Caithness man sees Charles proclaimed as King – 70 years after witnessing same ceremony for Queen Elizabeth II

Caithness farmer Hamish Pottinger attended the Caithness proclamation of King Charles III in Wick today – 70 years after witnessing the equivalent ceremony at the same location marking the start of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

Mr Pottinger was a 10-year-old schoolboy when Elizabeth was proclaimed as Queen in February 1952 following the death of her father, King George VI.

The Queen's Caithness proclamation took place at the Market Cross in High Street, the same spot where her eldest son was proclaimed as King following Her Majesty's death on Thursday at the age of 96.

Hundreds of people gathered to hear Struan Mackie, the provost of Thurso and senior civic leader in the county, deliver the Proclamation of Accession.

Mr Pottinger (80), of Greenland Mains, said: “I was in Wick on the morning of the proclamation of the Queen's accession.

"I remember the King dying – I was at school. After the announcement of his death, we had lunch and were sent home.

“I was in two minds whether to come down today or not. I thought, 'Well, I was here 70 years ago, I'll come again.' I thought I'd regret it if I didn't come, so I'm very pleased I came down and I've seen quite a few people that I know.

“The Coronation Meadow for Caithness is on our land at Dunnet. So I sent a message saying the memories plus the wild flowers will last forever.

“She was a remarkable woman who did everything without any fear or favour, and I think our new King will do the same thing.

“I've met him every year for the last 13 years, every summer. He was always interested in what was happening on the farm, and very interested in the wild flowers.”

When asked whether he felt King Charles III would keep up his close connection to Caithness, Mr Pottinger replied: “I hope he will be allowed to continue it... I hope so, yes.”

Anne Dunnett, the former Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness, attended the proclamation while proudly wearing a medal that had been presented to her by the Queen.

Miss Dunnett, of Wick, was made a CVO – Commander of the Royal Victorian Order – when she turned 75 and retired as Lord-Lieutenant in 2017.

She explained that she was wearing the medal for the first time since receiving it.

“I haven't had occasion to wear it since then," Miss Dunnett (80) said. "But I'm quite proud to wear it today.

“The Queen was so gracious. I met her several times, of course, and I had huge respect for her.

“This is the last chance I have to pay my respects.

“She was such a wonderful woman, apart from being Queen. She was so considerate. I am a bit emotional about it.”

Joanna Coghill, chairperson of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council, described it as a "momentous" occasion for the county.

She said: "I thought it was a great day for Wick and for Caithness. On a beautiful sunny day, we helped to create history.

"It's the end of an era and the start of a new era."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.