King Charles III accession ceremony held in Dudley

Crowds gathered outside Dudley Council House for the regional proclamation of the accession ceremony declaring the former Prince of Wales the new King (Image: Dudley Council)

The proclamation was read by the Mayor of Dudley on the steps of Dudley Council House at 1pm, following yesterday’s national proclamation in London.

The proclamation of the accession was read by the Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Sue Greenaway (Image: Dudley Council)

Prayers were read by the Bishop of Dudley, Martin Gorick.

The Bishop of Dudley, Rt Rev Martin Gorick, gave a blessing for the new King (Image: Dudley Council)

The event concluded with a performance of God Save the King by Dudley Performing Arts and three cheers for His Majesty the King.

The Union Jack flag, which had been flying at full mast after the national proclamation in London on Saturday September 10, was dropped to half-mast after the regional proclamation.

The Union Flag at half mast at Dudley Council House (Image: Dudley Council)

Flags on key borough buildings, including Dudley Council House, Dudley Town Hall, Stourbridge Town Hall and Dudley Castle, will remain at half mast until the day after the Queen's funeral on Monday September 19.

Councillor Sue Greenaway, the Mayor of Dudley, said: "It was a true honour to read the regional proclamation on behalf of the people of Dudley borough.

"Although we may still be in mourning as a nation, the Proclamation allows us to unite and look to the future as we mark our new Sovereign’s succession to the throne."

Books of condolence are available to sign at libraries across the Dudley borough, the archives and Dudley Council House.