There was a distinct air of mixed emotions, a bittersweet amalgamation of sadness and hope, as crowds gathered in Enniskillen town centre last Sunday afternoon, September 11, to witness the Accession Proclamation of King Charles III following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, September 8.
Members of the public watching and listening to The Accession Proclamation being read out by Patrick O’Doherty, The High Sheriff of Co.Fermanagh.
Many stood at The Diamond with umbrellas raised, the wet and overcast weather reflective of the atmosphere of mourning present across the UK and the world at the loss of The Queen.
Despite the persistent rain, hundreds of people stood shoulder to shoulder, patiently awaiting the imminent proclamation.
At 3pm, Viscount Brookeborough, Lord Lieutenant of County Fermanagh, and Pat O'Doherty, High Sheriff of County Fermanagh, stepped onto the balcony of Enniskillen Townhall – a spot where a young Princess Elizabeth once stood as she greeted townspeople during her first visit to the island town, in 1946.
The High Sheriff read the Accession Proclamation. Although the sound quality from the microphone was poor, the historic moment was not lost as the High Sheriff projected his voice.
Following his chant of "God Save The King", the crowd repeated the words on cue, as if rehearsed – a poignant moment.
In addition to the solemn proclamation, the High Sheriff concluded his reading by calling on the crowds below to give three cheers for the new King. The crowd responded jovially, shouting "Hooray" in unison.
Speaking to The Impartial Reporter after witnessing the Accession Proclamation, Catherine Robinson described it as a "moment in history".
Members of the public watching and listening to The Accession Proclamation being read out by Patrick O'Doherty, The High Sheriff of Co.Fermanagh.
She said: "For this particular part of the country, it's just probably a once in a lifetime occasion, so I felt I had to be here."
Rosemary Forde, who was also in the crowd, told this newspaper: "You're living a part of history, and my generation will never see the like again.
"But my grandchildren will, hopefully. Our grandchildren will see the Prince of Wales on the throne. They'll live maybe through two accessions, whereas we will only live through one."
Also present on Sunday afternoon was Lady Jane Grosvenor, the daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Grosvenor, the former High Sheriff of County Fermanagh who read the Proclamation of Queen Elizabeth II on the steps of the County Courthouse in Enniskillen in 1952.
The proclamation of the Queen in Co. Fermanagh, by Lieutenant-Colonel Grosvenor, High Sheriff, took place from the County Courthouse steps, in Enniskillen as featured in The Impartial Reporter in 1952.
"It is very moving really, because it's lovely to be in the place, but not quite [the same] because he was at the courthouse steps, where he gave the proclamation in 1952 for the Queen Elizabeth II [rather than from the balcony].
"So it's lovely to share this moment with Enniskillen again, and to head back to Fermanagh," said Lady Jane, who used to live at Ely Lodge on the outskirts of Enniskillen town.
"I was born and brought up there. My father was a member of parliament for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. This was our home for many years, so I'm very happy to come back," she told this newspaper.
Former First Minister Arlene Foster, (left), with Vicount Brookeborough, Lord Lieutenant of Co.Fermanagh and Lady Jane Grovenor.
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