Meanwhile, at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland, flowers can be placed in the castle forecourt, in front of the main gates. Information about floral tributes at other public buildings and locations will be issued by the Cabinet Office.
Will the royal residences be open?
Royal residences, including The Queen’s Gallery and Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and The Queen’s Gallery in Edinburgh, will remain closed until the Queen’s funeral (the date of which is not yet clear).
How long will the royal family mourn?
Royal mourning will be observed by members of the royal family, staff of the royal household and representatives of the royal house on official duties, along with troops committed to ceremonial duties. In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, it is Her Majesty The King’s wish that a period of royal mourning be observed from now until seven days after the Queen’s funeral.” The funeral date is likely to be Monday September 19, which would mean 12 days of mourning. Flags at the royal residences were at half-mast on Thursday and will remain at half-mast until 8am after the final day of royal mourning. The palace said the flag’s half-staffing at royal residences did not apply to the Royal Standard and the Royal Standard in Scotland when the King is in residence, as they are always flown at full mast.
