15 new Church of England ministers have become the first ordinands in history to swear a vow of allegiance to King Charles III.

The historic ordination service took place at Exeter Cathedral just hours after the Royal Proclamation of the new monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The new Deacons, who will now be taking-up posts in churches across Devon were ordained by the Bishop of Exeter, Rt Rev Robert Atwell.

The Bishop of Exeter has said the Queen’s death is an “extraordinary, watershed moment for our nation”.