Watch: Elgin hears official proclamation that King Charles III is the new monarch
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KING Charles III has been proclaimed the new monarch at a ceremony in Elgin today (Sunday, September 11).
The event, taking place on the Plainstones, saw Lord Lieutenant of Moray Major General Seymour Monro introduce Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov to read the proclamation.
Introducing the proclamation, Lord Lieutenant Monro said: "We come together this afternoon following the death of our late, beloved sovereign Queen Elizabeth II.
"Our deep sadness at this moment in history is shared by people across this country, the commonwealth and indeed across the globe.
"We remember her with great affection and deep gratitude.
"A lifetime of service given by our longest reigning monarch, who's platinum jubilee we have been celebrating this year.
"The foundation on which our monarchy is built ensures that, down the centuries, the crown has passed in an unbroken line of succession."
The ceremony was attended by Moray Council members, staff, politicians and dignitaries including representatives from the RAF, the Army, the Police and the Lord Lieutenacy of Moray.
Ceremonial head of Moray Council Councillor John Cowe said: "It's a huge honour to be representing the Council in this manner.
"It is something I do, however, with a great deal of sadness, as the Queen was here for us all during both good times and bad times and ultimately gave all she had to give.
"The Queen and Prince Charles, as he was then, were well known personally in Moray, so it is extremely sad from that perspective too.
"I don't thing it has quite sank in yet, but seeing the cortage make its way through the Queen's beloved Aberdeenshire was a bit of a wakeup call for me.
"And especially as it lies in state in Edinburgh and in London, I think it will bring it home to a lot of people.
"My thoughts are with the royal family at this time, and godspeed to them."
Attended by hundreds of members of the public, the ceremony was closed by a verse of God Save the King.
At Elgin Town Hall, during the proclamation, Elgin's Queen's Scouts raised the flag from half-mast to mark the event.
However, the flag returned to half mast at 1pm, and will be raised again after the Queen's state funeral.
The succession of King Charles II means that the group will now become the Kings Scouts.
Speaking after the end of the ceremony, Lord Lieutenant Monro said: "It's a huge honour whilst being a very sad occasion, with lots of memories which you left.
"I am feeling empty in many ways.
"I met the Queen on a number of occasions and also the new King Charles.
"Today's proclamation is an important moment in the transition, the final act of the new King starting his reign.
"We do things in a such a special way here in the UK.
"I hope many people will be able to come to the thanksgiving service at noon on September 23."
