Union flags are being flown at half-mast across the county to mark the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The National Proclamation, the official announcement of Her Majesty's death and acknowledgement of the commencement of the King's new reign, will take place at 11am on Saturday 10 September at St James Palace.

The Local Proclamation will take place the following day on Sunday 11 September in Taunton.

The Local Proclamation will be read out by the High Sheriff of Somerset, Jennifer Duke, in front of the Market House in Taunton town centre, at 1pm.  The public are welcome to observe the Local Proclamation. The Local Proclamation in Taunton is a short ceremony supported by the five councils - Somerset County Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Mendip District Council and South Somerset District Council.

Following the Proclamation in Taunton, a Proclamation will be made on behalf of Wells City Council by the Mayor of Wells, Cllr Stewart Cursley, acknowledging the accession of Sovreignty to King Charles III. This will take place at 3pm when the Mayor will address the citizens of Wells and invited dignitaries from the balcony of the Town Hall.

Books of Condolence have been opened at all the Council offices including Mendip District Council offices in Shepton Mallet. There is a table located in the reception area available during office hours 8.30am - 5pm.

Buckingham Palace has opened an e-Book of Condolence for people to leave tributes to Queen Elizabeth II 24/7 online here: royal.uk website.

The Chair of Mendip District Council, Cllr Helen Sprawson-White, has laid a wreath outside Highfield House, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet (near the District Council Offices). Residents are welcome to place floral tributes on the grass area in front of the House but are asked to be mindful of the environment and remove wrapping or choose biodegradable items.