Thousands gathered at Parliament House steps to hear proclamation of King Charles III
The crowd who gathered in Adelaide to hear the Proclamation of the new King was one of the country’s biggest. See the gallery – were you there on North Terrace?
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It was a moment in history – an event more than 70 years in the making.
And for more than 8000 South Australians, Sunday afternoon was a chance to pay their respects to a new monarch, King Charles III and a quiet tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The proclamation crowd, which were more than 10 rows deep surrounding state parliament on North Tce, was among the country’s biggest, from the very young to the elderly and some who bore witness to the occasion more than 70 years ago.
Seventy years ago, Governor, Lieutenant General Sir Charles Willoughby Norrie stood on the steps of parliament to proclaim Her Majesty, on February 8, 1952, in front of 5000 people.
Since then, the Queen witnessed what Premier Peter Malinauskas described as “the most substantial changes in human history”.
She saw off 15 British prime ministers, 16 Australian PMs and 15 SA premiers.
Sunday’s crowd – some of whom had patiently waited for more than four hours for a prime viewing point – celebrated the pomp and ceremony of the symbolic event from 2pm sharp.
There were cheers, applause, polite shouts of “God Save the King”, and a few tears from the crowd who were urged to attend and take advantage of free public transport.
Many then flocked to Government House to place flowers or write a message of condolence.
Among them were six year-old friends Ivy Williams and Annalise Doecke who held a special royal tea towel after laying flowers at Government House.
“I liked the Queen, she was kind, and we took flowers into the city because it was respectful,” said Annalise, who hoped the King would look after his mother’s pet corgis.
Ivy’s dad, drafter Nick, 41, of Underdale, and Annalise’s mother, physiotherapist Rebecca, 46, of Henley Beach, said they wanted their children to witness history.
“We wanted to pay our respects,” said Mr Williams.
Mrs Doecke added: “For me it was a moment in time to witness such an occasion it was special for Australia to do when everything is so far away.”
Resume writer, Karyn DeReuiter, 43, of Walkey Heights, brought her children, twins Emily and Liam, 13 and four year-old Tilly.
“It is a historic moment so I wanted the kids to experience it,” she said. “We will never see a Queen to a King in our lifetime.”
Rachel Harvey, 53, and her husband of 27 years Jim, 56, of Reynella East, took his mother, Pam Nicholson, 78, to show their appreciation.
Mrs Nicholson remembered the Queen’s reign in the UK. “This is such a moment in history, I wanted to be here,” she said.
The proclamation, a historic event that heralds in a new monarch, began when State Cabinet – minus Deputy Premier Susan Close who is overseas – had met at 1.15pm to ratify it.
It was then signed off by the Executive Council at 1.30.
Politicians from all parties, elected council members, diplomats and members of the armed forces also made up the crowd.
The official party also included Opposition Leader David Speirs, Chief Justice Chris Kourakis and James Muecke, the Lieutenant Governor.
Also in the official party was Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, Lower House Speaker Dan Cregan and Upper House MP Terry Stephens.
It started with a warm welcome to country from Aboriginal elder Major “Moogy” Sumner, who said the Charles would be an excellent King and hoped he would visit SA.
“If he doesn’t, then we would have to visit him,” he said to laughs.
In a powerful speech, Mr Malinauskas hailed the Queen’s reign and her for being resolute, steadfast, poised and calm, but thanked Major Sumner for allowing the ceremony to occur.
“Too often in this modern age of rapid news and instant gratification, we can become indifferent to history,” the Premier said.
“As I stand here, truly humbled by the size of this crowd, it strikes me that South Australians are not indifferent to the significance of this moment.”
He later said it was “incredible to see so many South Australians turn out to witness history as we proclaimed a new King,” he said.
“This is a ceremony steeped in tradition which we haven’t seen in our state for 70 years,” he said.
“That history serves as a powerful platform to focus on tackling future challenges ahead.”
Governor Frances Adamson, the country’s former chief diplomat who has met both the King and Queen, said her reign was extraordinary.
“Words cannot adequately express the high esteem in which Her Majesty was held, the deep respect which her extraordinary life of service commanded or the love she engendered,” she said.
“Her messages of hope and sympathy inspired Australians in times of need when we battled floods, bushfires and drought.
“Her messages of respect for our service men and women were from the heart.
“Let us not forget that as well as monarch, the Queen was also a devoted wife, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
“Like many of us, she experienced both joy and sadness in these roles, but her enduring grace and dignity reminded us all of the importance of family and community.”
Mr Speirs said: “The proclamation of King Charles III is a truly historic occasion, one which we watch on with a mix of sadness and awe. A great Queen has died and a new King is immediately stepping into a role.
“It’s amazing to watch things move so quickly. History is unfolding before our eyes.”
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Parliament was suspended on Friday and Government House open from 7am to 9pm, giving South Australians the opportunity to sign a condolences book.
On Friday morning Mr Malinauskas and Governor Adamson observed the placement of “the hatchment”, a coat of arms featuring South Australia’s floral emblem, the Sturt Desert Pea and its animal emblem, the piping shrike, as well as the late Queen’s name, on Government Houses front gates.
The hatchment was first hung outside Government House in 1901 after the death of Queen Victoria.
Hundreds of flowers have been laid at the base of Queen Elizabeth II’s statue at Government House since Thursday.
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