The nation will have the chance to say goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II in person over the next few days.
Her Majesty's body will be lying in state before her funeral on Monday, September 19. Queen Elizabeth's coffin was brought to Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Sunday, where it will remain until it is brought down to London on Tuesday.
Her closed casket will then lie in state at Westminster Hall until Sunday, September 18. While there the public have been invited to pay their respects, however there are a number of rules and regulations that must be followed.
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Queues to get in are expected to be miles longs meaning it will take hours to get to the front. The government has issued guidance on all the things you are allowed to do and bring for those wishing to pay their respects.
When, where and how you can see the Queen's coffin
During the Lying-in-State period, Her Majesty The Queen’s closed coffin rests on a raised platform, which is called a catafalque, inside Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster (also known as the Houses of Parliament ). Members of the public attending will file past the catafalque to pay their respects.
The Queen’s Lying-in-State at the Palace of Westminster opens to the public at 5pm on Wednesday, September 14. It will be open 24 hours a day until it closes at 6.30am on Monday, September 19 ahead of her funeral.
What you need to know about queuing to see the Queen's coffin
The government guidance states: "Please note that there will be a queue, which 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 be continuously moving."
They added: "Please consider this before you decide to attend or bring children with you."
What you should and should not bring
Visitors will go through airport-style security and there are tight restrictions on what you can take in. Only small bags are permitted. 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, which you will be directed to. However, capacity is limited and there is no guarantee that there will be space at the facility. Items are left at your own risk. Waiting for bag storage space to become available will increase your queuing time.
Here is a list of all items banned from being brought into Westminster Hall:
- 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 can't 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, folding chairs and camping equipment.
- Non-foldable pushchairs.
- Any other items as directed by security staff or police.
Conduct and behaviour for visiting the Queen's coffin
The government guidance states: "Please respect the dignity of this event and behave appropriately. You should remain silent while inside the Palace of Westminster."
It added that stewards and police officers will patrol the queue. Antisocial or inappropriate behaviour (including queue-jumping, excessive consumption of alcohol or drunken behaviour) will not be tolerated and you will be removed from the queue.
The guidance advises that you should dress appropriately with no political or offensive slogans on your clothing. You should also keep your phone on silent and keep noise to a minimum.
Here is a list of things that you should not do while paying your respects:
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Film, photograph, or use mobile phones or other handheld devices in the security search area and the Palace of Westminster.
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Bring or erect gazebos or tents.
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Light barbecues or fires.
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Attempt to queue on behalf of others or ask others to queue on your behalf. Only those given wristbands at the end of the queue will be able to stay in the queue.
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Leave personal items unattended in the queue. If you leave bags or other items unattended they will be removed and may be destroyed.
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