Camden’s mayor Councillor Nash Ali reads the address

QUEEN Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III’ ascension to become the monarch was proclaimed in Camden on Sunday afternoon.

The mayor, Nash Ali, read out the statement that was first uttered outside St James’ Palace yesterday after the accession council, which attended by 250 dignitaries and a meeting of the privy council.

Cllr Ali was joined on stage in Russell Square by Camden’s leader Georgia Gould, Holborn and St Pancras MP Sir Keir Starmer, as well as Camden’s chief executive Jenny Rowlands, a British sign language interpreter and a council official. He said: “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 Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.

Camden’s leader Georgia Gould and Holborn and St Pancras MP Keir Starmer behind Cllr Ali

“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, alderman, citizens of London and others, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now by our the death of our late sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and happy liege lord, Charles III.

“By the grace of god of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of his other realms and territory, 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.”

READ MORE: CAMDEN PAYS TRIBUTE TO QUEEN ELIZABETH II AFTER DEATH AGED 96

A council official held the mace upside down while the address took place. The proclamation was followed by the St Pancras Church Choir who led the 100-strong crowd in singing the National Anthem. There were also prayers led by faith leaders; Rev Anne Stevens from St Pancras, Rabbi Shlomo Levin from South Hampstead Synagogue, Natasha Sibal from the Buddhist Soka Gakkai UK and Iman Abdul Jalil from the Al Rahman Mosque. A humanist message was read by Major Neil Weddell.

The choir from the nearby church then sang Jerusalem to close the event. In attendance was alderman Flick Rea, members of the London Fire Brigade and more than a dozen councillors. Republican placards were held up by three people in a silent protest with messages saying “End Feudalism” and “Born Equal”.

A muted protest that took place during the ceremony

The ceremony itself is part of the pageantry that follows the monarch’s death, where news would take longer to disseminate. King Charles himself gave permission for the message to be circulated during the accession council yesterday. Others have taken place in commonwealth countries as well as nations, counties, towns and boroughs across the UK.

The Queen’s funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on September 19, which will be a bank holiday.

Did you meet the Queen in Camden? Email editorial@camdennewjournal.co.uk