LARGE numbers of people gathered in Oswestry as the town marked the Proclamation of the new King, following the passing of the Queen last week.

The Proclamation of King Charles III took place outside The Guildhall in Bailey Square on Sunday, September 11 as the town joined the rest of the UK and Commonwealth countries to mark the accession of the new King.

The Proclamation was read by out by the mayor of Oswestry, Councillor Jay Moore and during his address he praised Her Majesty for her service.

He said: "We come together this afternoon following the passing of our late sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II.

"Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe as we remember with affection and gratitude the life time of service given by our longest reigning monarch.

"But the basis on which our monarchy is built has ensured through the centuries the crown has passed in a line of unbroken succession.

"Today's ceremony marks the formal Proclamation to the people of Oswestry the beginning of our new King's reign."

Border Counties Advertizer: Crowds gather to hear the proclamation. Pic: David Mottram.Crowds gather to hear the proclamation. Pic: David Mottram.

Many people, including Roland Nixon, spoke about how they had grown up with only ever knowing Queen Elizabeth II sitting on the throne.

He said: "It is my third monarch, I was about four months old when George VI died.

"It is a little strange after such a long time, we are not used to all this. We have only known the Queen for all of that time."

Tony Maude said the new King had a fine example to follow.

He added: "It is very mixed, it is the sadness at the Queen's passing and then the excitement and anticipation of something new.

"There is a hole in our lives where's she gone. For the whole of my life she was Queen, so personally there is a space.

"The new King who follows in her footsteps, he won't have a finer example to follow."

Reverend Harvey Gibbons felt time and preparation will help the new King.

He explained: "I think it is a really exciting time for the country, for the nation.

"It is a once in a lifetime thing for us all, to witness a new King being proclaimed.

"It is an impossible act to follow, her sense of duty, her sense of sacrifice, it's extraordinary.

"I am sure Charles will be a monarch in his own right and his own way. I am sure time and preparation will stand him in good stead for future years as monarch of our country."

Queen Elizabeth II's funeral will be held on Monday, September 19.