Mourning arrangements this weekend.
I've been asked if I can provide some detail of the arrangments being made to commermorate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of His Majesty the King.
- Floral tributes
While some floral tributes have been laid at the entrance to Broadlands, a formal space has been created in Romsey Memorial Park, where the Deputy Mayor and the Deputy Leieutenant laid wreaths this morning.
- Books of Condolence
Books of Condolence are now open at the Former Magistrates Court and the Abbey in Romsey and the Lights Theatre in Andover.
At the FMC and the Lights these are available for the public to sign between 9.00am – 6.00pm until 20th September. Both venues will be manned by TVBC staff throughout this period.
There are also books of condolence in Winchester at the Great Hall and Hampshire County Council Reception.
A virtual Book of Condolence is also available at www.royal.uk
- Proclamation
Following the national reading of the Proclamation due to be held in London tomorrow (10 September), to announce the beginning of the reign of King Charles III.
A public event to be held in Winchester, which will take place on Sunday 11 September, outside the Great Hall, at 1pm. The Proclamation will be read by the High Sheriff of Hampshire.
It will also be broadcast via live webcast on the Hampshire County Council YouTube channel.
More locally Proclamations will take place at 2.00pm on Sunday 11th in the War Memorial Park, Romsey and outside Andover Guildhall.
The Mayor and Deputy Lieutenant will attend in Andover, with the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Lieutenant attending in Romsey .
- Dress code
For the forthcoming days, dark clothing and a black tie and black armbands for male dignitaries, or black rosette for female dignitaries are appropriate. Black ribbons are worn with badges of office.
Arm bands should be worn on the left arm, three fingers distance from the crease of the elbow.
On the day of the funeral, a national two-minute silence is to be observed during the funeral ceremony. The timing of this will be announced by Buckingham Palace in due course.
Winchester Cathedral are expected to hold a memorial service and further details will be circulated once known.
I hope that is all helpful.
