King's Lynn busy in 1952 when Elizabeth II proclaimed new Queen
The Lynn News is looking back 70 years to a sad day when King George VI died at the Sandringham royal estate on Wednesday, February 6, 1952. This is part seven ...
Hundreds of West Norfolk residents stood, bare headed, outside Lynn Town Hall on the morning of Friday, February 8, for the formal proclamation of Elizabeth II as the new Queen.
The big bell in St Margaret’s tower sounded the hour of eleven and bugles rang out. A flag which until then at half mast in respect for the dead King, was hoisted by a Sea Cadet to fly at the top of the flag staff high above the huge crowd.
The proclamation was read by the Mayor, Commander F Basil Humphrey, in his robes and full insignia:
“Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God to call to his mercy our late Sovereign Lord, King George the Sixth of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the Crown is solely and rightfully come to the high and mighty Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary … Do now hereby with one voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim … Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary … Queen Elizabeth the Second. God Save the Queen.”
“Long live the Queen” came the cry from the huge crowd.
