The Bishop of Carlisle has today called on people across Cumbria to hold King Charles III in their prayers.

It follows the Accession Council formally announcing King Charles as the new monarch. The Rt Rev James Newcome, joined millions of other people in watching the televised ceremony from St James’s Palace this morning.

Bishop James said: “My prayers are with His Majesty King Charles III at this time. I pray that his reign shall be long and glorious.

“I know that thousands of people across Cumbria will also be holding our new monarch and all the Royal Family in their prayers at this time and this will be reflected in church services across our county tomorrow and in the coming days.

“I thought King Charles’ televised address, broadcast last night at 6pm, was incredibly moving. He spoke with such love of his mother, of her tireless service and the marvellous leader and role model she was. Equally he declared his commitment to serve our nation in the coming years, mirroring that of Her Majesty The Queen and spoke of the importance of his Christian faith in his life and service. Those sentiments were again echoed in his address to the Accession Council today.

“I give thanks for our new King and for all his family and pray that he is strengthened in the knowledge that millions of other people will be holding him in their prayers too.”

Following the meeting of the Accession Council, the Proclamation will be read out at St James's Palace, Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and other locations around the country.

Tomorrow Bishop James and the Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, will join other dignitaries in Carlisle for the County Proclamation in Cumbria.

Churches across the county continue to offer spaces for prayer and reflection with books of condolence available in many. Flags have flown at half-mast, though they will fly at full-mast from 11am today (Saturday 10 September) before returning to half-mast one hour after Sunday’s Proclamations and bells have been tolled. Services of commemoration are also planned.

Bishop Rob said: "At times such as this, we see people turn to their local churches for prayerful support and help. I give thanks for all that our worshipping communities are doing both to support their communities and to pay tribute to the wonderful Christian service and witness that Her Majesty displayed.

“Queen Elizabeth has been a constant in our lives, an inspiration and a wise, uniting presence over 70 years. The faith in Christ which gave her strength and hope also gives us strength and hope. Local churches are open for private prayer and reflection, or for special services of commemoration. All are welcome to come, to find space to reflect and pray and to find support and help.

“As Christian churches across the county, we pray particularly for the King and for the rest of the Royal Family in their great personal loss. We also pray for our communities as we mourn the loss of our beloved Queen, whose service, wisdom and faith have been such a sure guide and steadying presence over 70 years.”

Meanwhile a Welcome and Installation Service for the new Bishop of Penrith which was due to take place at Carlisle Cathedral at 3pm tomorrow (Sunday 11 September) has been postponed. A new date will be arranged.

ENDS

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.