The whistlestop tour will see them greet members of the public and receive condolences in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, a mini-tour known as Operation Spring Tide. A royal source said Their Majesties were “keen to meet as many people as possible, sharing the grief”. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman confirmed that Mrs Truss will join the King as he leads national mourning across the UK, attending memorial services in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. He revealed that it was the Prime Minister’s decision to accompany the King, rather than a constitutional obligation. “It is not a requirement, but the Prime Minister feels it is important to be present at an important time of national mourning across the UK,” he said. On Monday, the King and Queen will fly to Edinburgh, where their first stop will be the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the King will inspect the Guard of Honour. This will be followed by the established Ceremony of the Keys in the forecourt of the Palace. The King will then attend a Service of Prayer and reflection on the life of Queen Elizabeth II at St Giles’ Cathedral, before returning to Holyrood. He will have an audience with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, followed by an audience with the Speaker of the Scottish Parliament.
