MALDON District Council held a civic proclamation for King Charles III for residents to attend.
Council chairman Bob Boyce, vice-chairman Stephen Nunn and Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Dr James Bettley held the proclamation outside the council offices in Princes Road in Maldon.
Residents attended the ceremony which announced the reign of His Majesty and many sung along to the National Anthem.
Union Flags at the council offices, Promenade Park and the library in Burnham have all been lowered to half-mast.
The council offices have also been lit up in purple to pay respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during the national mourning period.
A book of condolences has been opened in the council offices for the public to leave messages from Monday to Fridays from 10am to 4pm.
Floral tributes can be made at the Amphitheatre in Promenade Park and the beacon in Riverside Park.
At the proclamation, Mr Nunn said: “As you can see our Union Flag has been raised to full-mast to mark the accession to the throne of the King, King Charles III and following this short ceremony, it will be lowered again to half-mast until after the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.”
Dr Bettley said: “Ladies and gentlemen, as deputy lieutenant for the county of Essex I would like to thank you for your attendance here today on this very solemn occasion.
“We come together this afternoon following the death of our late sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II.
“Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest reigning monarch.”
READ MORE>>> Ex council chairman recalls 'highlight of his life' with Queen during royal visit
Mr Boyce said: "With my humble duty I bring the words of the proclamation to the residents of the Maldon district.
“Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to his mercy our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth II of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to the Prince Charles Phillip Arthur George.
“We now publish and proclaim that Prince Charles Phillip Arthur George is now by the death of our late sovereign of happy memory become our only lawful and rightful Liege Lord Charles III.
“By the grace of God for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of these other realms and territories King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection.
“God save the King.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here