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.
READ MORE: The moment the Queen's coffin left Balmoral
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 King," she said. "It's lovely to see them sticking to tradition. It makes me hopeful for the future."
She was also visibly emotional on a day where millions around the world are mourning with the Royals. "It brought back memories of my mother," she said. "So I feel like I have a real connection to it."
"It brings us all together," Jo added. "I've spoken to a dozen people today who I've never met before. It's a real sense of community."
Ella Azadi, Ottilie Wall, and Nicholas Willcock are all 15 and 16 years old, and came out today from Middleton to see history happen. "It's a part of history, and it's one of those things that you won't ever see again," Nicholas told the M.E.N.
"I'm here as a show of respect to the Queen and to see the whole world celebrate and support the new King."
The ceremony was brief but powerful, with the crowd breaking into a chorus of 'God Save the King' as the trumpets played. For each and every person, the significance of the change was not lost - for all their lives they have sung 'God Save the Queen' - but now, a new monarch reigns.
Afterwards, Cllr Donna Ludford, Lord Mayor Manchester, said: "It has been an honour to be part of the Greater Manchester proclamation marking this historical moment and the beginning of King Charles III's reign.
"This week we have mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth II who has presided over our country for 70 years. She is the only monarch most of our residents have ever known - a beacon of strength and consistency for our people, and a much-respected figure across the world.
"As we continue reflect on the Queen's passing, we now welcome a new era for our royal family and our nation."
Ruth and Lottie Tinne came from Hazel Grove to see the ceremony. They are both Women's Institute members, and have felt inspired by Queen Elizabeth throughout their lives. Today was a chance for them to welcome in the new King, while solemnly remembering all that the Queen meant to them.
"She's part of the family, isn't she really," Ruth explained. "She's like a relative. Lottie's grandmother always talked about her when she was young."
Lottie said that having a female head of state inspired her. "It's that girl power stuff," she told the M.E.N. "Because even when we've had male prime ministers, we still had a female head of state."
Following the proclamation Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “As Greater Manchester continues to mourn the passing of Her Late Majesty Elizabeth II, and celebrate the life of our longest-serving monarch, we must also embrace the start of a new era for our country.
“Today’s Proclamation Ceremony in St Peter’s Square formally signals that new beginning and we are ready now to build on the strong bonds of friendship we have formed with our new King over the years.
“He is no stranger to this city-region and, in recent years, we have been proud to work in close partnership with him and the Prince’s Trust as it has expanded its work with young people across our boroughs.
“So today, on behalf of the whole of Greater Manchester, I am pleased and honoured to welcome the accession to the throne of His Majesty King Charles III.”
After the ceremony, the crowds dispersed, and the flag at the top of Central Library returned to half mast. But today, Manchester opened its arms and welcomed King Charles III with the Mancunian cheer and grace that we do so well.
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