As people of the city gathered today to welcome King Charles III to the throne, members of the public shared their memories and thoughts with the Oxford Mail.

Today (Sunday, September 11), in a temporarily pedestrianised city centre, the public of Oxford watched as county and city councillors, military officials, local armed forces and religious leaders met in ceremony to proclaim King Charles the new sovereign.

The event is secondary to the official proclamation held at St James’s in London yesterday, and lots of cities and towns across the UK followed the tradition.

Including Hull, Lincoln, Boston, Gainsborough, Wolverhampton and many more.

The crowds in oxford were full of people who wanted to pay their respects to the late Queen, whilst simultaneously offering their support to the new King.

Maureen Underdown, 69, was born eight days after Elizabeth the Second’s coronation.

She said: “She always looked beautiful, but she looked very young to be in the role (in the 50’s).”

On hearing about the Queen’s death, Ms Underdown said: “I think it was unbelievable, and it’s still difficult to take in.”

Ms Underdown came to the proclamation with her daughter and granddaughter, Jemma, 41 and Eseld, 8.

When asked why Ms Underdown and her family had attended today, she replied: It’s something that hasn’t happened in three generation – in 70 years.”

Twins Anita Stokes and Fiona Gale, 59, brought a Union Jack flag with them to the event.

Anita said: “It’s to show our respect for the Queen and also for the new King Charles III.

Read more: Hundreds gather in Oxford to watch the proclamation of King Charles III

“It’s a historic occasion, which we’re not going to see again in our lifetimes.

Fiona added that it was a time of sadness but also a time of celebration.

Josh, 35, came along to the procession wearing a black band around his arm.

He said: “She was a marvellous monarch: faithful, loyal and committed to the country.”

Maggie Lewis, Oxford Neighbourhood Watch’s Area Representative and Scheme Administrator waited keenly for the processions to begin.

She said: “It’s a sad time, but also a time to look to the future.

“We mourn the Queen, but we look forward to a reign under King Charles.

The event was made up of three coordinated processions, the university procession leaving from the Sheldonian Theatre, the county procession leaving from the Town Hall and the city procession leaving from Bonn Square.

All processions met at Carfax Tower for the main speeches and the official proclamation given by the High Sheriff of Oxford.

The salvation Army Band were gathered in Bonn Square before the procession formed ranks.

Heather Pughsley, a cornet player in the band, said: “It means a great deal to be here today.

“The Queen was not only a great leader, but she was a Christian, so she led by example.

“It’s a privilege to be invited by the council today.”

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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