HIS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY CHARLES THE THIRD, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND, AND OF HIS OTHER REALMS AND TERRITORIES KING, HEAD OF THE COMMONWEALTH, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, Sovereign of the Orders of the Garter, Thistle, St Patrick, Bath, St Michael and St George, Royal Victorian Order, and the British Empire.
 |
| The new King makes a statement following Her Majesty's death |
On the 7th September, 1952, His Royal Highness The Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, learned that his dearly beloved mother, Our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth II, had died at Balmoral Castle, and that His Majesty had acceded to the Throne.
 |
| Gun Salute at Hillsborough Castle |
Royal gun salutes are customarily fired throughout the United Kingdom on Accession Day, including Hillsborough Castle in County Down.
2 comments :
I remember that February morning well. I was a pupil at Regent House Prep., then housed in the old school building in Regent Street. Ted Griffiths, the Vice-Principal, came into our classroom and told us of the King's passing. He announced that the School was closing, and that we were to make our way home quietly - no running, no shouting. A friend and I made our way to my father's business, and I think we were told to wait until lunchtime, when he would take us both home. I can't remember my feelings (i was only six, after all) but the unusualness (is that a word?) of the occasion has stuck with me all these years.
I was at Somerton House, aged 11 (strangely enough I showed the old building, now the NI Hospice,to my husband only yesterday - first time I'd been there in about 50 years) and we were told, possibly by the headmaster Mr Rawlings, about the King's death, and that we were to go home at once. I had not got a penny for the bus up the Antrim Road, so walked home to Lismoyne Park. I do agree about the unusualness (excellent word!) remaining with me. Different times!
Post a Comment