The Queen's funeral confirmed to be a bank holiday in UK
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Featured Image Credit: PA Images/Alamy/BBC
King Charles III has approved a bank holiday on the day of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away on 8 September. Her son, formerly known as Prince Charles, has since been proclaimed King, the ceremony having taken place earlier today (10 September).
During his proclamation, King Charles III confirmed there will be a bank holiday on the day of the Queen's funeral.
The King has approved an order that the day of the Queen’s funeral will be a bank holiday
— Sophie Corcoran (@sophielouisecc) September 10, 2022
The two proclamations were read out by Acting Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt during the Accession Council ceremony which took place at St James' Palace in London as follows: "Appointing the day of her Majesty’s state funeral as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
"Appointing the day of her late Majesty’s state funeral as a bank holiday in Scotland."
King Charles III responded by stating, 'Approved' aloud before he signed the proclamations.
'Appointing the day of her late majesty's state funeral as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland'
— ITV News (@itvnews) September 10, 2022
Penny Mordaunt reads the draft orders of the proclamation to be authorised, with King Charles approving them individually https://t.co/zkyKlPuaxT pic.twitter.com/3n6PJZHtsp
The date of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral has yet to be confirmed, but if it follows with tradition, in observance of a national period of mourning, it should take place 10 days after she passed away, which would be Monday, 19 September, 2022.
First, Operation Unicorn is set to go into motion as a result of the Queen having passed away at Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
She will be transported on a royal train from Aberdeen to Edinburgh, and then briefly visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse and St Giles' cathedral.
Queen Elizabeth will then be taken back to London where she will rest at Westminster Hall so members of the public can come to pay their respects.
The state funeral will then take place at Westminster Abbey before the graveside service at St George's Chapel which is located on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
As the flag is lowered to half mast over Windsor Castle an incredible rainbow appears over the castle, for a few minutes and then just like that it was gone…. pic.twitter.com/nOIQCAxWQQ
— Chris Jackson (@ChrisJack_Getty) September 8, 2022
Similarly to how King Charles III's proclamation was televised, the Queen's state funeral at Westminster Abbey is also expected to be shared with the public.
A two-minutes' silence will also be held at midday across the country on the day of the funeral.
The government stated: "As a mark of respect, and in keeping with the tone of national mourning, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence and/or play the national anthem at the start of events or sporting fixtures, and players may wish to wear black armbands."
The committal service at St George's Chapel, Windsor will be televised too, however the intermittent service will be private and solely for senior members of the Royal Family.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: The Queen, News, Royal Family
