Proclamation of the New Sovereign, King Charles III outside Government House

By Christopher Tobutt

Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Cayman Islands Governor, His Excellency Martyn Roper, officially announced King Charles II, at the Ceremony for the Proclamation of the New Sovereign, held outside Government House on Sunday 11 September. 

Many people came, all dressed in black mourning clothes to show their respect for the Queen on such a historic occasion. The Proclamation Ceremony in Cayman followed similar ceremonies in British overseas territories and commonwealth countries all over the world. New Zealand, Australia and Canada all held proclamation ceremonies, and separate ceremonies were held in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

After the formation of the parade, and the officials took their place around the Dais, including members of the Government including the Premier, Hon. Wayne Panton. There were also present awardees of Cayman Islands honors. the Governor began the Proclamation:

“Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to His Mercy our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second of Blessed and Glorious Memory, by whose Decease the Crown has solely and rightfully come to The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George: I, Martyn Keith Roper, Governor of the Cayman Islands, do now hereby with one voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Phillip Arthur George, is now by the death of our late Sovereign of Happy Memory, become our only lawful and rightful Liege Lord, Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of his other realms and territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection beseeching God by whom kings and queens do reign, to bless His Majesty with long and happy years to reign over us. Given at Government House, Grand Cayman this eleventh day of September in the year of our Lord 2022.”

There followed a Royal Salute and Present Arms, following which the Governor cried, “God Save the King.” Everyone present responded, “God Save the King.” There was a 21-gun salute, before the ceremony officially ended with the Governor leading everyone present in a hearty, “Three Cheers for His Majesty the King” to which everyone responded, “Hooray,” and all of the uniformed contingents took off their hats, helmets and caps to herald Cayman’s new King.

“I think it’s an honor and privilege to attend such a ceremony, an historic event such as this,” said one of the attendees, Carla McLaughlin. “My daughter who is a Certificate and Badge of Honor recipient received the invitation so as her guest, it’s been my honor to attend and I think its one of those things that I will be able to share with children and grandchildren in years to come – to know that I attended the event where the Governor read the proclamation of the King succeeding Queen Elizabeth II.”