PICTURES: King Charles III is 'one of us', crowd is told at Caithness proclamation ceremony
His Majesty King Charles III was described as “one of us” at the proclamation of the new monarch in Caithness this afternoon.
Hundreds of people gathered in Wick town centre to hear Struan Mackie, the provost of Thurso and senior civic leader in the county, deliver the Proclamation of Accession.
Councillor Mackie referred to the late Queen Elizabeth II as “our nation's greatest servant” and spoke of the “unique relationship” between Caithness and the royal family.
Charles III was officially proclaimed as King on Saturday at the Accession Council at St James’s Palace in London.
In Wick today, Councillor Mackie was introduced by Lord Thurso, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for the county, as the two men stood on a dais positioned on the Market Cross in High Street on a day of warm September sunshine. Behind them were six of the county's Highland councillors – Raymond Bremner, the council leader, Ron Gunn, Andrew Jarvie, Willie Mackay, Jan McEwan and Karl Rosie.
Alex Paterson, chairman of the Wick, Canisbay and Latheron branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, stood alongside holding the Union flag.
Among the crowd who had begun gathering long before the start of the formal proceedings at 1.30pm were community councillors, members of local uniformed organisations, Legion Scotland representatives, RNLI crew and people from the emergency services.
Wick RBLS Pipe Band was present along with Pentland Brass Band.
Councillor Mackie said: “Our sadness at this time is shared across this historic county, as it is across the globe, as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given to us by our longest-reigning monarch.
“The outpouring of emotion shown over these preceding days is testament to her life and works. She truly was our nation's greatest servant.
“But the basis on which our monarchy is built has ensured that through the centuries the crown has passed in an unbroken line of succession. Today's ceremony marks the formal proclamation to the people of the county of Caithness of the beginning of our new King's reign – a King who is one of us, a Freeman of the county of Caithness.
“Caithness has a unique relationship with the royal family – not because we are home to one of the great historical royal seats of this realm, but out of choice. The royal family have, over the years, chosen to reside here, to visit here, both publicly and privately, and to be part of our community.”
God Save the King was played by Pentland Brass Band before three cheers for His Majesty.
Councillor Matthew Reiss was unable to attend for family reasons.
Prince Charles, as he was then, received the Freedom of Caithness from Highland Council at a ceremony in Wick in August 2008. Following the death of the Queen Mother in 2002 he had kept up a strong connection with her former residence at the Castle of Mey.
The Freedom of Caithness presentation was made three months before the future King turned 60 and he said at the time: "I can't tell you how touched I have been by the news you wished to do this.
"I could not be more flattered, and indeed grateful to Highland Council for what has turned out to be probably one of the best early 60th birthday presents I could receive.
“I adored my grandmother, and one of the most frustrating things about today is that I cannot ring her up and tell her about it."
In his declaration on Saturday, the King said: "To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service.
"My mother’s reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life.
"I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me. In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world."
A service of prayer and reflection is being organised by Caithness Presbytery on Tuesday at 6.30pm in Wick St Fergus Church. All are welcome to attend.
It is intended to be an ecumenical service with representatives from all denominations participating.
Related stories:
- Queen 'must have been impressed by her first sight of Caithness'
- Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness says Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered with 'affection and gratitude'
Gardens of remembrance have been opened in Thurso and Wick and books of condolence are available in both towns.
A book of condolence has also been opened in Canisbay Church of Scotland. The church will be open every day for anyone who wishes to sign it.
Charles planted a tree at Canisbay church last month. The rowan tree was part of the Queen's Green Canopy scheme and had been cared for until Charles was there in person to plant it in honour of his mother.
Full address given by Struan Mackie:
"We come together this afternoon following the passing of our late Sovereign, Her Majesty the Queen. Our sadness at this time is shared across the historic county, as it is across the globe, as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest-reigning monarch.
"The outpouring of emotion shown over these preceding days is testament to her life and works. She truly was our nation’s greatest servant.
"As her life's labours are laid to rest, she is returned to Our Father and eternal Glory, leaving our temporal Kingdom for the Kingdom of Heaven. Thank you, ma’am.
“But the basis on which our monarchy is built has ensured that through the centuries the crown has passed in an unbroken line of succession. Today's ceremony marks the formal proclamation to the people of the county of Caithness of the beginning of our new King's reign – a King who is one of us, a Freeman of the county of Caithness.
“Caithness has a unique relationship with the royal family – not because we are home to one of the great historical royal seats of this realm, but out of choice. The royal family have, over the years, chosen to reside here, to visit here, both publicly and privately, and to be part of our community.
"Yesterday the Accession Council met at St James’s Palace to proclaim our new Sovereign. The flags which had flown at half-mast since the Queen’s death were raised briefly to their full height to mark the start of His Majesty’s reign.
"The Accession Council also made an order requiring sheriff principals to cause the proclamation to be read in the areas of their jurisdiction. The sheriff principal of Grampian, Highland and Islands discharged that duty earlier today and now, with my humble duty, I now bring the words of the proclamation to the residents of the county of Caithness."
The Proclamation of the Accession:
"Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to His Mercy our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second of Blessed and Glorious Memory, by whose Decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George: We, therefore, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal of this Realm and Members of the House of Commons, together with other members of Her late Majesty’s Privy Council and representatives of the Realms and Territories, Aldermen and Citizens of London, and others, do now hereby with one voice and Consent of Tongue and Heart publish and proclaim that The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now, by the Death of our late Sovereign of Happy Memory, become our only lawful and rightful Liege Lord Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of His other Realms and Territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, to whom we do acknowledge all Faith and Obedience with humble Affection; beseeching God by whom Kings and Queens do reign to bless His Majesty with long and happy Years to reign over us.
"Given at St James’s Palace this tenth day of September in the year of Our Lord two thousand and twenty-two.
"God Save the King."
