News Maidstone leads Proclamation of new Sovereign
Maidstone, as the County Town of Kent, is leading the proclamation of the new King on Sunday 11 September between 12.45pm and finishing by around 1pm in Jubilee Square, with all other boroughs in Kent following this announcement.
Everyone is invited to come along and hear the news, which will be delivered by the High Sheriff of Kent, Russell Race.
The Proclamation of the new Sovereign is a tradition dating back centuries to announce the accession, which takes place on the death of the reigning monarch.
The public are very welcome to attend the Proclamation event. Those planning to come are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the event starts. The Proclamation is expected to take around 15 minutes.
People are also being encouraged to come into Maidstone to pay their respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by signing a Book of Condolence.
Maidstone Borough Council Book of Condolences have been opened at the Town Hall in Jubilee Square and at All Saints Church, Mill Street, Maidstone and Kent County Council have a book available at Sessions House. The books will be available daily 9am to 6pm until the day after the funeral at 5pm for people to sign and send their messages to the Royal family, once complete these will be sent to Buckingham Palace. However, on Sunday 11 September the Book of Condolence at the Town Hall will not be available between 10am and 1pm.
Flowers and tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II are also being welcomed and can be made locally at Jubilee Square in Maidstone town centre.
A short church service will be taking place in All Saints Church, Mill Street, Maidstone on Sunday 11 September at 10am which will be open to anyone who would like to attend.
The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Derek Mortimer said:
Everyone is dealing with the very sad news in their own way however we recognise many people feel the need to come together as a community. The proclamation will provide an opportunity for Maidstone residents to hear the news of our new King and pay tributes to Her Majesty. Please plan your journey as it may be busy, all of our car parks will be open.
As a mark of respect, the flag at Maidstone Town Hall has been set at half-mast, however this will then be raised again to full mast from 10:30am Saturday 10 September ready for the Proclamation for the new Sovereign. On Sunday 11 September, after the Proclamation, the flag will be lowered again to half-mast, until after the funeral.
All MBC Council Committee meetings have been cancelled until after the funeral. The free Community Mela in Mote Park will be going ahead on Sunday 11 September from 12noon and will be an appreciation of the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in connection with the Commonwealth and a celebration of the Proclamation.