'It's a real mix of emotions': Hope meets mourning as Manchester proclaims King Charles III

As trumpets sounded across St Peter's Square, the crowd fell silent and Manchester welcomed the new King.

The city's most prominent political and cultural figures gathered just outside the stunning backdrop of Central Library to share in grief and hope as Mancunians and the world mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth and shared hope for the future under the reign of King Charles III.

The new monarch was formally sworn in yesterday at a ceremony at St James's Palace, but today, it is the nation's turn to ceremoniously greet him, as major cities across the UK held their own proclamation ceremonies.

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The service was opened by a mournfully beautiful performance by Greater Manchester Police's band, before figures including the Bishop of Manchester, the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Mayor Andy Burnham, and a number of the city's MPs and Councillors, took their places by the stage.

Introducing the occasion, Lord Mayor Cllr Donna Ludford explained that once, the 'county' proclamation ceremonies would be the first opportunity for members of the public to hear about the accession of a new monarch. Now, that isn't the case - but the ceremony's significance remains, and it offers a chance for the public to come together and reflect on a remarkable reign, and a huge cultural shift.

"I'm getting emotional. I didn't think I would, but I am," Jo from Manchester told the Manchester Evening News . "I was just completely bowled over. It was beautifully conducted and there was a real reverence about it and respect."

After the ceremony, Jo got talking to Karen Shaw, who had come straight from this morning's remembrance service at Manchester Cathedral. "I got here in time for God Save the