Despite the national mourning, many were pleased to know they can pay their respects to the Queen in Scotland as her body arrived in Edinburgh yesterday and will be opened to visitors later today. Members of the public gather on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh to watch the hearse carrying Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, as it completes its journey from Balmoral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, where she will lie in state . at rest for a day.
Where will the Queen lie?
Lying at rest refers to a period of time between a person’s death and burial. Meanwhile, lying in state is common practice for high-ranking political figures such as sovereigns, prime ministers or members of the royal family, where their closed casket is displayed for public visits. As the Queen died at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire, her coffin will ‘lie in state’ twice in both Edinburgh and London. King David I founded St Giles’ in 1124, it is a parish church in Edinburgh’s Old Town where the Queen’s body will lie in state before being transported to London. The church is located midway between the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, on the city’s famous Royal Mile.
When did the Queen arrive in Edinburgh?
The Queen’s coffin arrived in Edinburgh yesterday (September 11) at 4pm. and was attended by the Royal Society of Archers. Nan Huston, 92, and her daughter Alison wait for the hearse carrying Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, as it passes Edinburgh Castle as it continues its journey to the Palace of Holyroodhouse from Balmoral. After spending last night at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Her Majesty’s body will now lie in repose at St Giles’ Cathedral for 24 hours. The leader of Edinburgh City Council, Cammy Day, said he was “proud” that Edinburgh would play such a huge role in the upcoming ceremonies.
What time can mourners visit the Queen’s coffin?
Members of the public who wish to pay their respects at Her Majesty’s coffin can do so at 5pm today (September 12) at St Giles’ Cathedral. However, mourners wanting to visit the Queen have been warned that the expected demand for visitors is in the thousands and they could face very long waits.
What are the rules and restrictions for visiting the Queen’s coffin?
When visiting the Queen’s casket, photography and recording is strictly prohibited. There will be restrictions on mobile phones and there will be security checks to enforce this as part of a standby system.
Will the Royal Family be in attendance at St Giles Cathedral?
The Queen’s children will hold a vigil known as ‘the Princes’ Vigil’ around the Queen’s coffin as it rests in St Giles’ Cathedral.
When will the Queen’s body be brought to London?
On Tuesday 13 September, the Queen will return to London. After the coffin is moved to Buckingham Palace, Her Majesty will remain in the state for another period of public visits, before her state funeral.
Where will the Queen’s funeral be held?
Britain’s longest-reigning monarch will have her state funeral at Westminster Abbey. Her coffin will be carried from Westminster Hall in a procession en route to the abbey. The UK will then observe two minutes silence to pay their respects. After an hour-long service, a ceremonial procession will see the coffin taken to Hyde Park, where it will be taken to Windsor. At St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, Her Majesty’s coffin will finally be lowered into the royal vault. While the official date is yet to be confirmed, it is believed that the funeral will take place on Monday, September 19.
