Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday, the UK is entering a period of mourning. A state of Royal Mourning – carried out by members of the royal family, royal household staff and representatives, and troops with ceremonial duties – has begun, which will run between now and seven days after the Queen’s funeral; the date of which is yet to be confirmed.
The period of national mourning is expected to last until the Queen’s funeral.
CNC flags around the country, including at Buckingham Palace will be flown at half-mast to mark the mourning period, and an online book of condolences is available for anyone to write their well-wishes in.
Prince Charles, now King Charles III is due to return to London and hold his first meeting with new Prime Minister Liz Truss, with the House Of Commons not holding their 9:30am sitting as planned. MPs and peers are to be invited to pay tribute to the Queen in a session led by the Prime Minister, which will last until 10pm tonight. The full period of National Mourning is thought to be 12 days, and will be confirmed by the Government later today.
Public services of remembrance will also be held throughout the country, and a day of mourning is expected to coincide with the Queen’s funeral.
96 rounds of gun salutes will be fired in tribute to the Queen today, one for each year of her life. This can be seen in Hyde Park by The King’s Troop Royal House Artillery and at the Tower Of London by the Honourable Artillery Company.
Queen Elizabeth II, April 21, 1926 – September 8, 2022.