Crowds in the County Town cheered "God Save the King" at the first proclamation in Kent announcing King Charles III's accession to the throne.

His Majesty was formally proclaimed the new monarch at a ceremony at London's St James' Palace on Saturday - conducted by the Accession Council and attended by Privy Counsellors.

Crowds sing God Save the King in Maidstone

Maidstone, as the county town of Kent, kicked off the local proclamations on Sunday as part of a tradition dating back centuries.

During the ceremony, the accession to the throne is formally announced, which takes place on the death of a reigning monarch.

Dozens of people attended the service shortly before 1pm in Jubilee Square, which was delivered by the High Sheriff of Kent, Russell Race.

He read the proclamation to the crowd announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles III.

On-lookers cheered "God Save the King" before singing the newly-styled national anthem.

Maidstone 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."

Local proclamations will be held across Kent today at 3pm, including Medway, Canterbury and Dover.

In Folkestone, the Accession Proclamation was read in a ceremony outside the Civic Centre.

Scores of people gathered to hear Folkestone and Hythe District Council chairman Cllr Philip Martin announce the Accession before the assembled crowd sang God Save the King. There were then three cheers for the new monarch.

Shelagh Wright, from Whitfield, attended with her family, including grandson James, to witness a moment in history.

She said: "It's incredibly special, so important to be part of history in the making.

"The Queen's reign has meant a lot to me. I think she's been the perfect ambassador of our country and now obviously I hope King Charles will follow suit.

"I'm wondering whether I can get up to the lying in state, I just don't know, but the emotions are overwhelming."

The mayor of Gravesham Cllr Peter Scollard made the announcement in Gravesend before singer Leanne Jones led the crowd in the national anthem.

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

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

Meanwhile, 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 on Sunday 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 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.