The Archbishop of Canterbury says God gave us the "most wonderful example of a Christian life and death” in a special service today for the late Queen.

Dozens of well-wishers attended a ceremony in the city's cathedral this morning where the Most Rev Justin Welby preached at Holy Communion.

It comes as the late Queen's coffin left Balmoral this morning on a six-hour journey to Edinburgh, where it will lie at St Giles’ Cathedral.

King Charles III was formally proclaimed our new king at a ceremony at London's St James' Palace on Saturday. It was conducted by the Accession Council and attended by Privy Counsellors.

Meanwhile, local proclamations will be held across Kent today in a tradition dating back centuries to announce the accession, which takes places on the death of the reigning monarch.

At a special service in Canterbury Cathedral, which was also streamed on YouTube, a moment of reflection was held before the start of the ceremony at 11am.

Speaking at Holy Communion, the Archbishop thanked people for attending on the “extraordinarily unexpected Sunday” following the death of Her Majesty.

"God graciously gave us the most wonderful example of a Christian life and death," he said.

"Her late Majesty taught us much if not more about God and grace, both in words and the actions that reinforce them, than any other contemporary figure.

"We remember her for not what she had, but for what she gave.

"What a precious blessing and how precious she was to us and how keenly we feel her loss."

The Most Rev Welby told well-wishers the late Queen felt like a "near-eternal point of stability" for the nation.

"We are not complete when one of us is lost in our families and communities, and this week as a nation, Commonwealth and across the world," he added.

"Many people will be navigating their way around the raw and ragged edges of grief today because of the Queen.

"But many families as well will have lost loved ones or have been reminded of the loss of loved ones this week.

"Their grief may feel all the more painful during this time of national and international mourning - for loss is overwhelming for the person bereaved."

King Charles III was formally proclaimed our new king at a ceremony yesterday where he vowed to follow his mother's "inspiring example".

Members cheered "God Save the King" during a sombre ceremony attended by Prince William and the Queen Consort Camilla, as well as the Archbishop of Canterbury and former prime ministers.

King Charles III told the nation and the world in his first public address on Friday he will endeavour to serve "with loyalty, respect and love".

Speaking to the nation in a pre-recorded message, His Majesty said: "Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen, my beloved mother, was an inspiration, an example to me and to all my family and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding, and example.

"Queen Elizabeth's was a life well lived, a promise with destiny kept, and she is mourned most deeply in her passing."

A state funeral will be held in London on Monday, September 19.