HUNDREDS of people joined the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Paul Miller in rememberance of the Queen and to proclaim the new King. 

The mayor read the Local Proclamation on the Accession of King Charles III outside the Willis Museum, where he was joined by MP Maria Miller and Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire, Lady Portal MBE DL (Louisa). 

People gathered to watch and listen to the proclaimation, which is a ceremony that hasn't taken place for 70 years since 1952 by Mayor Colonel Sidney Charles Rigby Dale, where Queen Elizabeth II was proclaimed Queen. 

Basingstoke Gazette: The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane proclaimed the new King.The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane proclaimed the new King. (Image: Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.)

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Cllr Paul Miller also said a tribute on behalf of the Queen last week. 

He said: “On behalf of the council and people of the borough of Basingstoke and Deane, I wish to express our profound sympathy to the Royal Family at this very sad time.

“We have been blessed to have Queen Elizabeth as our monarch for the past 70 years, tirelessly working with unfaltering dedication. Her Majesty The Queen was the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service in June this year.

“The late Queen won the love and respect of generations of people, not just in Britain but all around the world. The commitment that she made to her role and the public service she gave is matchless. Throughout her reign she provided a reassuring and exemplary presence in our lives.

“In Basingstoke and Deane, the late Queen was held in the highest esteem. The number of events communities held in our area, and up and down the UK, to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is recognition of the deep affection and respect felt towards Her Majesty.

“The commitment that she made to her role and the public service she has given is matchless.

“The late Queen came to the borough on many occasions, especially to visit Highclere Castle, but her last formal visit to Basingstoke was in November 1973 when she officially opened Fanum House, the Basingstoke headquarters of the AA. Her signature in the visitors’ book from that day is displayed with pride in our Mayor’s Parlour under a portrait of the late Queen.

“Our councillors, council officers and all the communities in this borough are greatly saddened by her passing and will mourn this profound loss.”