1926 – 2022
The Members of Chiseldon Parish Council are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her dedication and service to the country and its citizens was unwavering. We join the nation in mourning her passing and offer our sincere condolences to her family.
Messages of Condolence
The official on-line book of condolences is available at www.royal.uk
The Parish Council Offices at the Old Chapel on Butts Road will be open during the following times for those wishing to sign the book of condolences, which will be sent t Buckingham Palace.
- Monday 12th September 12-3pm
- Monday 12th September 5-7pm
- Wednesday 14th September 12-2.30pm
- Thursday 15th September 7-9pm
The usual opening hours of the office (Mon and Wed 12-2pm) will still apply the following week for anyone wishing to visit then to sign the book.
Please also see the statement from Swindon Borough Council about Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II.
Update From Swindon Borough Council – 9th September 2022
- Flags will be at half-mast and be raised at 11am tomorrow to coincide with the reading of the Principal Proclamation. Flags will remain at full mast until 1.30pm on Sunday, when they will remain at half-mast until 8am the day after the state funeral
- The Mayor will be sending a letter of condolence to the King’s Private Secretary on behalf of the Borough of Swindon
- Books of Condolence can be found at the Civic Offices, Central Library, North Swindon Library, Parks Library, Highworth Town Council and West Swindon Library. Access times can be found online
- Fessey House will receive their own condolence book
- An online Book of Condolence is open and available
- A review of the programme of events/engagements undertaken by the Mayor has been made and all engagements cancelled during the period of mourning
The Proclamation of King Charles III
We, the people of the Civil Parish of Chiseldon are united together during this period of National Mourning following the passing of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September 2022. 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.
However, the basis on which our monarchy is built, has ensured that through the centuries, the Crown has passed in an unbroken line of succession. The Accession Council met in the State Apartments of St. James’s Palace, London, to proclaim our new Sovereign in London on 10th September 2022. This marks the formal Proclamation to the people of the United Kingdom, of the beginning of our new King’s reign. The Proclamation was read by Garter King of Arms, accompanied by the Earl Marshal, other Officers of Arms and the Sergeant’s at Arms.
The flags which had flown at half-mast since The Queen’s death were raised briefly to their full height to mark the start of His Majesty King Charles III’s reign.
The Accession Council also made an Order requiring High Sheriffs to cause the
Proclamation to be read in the areas of their jurisdiction. The proclamation of the new Sovereign is a very old tradition which can be traced back over many centuries. The ceremony does not create a new King. It is simply an announcement of the accession which took place immediately on the death of the reigning monarch.
In an age where modern methods of communication convey news around the globe in an instant, the proclamation is no longer the means by which people learn for the first time that they have a new Monarch.
This is one of the first occasions when communities have an opportunity to come together and reflect on this moment in our nation’s history, when the reign of our longest-serving Monarch came to an end and our new Sovereign succeeded.
The Chairmen of the Districts and Boroughs within each County are presented with copies of the proclamation, so that they may read the Proclamation to the people.
Following the Proclamation, the National Anthem played, before a call for Three Cheers for The King.