The news was announced on Saturday by the Earl Marshal, Duke of Norfolk. Further details have been confirmed as part of London Bridge’s carefully choreographed plans, which will include a four-day stay at Westminster Hall from 14 September. However, the impromptu event has left many wondering how they will be affected, with NI schools closed and the bank holiday also having a significant impact on shops and workplaces alike.
When and where is the state funeral held?
The Queen’s state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on September 19 at 11am. On the morning of the funeral, the late Queen’s coffin will be carried in a grand military procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey for the state funeral and then taken by hearse for a ceremony at St George’s Chapel.
Northern Ireland reacts to Queen’s death
A national two-minute silence is expected.
Where will I be able to follow the events?
While many people are likely to head to London to witness the events in person, for the millions who cannot, both the funeral and the ceremony will be televised. However, the funeral at St George’s Chapel is private and will be attended by senior members of the royal family. The BBC will broadcast the funeral on BBC One, BBC News and stream it on BBC iPlayer – however, the timings of the coverage are yet to be confirmed by the company. ITV and Sky are also likely to broadcast the event with similar coverage given the importance.
Is the day of the funeral a holiday?
The Queen’s funeral Monday will be a public holiday after King Charles approved an order on Saturday. Confirmation of the bank holiday came when the King approved an order during a meeting of the Accession Council where he was officially declared head of state. The Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, said: “Drafts of two declarations. One – designation of the day of her late Majesty’s state funeral as a public holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Will my child’s school close?
It has been confirmed that schools across Northern Ireland are to close on Monday 19 September as part of the bank holiday announced on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. A Department for Education spokesman said: “It has been confirmed that the date of Her Majesty The Queen’s State Funeral will be a public holiday. It is therefore expected that schools in Northern Ireland will close on 19 September.”
Will I take time off work?
According to the UK government’s bank holiday advice, these impromptu holidays work like any other throughout the year. The official guidance states that there is no “statutory entitlement to leave” and instead “employers may include public holidays as part of an employee’s leave entitlement”. The Government advises whether to take bank holiday leave “is a matter for discussion between individuals and their employer”. However, many industries will choose to close as a mark of respect on the day of the funeral. “We would expect that many workers will be able to take the day off on the bank holiday,” a UK government statement said. “We also expect employers to respond sensitively to requests from employees who wish to take the day of the funeral off work.”
Will stores in Northern Ireland be closed?
Many shops in Northern Ireland are expected to close for the day, with only those retail outlets offering essential services, such as selling groceries or pharmacies, remaining open. NI retail chef director Glyn Roberts said retailers “understand how important the day is”. Any closures will only affect that Monday. “There are instructions that we’ve already tweeted on social media and we’ve sent out further instructions,” Mr Roberts said. “The majority of the retail sector will close, except for those that have an essential role, such as convenience stores and pharmacies. “I would think that the closures would be across the board and that the majority of businesses would close unless they have a reason to stay open. “It’s going to be hugely important and talking to the retailers they understand what an important day it is. We would expect the majority of businesses in every sector to close on that day.”
