More details are becoming known on how the public can attend the Lying-in-State of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall.
The Lying-in-State will take place from Wednesday 14 September until Monday 19 September. That Monday, Her Majesty will be taken to Westminster Abbey for her funeral. During the Lying-in-State, the public will be able to walk past The Queen’s casket, which will remain closed.
Ahead of the casket arriving at Westminster Hall, there will be a ceremonial procession that will see The Queen travel from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster. Members of the public will be able to watch the processional in viewing areas along the processional route. There will also be a screening site set up in Hyde Park.
At the Lying-in-State. The Queen’s casket will rest on a raised platform, also known as a catafalque. It will be draped in the Royal Standard and will have the Orb and Sceptre placed on top. A vigil of units from the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, Household Division, and Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London are helping with around-the-clock guarding of the casket. There will be four units at each corner of the platform at all times.
The public will be able to walk past 24 hours a day from 5pm Wednesday the 14th to 6.30am on the day of the funeral, Monday 19 September. Those wishing to attend are required to queue for many hours and some are suggesting, possibly overnight. Large crowds are expected and people are encouraged to plan accordingly and to be prepared for long wait times.
All those attending the Lying-in-State will be required to go through airport-style security. In addition, there will be tight restrictions on what you can take in. Only small bags will be permitted. Step-free access will be available for those who need it.
If you are unable to travel, key moments of the ceremonial procession and Lying-in-State will be broadcasted on Sky News, ITV, and the BBC.
