No date has yet been announced for the funeral, but it is likely to take place on Monday, September 19. The holiday was officially approved by King Charles III at his first meeting with the Privy Council at St James’s Palace in London. Acting Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt read two draft proclamations designating the day as a public holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Scotland. Charles responded with the single word “Approved” before signing the proclamations. Operation London Bridge – the strict set of protocols drawn up by officials outlining the plan in the event of the Queen’s death – sets out what happens after the monarch’s death. The original plans are for the Queen’s coffin to be carried in a gun carriage to the abbey, which is pulled by seamen – sailors – using ropes rather than horses. Flags will fly at half-mast during the mourning period (PA wire) Senior members of the family are expected to mourn – just as they did for the funerals of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The army will line the streets and also participate in the march. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and dignitaries will be invited to gather at the abbey, which can accommodate a congregation of 2,000. The service will be televised and a national two-minute silence is expected. On the same day as the funeral, the Queen’s coffin will be taken to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised ceremony. Buckingham Palace announced the Queen’s death in a statement on Thursday night (September 8). King Charles III was officially made monarch at the Council of Accession ceremony today (AP) It read: “The Queen passed away peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. “The King and Queen will remain at Balmoral this evening and return to London tomorrow.” King Charles III was officially made monarch at the Council of Accession ceremony today (Saturday 10 September) The privy council first proclaimed the King in his absence, and then His Majesty made a declaration and read and subscribed an oath to protect the safety of the Church in Scotland. Members of the Privy Council, including past prime ministers, watched as the King made his proclamation as the nation’s new monarch. In his speech, His Majesty vowed to follow the “inspiring example” of his mother Elizabeth II in fulfilling his duties as head of state. Standing before the royal throne in the palace’s Throne Room, Charles spoke of the “irreparable loss” for himself, his family, the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the whole world represented by his mother’s death. There will be a public holiday for the Queen’s funeral (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) “It is the greatest comfort to me to know the sympathy so many have expressed to me, my sister and brothers,” he said. All official flags, including the Union Flag, will be flown at half-mast until the end of the Royal Mourning period, although they will only be flown at Full Mast today for Proclamation Day. The new King gave his first full speech as monarch yesterday (September 9). Paying tribute to his late mother and the Queen, he said: “I speak to you today with feelings of deep sadness. Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved Mother – has been an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the sincerest debt any family can owe to their mother. for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example.” King Charles also shared his love and respect for other members of the family. He said: “I rely on the loving help of my lovely wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own faithful public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort. “As my heir, William now takes on the Scottish titles that mean so much to me. He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes over the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have held for more than five decades. Today, I am proud to have created him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so privileged to bear for so much of my life and duty. “With Catherine at his side, our new Prince and Princess of Wales, I know, will continue to inspire and guide our national conversations, helping to bring the marginalized to the center where vital help can be given. I also want to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives abroad.” He closed with a heartfelt tribute to his mother, which brought tears to many people’s eyes. He continued: “And to my dearest mum, as you embark on your last long journey to meet my dearest papa, I just want to say this: thank you. “Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and the family of nations that you have served so diligently over the years.”
