In special Evensong and Vigil services last night led by the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd John Dobson, the congregation joined in one voice to remember the late monarch and offer sympathy and support for the new king - a Freeeman of the City for 20 years.

From the opening of the doors at Ripon Cathedral to the setting of the watch on Market Square events in the city underlined its deep royal roots.

It began with private prayers at the cathedral from 8am until 9pm and throughout the day people wrote  messages in the books of condolence for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

After the service the senior clergy and mayor of Ripon walked to the market square for the setting of the watch.

A plaque by the front door of the town hall, says that the honour bestowed on King Charles III in October 2002, when he was the Prince of Wales, was 'In deep appreciation of his unique contribution to the regeneration of Ripon.'

Standing on the same steps that The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh stood on in May 2004, when Ripon celebrated the 400th anniversary of its Royal Charter, Mayor Councillor Sid Hawke was joined by the bishop and dean, canons Ailsa Newby, Michael Gisbourne and Richard Cooper and head verger Charlie Brown, as hornblower Allison Clark, announced that the watch had been set. (see main image)

Today there will be hourly prayers at the cathedral from 8am and a special choral Evensong at 5.30pm, to mark the proclamation of the King.

Tomorrow at 10.30am there will be a sung Eucharist service led by the Bishop of Ripon, followed by a choral Evensong at 3.30pm.

Read More:

• Watch: Bells toll across district to mark the Queen’s death


• Ripon Cathedral to play a central role in mourning The Queen