Former Prime Minister David Cameron has been criticised after he was spotted by viewers during the first ever televised proclamation of a British monarch, dressed in a blue suit. While his peers and fellow members of The Accession Council opted for black attire during the ceremony this morning (September 10), viewers weren't too impressed that Mr Cameron hadn't done so himself.
The Accession Council, a group of royal advisers, Lords, City of London officials and Commonwealth diplomats, gathered to witness the proclamation of the new King, Charles III. The current Prime Minister Liz Trus was in attendance, as was former Prime Ministers including Sir Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Theresa May, Sir John Major and Boris Johnson - all of whom were dressed in black.
Black is a colour usually worn during a period of mourning, especially when it comes to a monarch or other member of the royal family. On announcing Her Majesty the Queen's death on Thursday afternoon, BBC presenters including Huw Edwards had changed into a black suit and tie.
Read more: Queen Elizabeth's death: King Charles III formally confirmed as new monarch - updates
Cornwall Live reports that viewers took to Twitter to share their disappointment with Mr Cameron, for not choosing to wear a black suit and tie. One Tweet read: "As if David Cameron couldn’t put on a black suit. Who let him turn up wearing blue?"
Another added: "Why is David Cameron the only one wearing navy, hasn't he done enough?" Similarly shocked, a further tweet said: "Why’s David Cameron the only one in blue?"
The nation is currently in its second day of mourning following the announcement by Buckingham Palace on Thursday evening of Elizabeth II’s death at the age of 96. A wave of proclamations will take place across the UK in recognition of the new sovereign this weekend.
The new monarch became King the moment his mother died, but an Accession Council must be convened following the death of a sovereign - usually within 24 hours. Following the passing of the Queen, Mr Cameron paid tribute to her saying she had been “a rock of strength for our nation and the Commonwealth”.
In a statement posted on Twitter he said: “There can simply be no finer example of dignified public duty and unstinting service, and we all owe our sincere gratitude for her continued devotion, living every day by the pledge she made on her 21st birthday. Her dedication to our country has been incomparable and, as such, she leaves an enduring legacy.”
He added he was “very proud” to have served as the Queen’s twelfth prime minister, adding it was a “privilege” to call on her “sage advice and wise counsel”. Mr Cameron also paid tribute to her record in foreign and domestic affairs, adding: “My thoughts and prayers are with the King and the royal family at this time of great sadness.
“The country has lost a devoted public servant; and the royal family has lost a much-loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother.”
Read next:
- Bank of England issue statement as plans to change Queen Elizabeth notes and coins to King Charles begin
- How Bristol paid tribute to the Queen and her 'unwavering devotion'
- Carol Vorderman backs King Charles III to be 'superb monarch'
- What will happen today after death of Queen Elizabeth
- Queen Elizabeth II dies: A lifetime of service to the nation
