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IN PICTURES: Past and present unite in “poignant” Proclamation

IN PICTURES: Past and present unite in “poignant” Proclamation

Monday 12 September 2022

IN PICTURES: Past and present unite in “poignant” Proclamation

Monday 12 September 2022


At 10 minutes before midday, hush fell upon the thousands gathered in the Royal Square – an almost instinctive recognition of the enormity of the moments to come that would lace the island’s past, present and future together.

The Royal Mace - one of the most important symbols of Jersey’s relationship with the Crown - glinted as travelled before Bailiff and Acting Lieutenant-Governor Sir Timothy Le Cocq into the sunshine-bathed square.

It had been gifted to island in 1663 by King Charles II in gratitude for its loyalty during the Civil War.

His father, Charles I, had been executed in 1649 and the parliamentary government of the time decided that there should be no proclamations of a successor. However, when the word reached Jersey, Bailiff Sir George Carteret ordered that the island proclaim his son as King in the normal way.

It wasn't until 11 years later that he officially assumed power.

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Pictured: Hush descended on the crowds shortly before the ceremony began. (Max Le Feuvre)

It was a story recalled by the Bailiff as he spoke from the elevated wooden platform by the statue of King George II – the very same spot where Elizabeth II had been proclaimed Queen in 1952 – ahead of the official Proclamation of Charles III as King in Jersey.

While His Majesty had officially become King following the meeting of the Accession Council at St. James's Palace on Saturday, he was officially be proclaimed as Monarch across His other realms and territories the following day – including Jersey, whose relationship with the Crown is rooted in the events of 1066.

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Pictured: Politicians filtering into the Royal Square after their Special States Sitting. (Max Le Feuvre)

Such historic links were understood and deeply cherished by Her Majesty, who the Bailiff noted "held Jersey in great affection and regard, visiting us some six times and showing a warmth which was reciprocated by the people of Jersey on each occasion."

While the people of Jersey may feel a "sense of loss and sadness", feeling "that we have lost a friend as well as a sovereign and Duke" in the Queen, the Bailiff's words provided reassurance that her successor, who he remarked "already wears the mantle of kingship", would also treasure the island's special relationship.

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Pictured: Each of the Parishes was represented. (Max Le Feuvre)

"His Majesty King Charles III sits on the throne and is our sovereign, our Duke. He has visited us in Jersey with his now Queen Consort and they showed the warmth that we have come to recognise in a Royal visitor. We hope very much that the King will be able to visit us in the years to come."

And so, it was time to embark upon the "almost timeless ritual of transition and continuity", and the Proclamation was read.

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Pictured: "We hope very much that the King will be able to visit us in the years to come," the Bailiff said. (Max Le Feuvre)

"God save the king!" responded islanders, before the national anthem – this time, with a new word – filled the square.

The Bailiff led islanders into three cheers for His Majesty, before filtering back to the Royal Court, once again, led by the Mace, where the Proclamation was officially registered in the Royal Court.

The ceremony in pictures...

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Both serving and former members of the island's armed forces were in attendance.

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States Members make their way into the Royal Square after their Special Sitting - in order: Deputies Steve Ahier, Lyndon Farnham, Steve Luce, Max Andrews, Sam Mézec and Tom Coles, with Geoff Southern and Lyndsay Feltham following behind.

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It was the first time a Jersey crowd had come together to sing 'God Save the King'.

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Preceded by the Royal Mace, the Bailiff and Crown Officers file out of the Royal Square, with Chief Minister Kristina Moore, Chair of the Privileges and Procedures Committee Karen Shenton-Stone and the Dean following behind.

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The Band of the Island of Jersey provided musical accompaniment during the ceremony. 

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The 7 Overseas (Jersey) ATC Regiment - left to right: Francis Wood, Sarah Foot, Eddie Clark, Andrew Houillebecq.

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Peter Pearce, who organised the flag-bearers of each Parish. 

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States Members gathered on the steps of the Royal Court building following the ceremony.

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The Deputy Viscount, Mark Harris (left), had the honour of carrying the Royal Mace, which was bestowed upon the island by King Charles II.

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Members of all the island's uniformed services took part in the ceremony.

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Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet and Chief Minister Kristina Moore talking to a member of the public after the ceremony.

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St. Saviour flag-bearer Geoff Morris.

READ MORE...

WATCH: How Charles III was proclaimed King in Jersey, step by step

FOCUS: How Charles III's predecessor was first proclaimed King in Jersey

EXPLAINED: La Reine to Le Roi... Why was the Queen 'Notre Duc'?

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