History was made today as royal proclamation read out across Suffolk.

Nearly 10,000 people from across the county, including many from the Hadleigh area witnessed the Proclamation at Ipswich's Cornhill.

Babergh vice - chairman Derek Davis was on the steps as the High Sheriff read the official proclamation making King Charles III as the new monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The formal announcement of the new Sovereign – known as the Proclamation of the Accession – was then made at 24 locations in the county on Sunday.

The vice-chairman then went to Sudbury where 500 people witnessed the mayor read the proclamation at 3.30pm.

Meanwhile, Babergh leader John Ward was among the VIPs at Ipswich before going to Hadleigh to represent the district as the two mayor read out the proclamation to the townsfolk.

Dignitatries on the steps at the Cornhill (Picture credit: SCC)

The Ipswich event was attended by a number of dignitaries including Babergh chief executive Arthur Charvonia and leader John Ward.

MPs from across the county, included deputy prime minister Therese Coffey, Jo Churchill and Tom Hunt, although Hadleigh's South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge was noticeable by his absence, although he did go to the Sudbury event.

Cllr Ward, represented the council at the Hadleigh proclamation, said: "The momentous events of the past few days have been incredibly sad for us all, but at the same time they have included hope for the future. Today's accession proclamations are about that future. I watched the county proclamation from the Cornhill in Ipswich and later I was privileged to represent Babergh at the proclamation in Hadleigh.

"A large crowd gathered to participate in this historic event. It was very moving and I was proud that so many Hadleigh residents were there for our new king."

Crown in Haldeigh (Picture credit: Babergh)

After being on the steps at Ipswich, Cllr Davis, represented Babergh at the Sudbury proclamation witnessed by almost 500 residents.

He said: "It is incredible to know that Babergh was not even formed as a council when Elizabeth was proclaimed Queen, so to represent the district at this historic occasion was incredibly moving.

"While the sorrow at the loss of the Queen still bites deeply, the proclamation of King Charles III as our new monarch marks a new chapter for the district, the county and the country.

"Just as we were proud to serve the Queen, as she served us right up until the day she died, we will continue that allegiance to the King Charles III."