An Isle of Wight proclamation has been read to a crowd in Newport, formally announcing the accession of King Charles III.

The last time Islanders gathered at the same spot for a similar announcement was when Queen Elizabeth II took to the throne, in 1952.

Today (Sunday), at 1pm, dignitaries and well-wishers gathered outside Newport Minster for the official reading.

Proceedings were led by Isle of Wight High Sheriff Kay Marriott, assisted by HM Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Brigadier Maurice Sheen.

Isle of Wight County Press: The official proclamation being read on the Isle of Wight, on September 11, 2022.The official proclamation being read on the Isle of Wight, on September 11, 2022. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Isle of Wight County Press: High Sherriff, Kay Marriott holds the Proclamation.High Sherriff, Kay Marriott holds the Proclamation. (Image: Lucy Morgan, Isle of Wight County Press.)

After the reading, God Save The King was sung, to an accompaniment by members of the Wight Diamonds Marching Band, and three cheers were given.

Following the ceremony, the High Sheriff told the Isle of Wight County Press: "It is a great honour to be able to proclaim the accession of the new King. 

"When I was nominated, five years ago, I could never have envisaged what 2022 would bring: Coming out of a pandemic, the Platinum 70th Jubilee year, and now the proclamation of the new King, after the sad demise of Her Majesty, the Queen."  

Mrs Marriott was assisted by HM Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Brigadier Maurice Sheen, whose  neice was in the crowd for the historic moment.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ruth Wheale.Ruth Wheale. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Ruth Wheale said: "We're so proud that he has had the honour to be involved.

"It is important to carry through these traditions."

The pair completed their sombre duty on a stage set up in the shadow of St Thomas' Minister - yards from where the former Princess Elizabeth was proclaimed Queen Elizabeth II.

Members of the Isle of Wight Council, the armed forces, church ministers and public turned out to watch.

Read more:

Isle of Wight County Press: Ruth Chambers.Ruth Chambers. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Isle of Wight County Press: Felicity Steenberg.Felicity Steenberg. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Islander Ruth Chambers called it the 'end of an era' and told the County Press her mum had seen Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.

Ruth said: "The Queen was always there. Quietly in the background, you knew she was there." 

Felicity Steenberg said: "I was a child in Africa and my father was a Captain in the British Army.

"I had a Queen and she was the most beautiful Queen in the world and she sustained me - her image, her icon.

"The last thing the Queen did was not talk to the new Prime Minister. It was to leave us in the safe hands of the new King."

Isle of Wight County Press: Isle of Wight resident, Liz, called the accession 'seamless'.Isle of Wight resident, Liz, called the accession 'seamless'. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Cowes resident, Liz, said it was 'important' to welcome King Charles III.

She said: "I felt completely lost when Queen Elizabeth passed away and then, a new King! It's seamless.

"I was four when it was the Queen's coronation. I was too shy and I wouldn't go to any of the street parties. At the age of 73, hopefully I am going to make up for it!"

Isle of Wight County Press: Isle of Wight Scouts were in the crowd.Isle of Wight Scouts were in the crowd. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Isle of Wight County Press: Wight Diamonds Marching Band.Wight Diamonds Marching Band. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

The Isle of Wight County Press streamed the moment on Facebook. Watch it here: