A County Commemoration: Marking Two Years of King Charles III's Reign
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Oakham, Rutland, England – September 8, 2024: A poignant county service was held today in Oakham to commemorate the second anniversary of the Accession of His Majesty King Charles III. The service began at the Statue of Queen Elizabeth II, where prayers were offered and tributes were paid to the late monarch.
The Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, addressed those gathered at the statue, reflecting on the profound impact of Queen Elizabeth II's death and the enduring legacy she left behind. "Her Majesty's death shocked the world," Dr Furness said. "Locally, many people expressed their deep sorrow and grief. Our memorial statue was a testament to the strength of local feeling and the global respect for Her Majesty."
Dr Furness emphasised the remarkable life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who served as the longest-serving British monarch in history. "Her constancy as our Head of State provided us all with a great sense of national identity," she said. "Her image is as familiar to us as that of close family. She embodied public service and provided a moral framework through which we view our lives."
Following the commemoration at the statue, the service continued at All Saints Church, where hymns sung at the King and Queen's Coronation were performed. The Revd Stephen R Griffiths, Vicar of Oakham, delivered a heartfelt address, reflecting on the significance of the Accession and the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
"Her late Majesty's long life and reign continue to be a cause for much thanksgiving," said Revd Griffiths. "Her legacy of faith and service continues to inspire many in their own selfless service of others."
The service provided an opportunity for the community to come together and remember Queen Elizabeth II, while also celebrating the continued reign of King Charles III. As the nation moves forward, the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will undoubtedly remain a cherished part of British history.
The Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness addressed those gathered at the Statue.
"Two years ago when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth died. Her death shocked the world. It made headlines globally. Locally many people told me how strongly they felt. Our memorial statue came about because of that strength of local feeling and indeed its unveiling was reported around the world precisely because Her Majesty is respected and appreciated as a remarkable monarch. In many ways Her Majesty's death should not have been a shock. She was 96 and clearly in failing health. Yet her warmth, bright smile and determination to carry on her service to the nation. last witnessed by us all as she greeted Liz Truss, her final Prime Minister, captivated us so that we did not envisage her death. Her Majesty was the longest serving British monarch in history. For most of us she had been our monarch for our entire lives. While the world and society changed radically over Her seventy year reign Queen Elizabeth's constancy as our Head of State provided as all with a great sense of national identity. Our sense of nationhood was bound up with awareness of Queen Elizabeth as our monarch. Her image is as familiar to us as that of close family. It has been present on our stamps and bank notes as well as reproduced frequently in the media. Yet Her Majesty was both familiar and also remote. Queen Elizabeth embodied public service - putting recognition of the efforts of others and the good of communities before any pursuit or personal interests. Her presence as monarch guaranteed public attention. She used to focus on that underpins communities and provides the structures in which individual rights and freedoms can be enjoyed. In doing this she provided to all a moral framework through which we view our lives. Her heir, King Charles, who acceded to the throne at his mother's death is our Head of State and successfully continues his mother's role. Today we remember with gratitude Queen Elizabeth and celebrate King Charles's first two years as King. Shortly I hope you will all join Reverend Griffiths and me at All Saints for our accession service. However, now I would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty"
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The Lord Lieutenant laid a bunch of red roses at the statue.
The service at All Saints Church included Hymns sung at the Coronation of the King and Queen at Westminster Abbey on 6th May 2023.
The Revd Stephen Griffiths, Vicar of Oakham Said "Two years ago on the 8th September 2022 the world paused to acknowledge the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Her late Majesty's long life and reign continue to be a cause for much thanksgiving. Her legacy of faith and service continue to inspire many in their own selfless service of others. Marking the Accession today inevitably means recalling the end of one reign and the beginning of another. Today's service began at the statue of Elizabeth II in Oakham with the laying of a bouquet of flowers in grateful remembrance. For the vast majority of us, the Accession of His Majesty King Charles III was the first time we witnessed a change of monarch. In 1952 the Accession ceremonies at St James' Palace, the Proclamation and the Accession Council, were largely hidden from view. In 2022 the ceremonies were broadcast on television and live streamed, giving us an inside view of the institution of state and the roles played by heralds, officers of state and the military. These ancient traditions secured an orderly transition. They still have a contemporary meaning and purpose. Around the United Kingdom and across the world, in Commonwealth countries and overseas dependencies, proclamations were made in time honoured tradition. Here in Rutland our civic and county officers, our churches and community groups played their part. Attention then focussed on the Coronation nine months later. Since 1576 The Book of Common Prayer has included a service for the Accession. The first version marked the Accession of Elizabeth I, partly to acknowledge the return to a Protestant monarchy. The service has been revised over the centuries and continues in use today as a general thanksgiving for the life and reign of the monarch. Accession Day traditions took place around the United Kingdom, including the flying of flags and standards, Royal Salutes, military parades and church services. Since Accession Day falls on a Sunday this year, I am pleased that we came together to mark the occasion at All Saints Church."
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