Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96, after a remarkable reign lasting for 70 years – making her the longest-serving monarch in British history.
After her sad death on Thursday, September 8, we have officially started the 12 days of national morning in the UK ahead of her state funeral – and this is likely to see TV and radio schedules changed, the Royals wearing black, and sporting events cancelled.
However, one question which has come up is whether other aspects of life – such as schools and workplaces – will also be impacted as a result.
Will schools, shops and businesses be expected to close for the duration of the mourning period, or for the Queen’s funeral?
Will schools, shops and workplaces close following the Queen’s death?
Schools, shops and workplaces will not be obliged to close for the period of mourning following the Queen’s death – however some may choose to close as a mark of respect.
It would be at the discretion of schools or businesses whether to close during the mourning period, while it’s also possible that some public services may close their offices until after the funeral is over.
Queen Elizabeth II dead: Key details
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died after 70 years on the throne, with her death announced by Buckingham Palace on September 8, 2022.
She died at the age of 96 surrounded by her family at her home in Balmoral, including her son and heir to the throne Charles, the Prince of Wales, and her grandsons, the Duke Of Cambridge, Prince William and the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry.
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However, the actual day of her funeral will be a ‘day of national mourning’.
In that instance, schools and places of business are likely to be closed – including the London Stock Exchange – unless it takes place on a weekend.
There has previously been speculation that the Exchange would close for the entire mourning period, having done so following the deaths of Queen Victoria and George VI – but a spokesperson told the Standard in 2017 it would ‘only cease trading if a UK bank holiday was called’.
When will the Queen’s funeral take place?
The Queen’s state funeral itself will take place around 10 days after her death and will be broadcast on TV and streamed online.
It will begin by her coffin being taken to Westminster Abbey by gun carriage, where it will be led by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
Leaders and heads of state from across the world will attend, and it’s likely that members of the public will line the route of the funeral cortege.
be interred in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, in a plot next to her father, following her funeral.
At this time Prince Philip’s body, which is at present buried in the Royal Vault beneath the chapel, will be moved to the King George VI memorial chapel at Windsor Castle, where they will lie together.
Other reports suggest she would be buried in a plot next to her father King George VI at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
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