The Bishop of Carlisle and the Bishop of Penrith have joined other dignitaries for the County and District Proclamations of King Charles III today in Carlisle.

The Rt Rev James Newcome and the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh were in the city for the County Proclamation given by the High Sheriff Alan McViety, which took place outside The Courts at 12.10pm.

They and others then processed to the Old Town Hall steps in the centre of Carlisle for a further District Proclamation given by the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Mike Mitchelson. Both bishops later attended Carlisle Cathedral for a special service of commemoration.

Bishop James said: “Both Proclamations were very moving occasions. Whilst there have been rigorous plans and protocols in place for this sad occasion, it is still humbling to be a part of such a moment of history.

“I have been forcibly struck by the outpouring of love and affection for our Late Queen and also for her son King Charles III who has made such strong commitments to serve our nation, the Commonwealth and the Realms, all undergirded by his strong Christian faith.

“I continue to hold him and all the Royal Family in our prayers as we give thanks for the Queen’s wonderful life of service and commit to support our new Sovereign.”

The Cathedral service saw hundreds of people join the dignitaries to give thanks for the Queen’s life of service and to pray for the new King, Charles III.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Claire Hensman, gave a reading from St John’s Gospel and the Cathedral choir sang a special anthem which was inspired by the speeches of the Late Queen.

Bishop Rob had been due to be officially welcomed and installed as the Suffragan Bishop of Penrith at a service in Carlisle Cathedral today at 3pm. This has been postponed to a date yet to be arranged.

He said: “Today’s Proclamations were sombre occasions yet an opportunity for people to publicly demonstrate their love for Her Majesty and pledge their support for our new King.

“I know that across our county people have come together in churches this morning to pray and give thanks for Her Majesty and to pray too for our new King, Charles III. This will have been replicated across our nation and my hope is that the new King and all his family are buoyed by this wave of prayer.

“As church communities we will continue to reach out to people offering spaces for prayer and reflection and the opportunity for people to leave their memories of our Late Queen in one of the many books of condolence which are available.”

Meanwhile special services of commemoration and thanksgiving were conducted today in churches across the county and a number of civic ceremonies are also planned for the coming days.

Yesterday flags outside churches were raised to full-mast following the Accession Council Proclamation but now return to half-mast until 8am on the day after the State Funeral.

ENDS

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