Wiltshire civic dignitaries have been accused of putting themselves before the people at an historic event outside old County Hall in Trowbridge yesterday.

They are alleged to have ruined the County Proclamation by crowding in front of members of the public and blocking their view.

Wiltshire’s High Sheriff, The Marchioness of Lansdowne, read out the Proclamation of the Accession of King Charles III on the steps of old County Hall.

But one person who went to watch the historic event in Trowbridge said she was “disgusted” by the dignitaries' behaviour.

Jenny Britton said: “Again, Wiltshire Council have put themselves before the people of Trowbridge.

“We went to the Proclamation of our Majesty King Charles III in front of the old County Hall.

“Initially, we all had a great view until all the so-called councillors stood right in front of everyone. Then, all we could see was only the top of the High Sheriff’s hat. They could of all stood to the side so we, the public, could of had a better view.

“Everyone of those in charge in the council should be ashamed of themselves for they ruined it for everyone who turned up on this historic event.”

Terence Herbert, Wiltshire Council chief executive, said: “Following the sad death of HM The Queen, staff worked tirelessly to organise the local proclamation in less than 48 hours and I am extremely proud of the event that Wiltshire Council hosted.

"Those stood in front of the dais were various official dignitaries who are required to attend the Proclamation as outlined in the guidance issued by the Association of Lord Lieutenants.

“Around 500 people attended the event at County Hall, including civic dignitaries, councillors and members of the public and the recording has been viewed almost 6,500 times online.

"Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and I spoke to many people who said how pleased they were to be part of this historic occasion. It is disappointing to hear these comments about what was a fantastic event.”

Following the death of The Queen last Thursday, the local Proclamation took place one day after the National Proclamation, as is tradition.

The County Proclamation was made by the High Sheriff of Wiltshire on the steps of old County Hall following a minute’s silence.

Wiltshire's Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton, introduced the event, saying: “This is a unique occasion.

“We are witnessing part of the fabric of our history dating back to the Middle Ages, to a time when this form of communication was the only official way that people heard such news.

“As we stand here we can feel the link through centuries of British history being made.

“His Majesty King Charles III’s speech to the nation on Friday touched us all. As His Majesty's proud Lord Lieutenant for our county, I would like to send him, on your behalf, our most loving and respectful good wishes, and assure him and his family that they have Wiltshire's loyalty and support.”

The national anthem, God Save The King, was sung by those in attendance, accompanied by music from the Downton Band.

Once the County event had concluded, Local and Town Proclamations then took place throughout Wiltshire, including Bradford on Avon, Bratton and Chippenham.

The event was streamed on Facebook live at www.facebook.com/WiltshireCouncil and people can visit the page to view a recording.

Books of condolence will be available to sign at County Hall, Trowbridge; Monkton Park, Chippenham; Bourne Hill, Salisbury; and all Wiltshire Council libraries and mobile libraries.

There is also an online book of condolence on the Wiltshire Council website here.