While there is no requirement for businesses to close or make adjustments, some felt they could not carry on as usual – and said they closed their doors due to cuts. More are likely to shut down on the day of the monarch’s funeral – expected to take place on Monday, September 19 – while others may play somber music to reflect the national mood. Here are some of the shops, attractions and workplaces that have closed since Her Majesty’s death. Stores London’s Selfridges department store closed on Thursday as news of the Queen’s death broke and said it would remain closed on Friday before reopening this weekend. The department store’s management said in a statement: “It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “Queen Elizabeth has been a reassuring constant throughout our lives, ascending the throne on February 6, 1952, making her the longest-serving monarch. in British history. “For the past 70 years, Her Majesty has dedicated herself to the service of our country and the Commonwealth, demonstrating a tremendous sense of duty and commitment.” Luxury department store Liberty flies the Union flag at half mast outside its luxury department store in London’s West End. It will remain closed until 10am on Saturday as staff “unite the country in mourning”. French Connection’s 19 UK stores closed on Friday, while END Clothing closed stores in London, Newcastle, Glasgow and Manchester. Shoe and handbag chain Russell & Bromley said all its stores would be closed today, adding: “We send our condolences to the royal family at this difficult time.” Both bookmakers William Hill and Betfred have announced they have closed their doors for Thursday afternoon and will remain closed on Friday. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has taken the decision to close all its shops until after the Queen’s funeral. Attractions Several popular tourist destinations also announced closures following the Queen’s death, with many flags flying at half-mast. The Royal Botanic Gardens closed several sites today, including Kew Gardens in south-west London and Wakehurst in Sussex. Some museums are closed for the day, including the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth and the RAF Museum in London and the Midlands. The Tower of London and the Fusilier Museum were among the country’s tourist attractions that chose to close on Friday, choosing to fly flags at half-mast instead of opening to the public. Other attractions plan to close on the day of the Queen’s funeral. This included the British Museum, which opened a book of condolence for visitors to sign. Workplaces Some offices across the country have told staff not to come today as Britons mourn the Queen. The London Philharmonic Orchestra said its members were “deeply saddened” by Thursday’s announcement and said its office, including its box office hotline, would remain closed until 10am on Monday. The Queen’s remarkable life is remembered in our latest episode of What You Need To Know… A number of MPs, including Labour’s Dawn Bowden, and the SNP’s Alan Brown and Marion Fellows, announced on Twitter that their constituency offices would be closed on Friday. Schools did not close their doors after the Ministry of Education sent an email advising them to keep classes open for now. Will a national holiday be declared after the Queen’s death? Once the date of the Queen’s funeral is confirmed, schools could be closed if a public holiday is declared. The government has the power to declare the day of the funeral to be a public holiday in the form of a Day of National Mourning. No statement on the matter has been issued at this stage. The Queen’s state funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in London, possibly on Monday 19 September, ending 11 days of official national mourning. However, the exact date of the funeral has not yet been confirmed by Buckingham Palace.
