A special service has been held at Canterbury Cathedral for the late Queen Elizabeth II before proclamations of the new King are held across Kent.

It comes on the same day as the late Queen's body is moved from Balmoral to Edinburgh, prior to her return to London ahead of a state funeral on September 19.

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.

The monarch 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.

On the third day of national mourning for the late Queen, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will preach at a special service of Holy Communion.

It will be held in Canterbury Cathedral from 11am and will also be livestreamed on the Cathedral's YouTube channel.

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.

Maidstone, as the county town of Kent, will lead the proclamation today between 12.45pm and finishing by about 1pm in Jubilee Square - with all other boroughs in Kent following.

The town's mayor, Cllr Derek Mortimer, said: "Everyone is dealing with the very sad news in their own way however we recognise many people feel the need to come together as a community.

"The proclamation will provide an opportunity for Maidstone residents to hear the news of our new King and pay tributes to Her Majesty.

"Please plan your journey as it may be busy, all of our car parks will be open."

Meanwhile, Medway's event will start at 3.15pm in the Rochester Castle Gardens.

The proclamation will be read in Margate by the chairman of Thanet council, Cllr Jason Savage.

It will take place at 3pm in Hawley Square, but if the weather is inclement the ceremony will be held in the Council Chamber, Cecil Street.

The proclamation of the new sovereign will be read by the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Cllr Anne Dekker, at 3pm in the Buttermarket, outside Christchurch Gate at Canterbury Cathedral.

The Mayor of Ashford Cllr Jenny Webb will lead a short service where she will read the proclamation.

This will include the a two-minute silence and will take place at 3pm at the flag poles outside the Civic Centre.

In Dartford, the service will be made by the town's mayor on the steps of the library in Market Street at 3pm.

The proclamation will be read at the Dover District Council offices in Whitfield at 3pm, but is an invitation only event. It will be broadcast live on the council's website.

An event will take place at 3pm in Folkestone at the Civic Centre in Castle Hill Avenue.

The reading will be attended by Folkestone and Hythe council chairman Cllr Philip Martin, leader Cllr David Monk, councillors and staff.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Gravesham, Cllr Peter Scollard, will read the proclamation in front of the Civic Centre in Community Square, Gravesend at 3pm.

People attending have been advised to arrive 10 minutes before it starts.

Residents have been invited to join Sevenoaks council chairman, Cllr Avril Hunter, at 3pm at the council offices when he reads the proclamation.

A reading will also take place in the grounds of Tonbridge Castle at 3pm.

The proclamation will be read by the Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Sue Bell, and music will be provided by the 17 Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band.

Swale council's event will be held at St Michael’s Church, High Street, Sittingbourne at 3pm.

Finally, a public reading of the ceremony will take place at 3pm at the War Memorial in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Speaking at yesterday's event at St James' Palace, the King said: "In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these Islands and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world."

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."

The Queen's body is expected to leave Balmoral this morning where it has remained since she passed on Thursday afternoon.

A state funeral will be held in London on Monday, September 19. The King yesterday confirmed a bank holiday would mark the solemn occasion.