A New Monarch - Charles III | Royalty | Benfleet Community Archive

Who would have thought when we were celebrating our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, only three months ago, that we would now be mourning her loss. We all knew she was getting increasingly frail and had reached the great age of 96 but somehow thought she would go on forever! Truly a life well lived.

Now we can only show our respect and thanks and move on to a new era. We have a King – the first most of us can remember – and we wish him a long and happy Reign. In the fullness of time we will celebrate with him on the occasion of his Coronation and we will be recording that event too on the Archive.

How the news was announced by Castle Point Council

“It is with deep sadness that we hear Buckingham Palace has announced the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

“Her Majesty was the longest reigning British monarch in history as well as the leader of the British Commonwealth for 70 years and led an extraordinary life.”

This announcement was followed by a tribute by the Mayor Councillor Martin Tucker

“The Mayor of Castle Point was saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 8^th September 2022. The Mayor, Councillor Martin Tucker, on behalf of the Borough of Castle Point offers sincere condolences to His Majesty Charles III and the Royal family.

“We share the sentiments of loss and sorrow felt all over the world at the passing of such an eminent patriot, whose life has been devoted to the service of her Country as well as advocating peace and the importance of nations working together.

“The flag is flying at half-mast as the councillors and staff of Castle Point Borough Council at the Civic Offices in Benfleet pay their respects to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.”

Councillors laying flowers and the book of condolences in the Council Offices.

A Different Era!

How different were the proclamations of her late Majesty and that of our new King! Before the digital age, when most had no telephone or even television, the news could only be spread by radio, newspaper, or word of mouth.

1952 – the people of Benfleet gathered around the war memorial in Essex Way to hear the great news! A lifetime later the news spreads instantaneously. Announced in the Council Chambers it was available to be viewed live in our homes, courtesy of YouTube!

The Proclamation of King Charles III was made in the Council Chamber Council Offices by the Mayor of Castle Point Borough Council, in the presence of the Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, Charles Latham. Sunday 11th September 2022 at 2pm.

Click this link to view a YouTube video of the Proclamation

THE PROCLAMATION

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

Everyday changes

A familiar sight in recent times are the knitted post box toppers made to mark various occasions.

This Post Box in the High Road, a tribute to our late Queen, has appeared in the last day or so.

It is interesting to see the familiar EIIR on the front of the box. This will not be changed but any new boxes will have the King Charles III insignia.

Look out too for changes in stamps and coinage, though this may take a while!