After the death of his late majesty had been formally announced, the following instrument was prepared and signed.
"Whereas, it hath pleased the Almighty God, to call to his mercy our late sovereign lord, king George the 3d. of blessed memory, by whose decease the imperial crown of the united kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, is solely and rightfully come to the high and mighty prince, George prince of Wales: We, therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm, being here assisted with those of his late majesty's privy council, with numbers of other principal gentlemen of quality, with the lord mayor, aldermen and citizens of London, do now hereby, with one voice and consent, of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim, that the high and mighty prince, George, prince of Wales, is now, by the death of the late sovereign, of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege, lord George the 4th. by the grace of God, king of Great Britain and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. to whom we do acknowledge all faith and constant obedience, with all hearty and humble affection; beseeching God, by whom kings and queens do reign, to bless the royal prince, George the 4th with long and happy years, to reign over us.
Given at the court at Carlton-house, this 30th day of January, 1820.
GOD SAVE THE KING."
Then follows the signature of the Privy councillors, &c. present.
The king's fourth son, Edward Guelph, duke of Kent, &c. died at Sidmouth, after a short but very severe illness on the 23d of January. He was born November 2, 1767.
The interment of the king of England, took place on the 16th of February; and on the following day, both houses of parliament convened according to adjournment. A message from the new king was received and read, and an address of condolence and congratulation was adopted in the house of lords.
A new parliament is to be summoned; and great activity every where prevails in preparing for the approaching general election.
Ancient Custom.—On the day that the present King was to be proclaimed as George the Fourth, a procession was formed fronting the Palace of Carlton-house, and proceeded for the city, when, on the cavalcade arriving at Temple-bar they found the gates, according to ancient custom, closed. "The City Marshall was sent forward to the gate, intimation having been given to the lord Mayor that there was a loud knocking at the gate, and a demand of admittance from some persons outside. The Marshall went to the gate, and asked, 'Who knocks,' and was answered, 'The Herald King at Arms. I attend with a warrant to proclaim King George the Fourth. Open your gates.' The City Marshall answered, 'I shall inform the Lord Mayor that you are waiting at the gate.' The Marshall then rode back to the Lord Mayor, and having informed him that the Herald King at Arms was in waiting for admission, to proclaim George the Fourth, King of England, was directed by his Lordship to give the admission required, which was to be limited to the Herald King at Arms. The Marshall upon going to the gates, said to the officers, 'Open one side of the gates and admit the Herald King at Arms, and him alone.' The Herald then rode in, supported by his guards, and was accompanied by the City Marshall to the Lord Mayor. The Herald King at Arms presented the warrant.—The Lord Mayor immediately said, 'admit the whole procession into our city of London.'"