HUNDREDS of people have been attending local proclamations of King Charles III at ceremonies hosted by councils across the Stroud district. 

People have been attending services in Ebley and the Subscription Rooms as well as in Dursley, Stonehouse, and Wotton-under-Edge.

The proclamation of the new Sovereign is a centuries old tradition. 

The ceremony does not create a new King - it is an opportunity for members of the public and civil leaders to reflect and to lay floral tributes.

At St James's Palace in London, the new monarch was officially recognised by the Accession Council yesterday (Saturday, September 10).

Stroud District Council proclamation at Ebley Mill  

MORE than a hundred people gathered outside the offices of Stroud District Council at Ebley Mill to witness the historical process. 

It was introduced by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Caroline Penley who said the Queen would be remembered with ‘love’ and ‘gratitude’

She said: “It falls to me as Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire to thank you all for your attendance today on this solemn occasion. 

Stroud News and Journal: Deputy Lord Lieutenant Caroline Penley outside the offices of Stroud District Council Deputy Lord Lieutenant Caroline Penley outside the offices of Stroud District Council (Image: Newsquest)

“Our sadness at this time is shared with people across the nation, the Commonwealth and the world, as we remember with love and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest reigning Monarch. 

“We gather in sadness but today we rejoice at the accession of our new Sovereign.

The proclamation was then read out by SDC chair Steve Robinson and he also led the national anthem. 

Representatives from the council were also in attendance along with members of the public, members of Stroud Police and Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie. 

People who wish to lay floral tributes are encouraged to do so at Stratford Park. 

Stroud Town Council proclamations at Sub Rooms 

People also gathered outside the Subscription Rooms. 

The service was introduced by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Caroline Penley and followed by Stroud Mayor Cllr Stella Parkes who read the local proclamation. 

Stroud News and Journal: Stroud Mayor Cllr Stella Parkes reading the local proclamation outside the Subscription Rooms Stroud Mayor Cllr Stella Parkes reading the local proclamation outside the Subscription Rooms (Image: Newsquest)

An area for floral tributes has been provided on the forecourt of the Subscription Rooms. 

After the funeral the flowers will be collected and composted to fertilise a tree which will be planted in memory of Queen Elizabeth II at a suitable location in Stroud.

Stroud News and Journal: Crowd at Subscription Rooms Crowd at Subscription Rooms (Image: Newsquest)