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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Cathy Owen

All the banned items you can't take in to see the Queen's coffin lying in state at Westminster

Thousands of people are queuing to see the Queen's coffin lying in state at Westminster. The queue is well organised and long, but there are some strict rules around what you can and can't take into the Hall with you.

For starters, there is a strict bag policy in operation. You are only permitted to bring one small bag per person into the Palace of Westminster. It must be smaller than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, with one simple opening or zip so you can move quickly through the security check.

If you have to bring a larger bag, you will need to leave it in the bag drop facility. Stewards will direct you to the bag drop facility before you enter the security search point. Items are left at your own risk.

READ MORE: The reason Wales isn't represented on the Royal Standard flag

Capacity at the bag drop facility is limited and there is no guarantee that there will be space at the facility. Waiting for bag storage space to become available will increase your queuing time.

(Government)

You must not bring any of the following items into the security search point or Palace of Westminster. They say: "Banned items will be confiscated and will not be returned. Illegal items will be dealt with by the police."

  • Bags larger than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm in size, bags or rucksacks with expandable compartments, bags or rucksacks with multiple pockets or complex openings, solid-sided bags, or bags on wheels.
  • Flasks or water bottles, except clear water bottles. Clear water bottles must be emptied of their contents before you enter the security search point at the Palace of Westminster.
  • Food and liquid of any kind. Any food or liquids must be consumed in the queue or disposed of before you enter the security search point at the Palace of Westminster.
  • Flowers or other tribute items (including candles, soft toys and photographs). These items cannot be taken into or left in the Palace of Westminster. Floral tributes only should be taken to the dedicated floral tribute area in Green Park.
  • Sharp items, including knives, Swiss Army knives, scissors, cutlery and screwdrivers.
  • Personal defence equipment or any object that could be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety, including personal defence sprays.
  • Paint sprays, padlocks, chains, climbing gear, and dangerous or hazardous items.
  • Fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, whistles, laser devices, and other items that could be used to cause a disturbance or noise.
  • Banners, placards, flags, advertising or marketing messages, and other similar items that could be used to cause a disturbance.
  • Coolers, hampers, sleeping bags, blankets, and camping equipment.
  • Chairs, folding chairs and other seating equipment, including shooting sticks.
  • Any other items as directed by security staff or police.

People are also warned not to bring pets or other animals as you will not be allowed to enter with them. Animals are not permitted in the Palace of Westminster, except guide dogs, hearing dogs and other official assistance dogs.

Mourners have also been told by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport to wear suitable clothing for the weather conditions, bring food and drinks to eat in the queue because there are limited places to buy refreshments, and not to forget any essential medical equipment that you might need.

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