Residents joined councillors, the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, council employees, local dignitaries, volunteers, and school children to hear the proclamation of the new King, which was read by Ian Pittaway, the Deputy Lieutenant to the borough.

During the ceremony, which took place just after 1pm, Leader of the Council, Councillor Darren Rodwell, shared memories of when the late Queen Elizabeth II had visited the borough in 2015, before he welcomed the new King to the throne.

The UK’s longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne in 1952 and earlier this year celebrated her Platinum Jubilee. Her Majesty died peacefully at her Scottish home, Balmoral Castle, on Thursday 8 September.

In line with official protocol, and as a mark of respect, the Union Flag is now flying at half-mast at Barking Town Hall and will remain so until sunset on the day of the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Councillor Rodwell said: “Our borough, the country and the world I’m sure will be united in grief with the news of Her Majesty’s passing.

“For 70 years the Queen reigned with grace, dignity and wisdom and she was adored by people in our borough – many of whom came out to see her and welcome her during one of her many visits to Barking and Dagenham.

“Her Majesty’s fondness for the east end and our borough will never be forgotten and we look forward to welcoming the new King in the same way.”

Anyone who wishes to leave a message of remembrance for the late Queen can do so through an online book of condolence on the council website or by visiting Barking Town Hall (Barking Learning Centre at weekends) or Dagenham Library between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Sunday.

Floral tributes can be left in the Town Square, opposite Barking Town Hall.

A video recording of the full proclamation event can be viewed online at lbbd.gov.uk/proclamation-sunday-11-september.

The online book of condolence can be found at lbbd.gov.uk/online-book-condolence.