Members of the public, invited dignitaries and school children gathered in Tiverton this morning as the Chairman of Mid Devon District Council read the Proclamation confirming King Charles III as monarch.

It follows the principle Proclamation made at St James’s Palace, Westminster on Saturday 10 September where the Clerk to the Privy Council, Richard Tilbrook proclaimed Charles “King, head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith”, before declaring “God Save the King”.

Today that proclamation continues to be shared across the United Kingdom at a district level and later across towns and parishes.

Today’s district ceremony was opened with a prayer by Reverend Andy Humm, before the laying of wreaths and an address by HM Deputy Lieutenant of Devon Philip Bostock.

Brass band, Rackenford Rascals, performed the National Anthem, God Save the King.

Chairman of Mid Devon District Council, Cllr Ray Radford, said at the ceremony:

"We come together this morning following the passing of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth the Second. Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe, as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest reigning Monarch. The basis on which our monarchy is built has ensured that through the centuries the Crown has passed in an unbroken line of succession. Today's ceremony marks the formal Proclamation to the people of the District of Mid Devon of the beginning of our new King's reign.”

The flag flying outside Phoenix House, Tiverton which was lowered to half-mast at the announcement of the death of Her Majesty the Queen, was raised fully for the proclamation. The flag was then lowered back to half-mast for the remainder of the period of mourning.

The state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September.

A two minute silence will be held at 11am on Monday 19 September.

Books of Condolence will remain open outside Phoenix House until 20 September, alongside an area for the laying of flowers, while a video of the district Proclamation is also available.