral tributes.

“There is now a service planned for Friday at St. Edburg’s Church.”

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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