The new king confirmed the decree at a ceremony in London announcing the monarch to allow the British public to pay their respects and honor the queen’s reign. But will the shops close for the occasion? Find out everything you need to know about the national holiday.
Are the shops open on holidays?
Shops will not be required to close on the day of the Queen’s funeral, however, some may choose to do so as a mark of respect. Retailers may choose to operate reduced hours with the day being declared a Bank Holiday, although this may vary between businesses. Government advice is: “Some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the state funeral, however this is at the discretion of individual businesses.”
Do people have permission for the funeral?
The government has announced that the national holiday will be treated as a standard bank holiday – meaning there is no obligation for employers to let their staff have the day off. “There is no statutory entitlement to public holiday leave, but employers can include bank holidays as part of an employee’s leave entitlement,” it said.
More about The Queen
Staff taking the day off is “a matter for discussion between individuals and their employer” and the government “cannot interfere” with existing contractual arrangements. The government added that it expected many workers to be able to take time off, saying: “The bank holiday will be a unique national moment and we will encourage employers to respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take time off.” He advises those with contracts of employment that require them to work some public holidays to discuss with their employer whether they can take time off.
Will schools close?
Schools across the UK will be closed as part of a special bank holiday. The government said it was not “asking them to remain open on a bank holiday”. This will give thousands of young people a chance to watch the televised service and pay their respects, government sources told the PA news agency. This holiday is official and applies in the same way as all others.
What time is the queen’s funeral?
The Queen’s funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September at 11am. and will be televised to a huge global audience. Extensive preparations have been made for the ceremony, which is being overseen by the Earl Marshal, The Duke of Norfolk. The royal family, senior politicians and heads of state from around the world are among those likely to attend, while tens of thousands of members of the public are expected to line the route for a funeral procession from Buckingham Palace. Access to some areas, especially central London, will be restricted, with road closures and diversions causing delays for vehicles and pedestrians.
