The Restoration of the Stuart Family to the
Throne
A PROCLAMATION OF BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
May 8, 1660
Although it can no way be doubted but that his Majesty's
right and title to his crowns and kingdoms is and was every way completed
by the death of his royal father of glorious memory, without the ceremony
or solemnity of a proclamation, yet since proclamations in such cases have
been always used, to the end that good subjects might upon this occasion
testify to their duty and respects, and since armed violence and other
the calamities of these many years last past have hitherto deprived us
of any such opportunity wherein we might express our loyalty and allegiance
to his Majesty, we, therefore, the Lords and Commons now assembled in Parliament,
together with the lord mayor, aldermen an commons of the city of London
and other freemen of this kingdom now present, do, according to our duty
and allegiance, heartily, joyfully and unanimously acknowledge and proclaim
that immediately upon the decease of our late Sovereign Lord King Charles
the imperial crown of the realm of England, and of all the kingdoms, dominions
and rights belonging to the same, did by inheritance, birthright and lawful
and undoubted succession descend and come to his most excellent Majesty
Charles the Second, as being Iineally, justly and lawfully next heir of
the blood royal of this realm, and that by the goodness and providence
of almighty God he is of England, Scotland, France and Ireland the most
potent, mighty and undoubted King, Defender of the Faith, &c.
And thereunto we most humbly and faithfully do submit and oblige ourselves,
our heirs and posterities for ever.