There are long queues to be expected at the Queen's lying in state later this week as Brits pay their respects to the longest-serving monarch in English history, Elizabeth II>
Anyone that wishes to pay their respects to Her Majesty will be able to from Wednesday 14 September. Westminster Hall will be open for 24 hours a day from 5pm until 6.30am on the day of the funeral – Monday 19 September.
The Government has explained that the queue will be fast moving and it's thought the very long line of people waiting to see Queen Elizabeth will stretch all the way through Central London.
The public has also been told what they should wear, and how they should act when inside the Palace of Westminster.
The Government has asked people to “dress appropriately for the occasion to pay your respects”, and banned “with political or offensive slogans”.
“Please respect the dignity of this event and behave appropriately. You should remain silent while inside the Palace of Westminster,” it added.
There will be stewards and police patrolling queues and anyone drunk will be kicked out.
Visitors will also face security checks similar to those airports, including rules on bag sizes. Only bags smaller than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm will be allowed in.
When it comes to liquids, flasks or water bottles, except clear water bottles which must be emptied of their contents before reaching security.
Those wishing to pay their respects are not allowed to bring flowers, candles, flags or photos. And although the queue may be long, sleeping bags, blankets and folding chairs are all banned too.
The Queen’s closed coffin will rest on a small stage, in the ancient Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster.
The flocks of people are believed to create severe delays to public transport.
Government guidance advised the following: “Please note that the queue is expected to be very long. You will need to stand for many hours, possibly overnight, with very little opportunity to sit down, as the queue will keep moving.”
They also issued a warning on bringing children: “Please consider this before you decide to attend or bring children with you.”
The Queen’s coffin will be watched-over around the clock by guards from Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division, or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.
The public can watch the procession at specific viewing areas along the processional route, or at a screening site in Hyde Park. Those going will be allowed into the viewing areas and the Hyde Park site will open at 11am on Wednesday.
Details of the route for the lying-in-state queue will be published at 10pm on Tuesday September 13, with full guidance on the gov.uk website.
This week, OK! celebrates the life of Her Majesty the Queen with a commemorative special in honour of Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Be sure to pick up your copy.
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