A Royal Proclamation at The Royal Exchange

Published 10-Sep-22 · Updated 21-Jan-24

On Saturday 10th September 2022, the Accession Council met to confirm King Charles III as the rightful sovereign on the death of his mother, Elizabeth II. After the process had been completed, a Royal Proclamation was made at Friary Court in St James’ Palace at 11:00.

One hour later, it was the City of London’s turn at midday with the same proclamation being read out by the Earl Marshall on the steps of the Royal Exchange, close to the Bank of England, in the City of London.

Once read to the assembled crowd, the band of the Honourable Artillery Company played the National Anthem – for most present it will of been the first time singing “God save the King”. Finally, three cheers were called for with the assembled dignitaries raising their hats.

Crowds watch the Lord Mayor and dignitaries at the reading of the Royal Proclamation of King Charles III as King, read from the steps of the Royal Exchange in the City of London.

The Lord Mayor and dignitaries at the reading of the Royal Proclamation of King Charles III as King, read from the steps of the Royal Exchange in the City of London.

The Earl Marshall reads the Royal Proclamation announcing King Charles III as the rightful sovereign on the death of his mother, Elizabeth II. To the right, in black, is the Lord Mayor of the City of London. The people in the foreground in Tudor uniform are members of the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers, part of the Honourable Artillery Company – note the drum wrapped in black.

State Trumpeters of the British Army Household Division at the reading of the Royal Proclamation of King Charles III as King, read from the steps of the Royal Exchange in the City of London.

State Trumpeters from the Household Division, seen with black mourning bows on their trumpets. Elizabeth II’s Royal cipher of EIIR on the front of their uniforms will be replaced in time once a new version has been designed for Charles III.

A fanfare is played by State Trumpeters from the Household Division. It was answered with a return fanfare by trumpeters down towards the Mansion House.

The Honourable Artillery Company and Company of Pikemen and Musketeers at the reading of the Royal Proclamation of King Charles III as King, read from the steps of the Royal Exchange in the City of London.

The Honourable Artillery Company provided a guard of honour and the band to play the National Anthem. Those in the armour are from the ceremonial unit, those in the red uniforms are serving soldiers. I’ve visited the Honourable Artillery Company museum.