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The Queen mourning period: What the 10 days of national mourning mean
THE QUEEN'S passing at the age of 96 has triggered a period of national mourning.
Nicknamed Operation London Bridge the arrangements include Charles' tour of the UK, extensive funeral arrangements and a period of mourning. Here’s everything you need to know.
What does The Queen's mourning period mean?
Her Majesty sadly passed away aged 96 after 70 years on the throne.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the tragic news with a heartbreaking statement on September 8, 2022.
The Queen's death has triggered a period of national mourning that will last 10 days.
According to documents seen by , the day of her death is known as “D-Day”, and the 10 days following encompass all of the preparations for the Queen’s funeral.
In addition, the plans for King Charles’ accession to the throne are outlined.
1
During the period, Union Jacks will be flown at half-mast and books of condolence will be opened.
The Queen’s body will also be taken to Parliament, where she will lie in state in Westminster Hall until her funeral.
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Media coverage will also reflect the mourning period – with TV and radio stations expected to follow a code of conduct.
The temporary measures will reportedly include the suspension of comedy programming on BBC and the recommendation that DJs play inoffensive music.
Parliamentary business will be suspended for 10 days.
The London Stock Exchange is also expected to close for a short period of time.
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What happens on the 10 days of mourning?
According to Politico, the day the Queen died - September 8, 2022 - will be referred to as D-Day.
Every day afterwards will be referred to as D+1 and D+2 and so on.
D+1
The day after the Queen’s death is the start of the ten days of mourning.
The Accession Council will meet at St James’ Palace to proclaim King Charles the new sovereign.
Hundreds of people will be in attendance, including the Prime Minister and senior Government ministers.
Later in the day, MPs will then have their chance to offer tributes to the Queen in the House of Commons.
D+2
The next day will see the Queen’s coffin returned to Buckingham Palace.
According to Politico, there are numerous plans in place to facilitate the transportation of her body – depending on the location of her passing.
The Queen passed away at Balmoral in Scotland.
But reportedly plans were in place in the event of her death at other stately homes including Sandringham and Windsor Castle.
The PM and ministers will attend a reception to welcome the coffin into the capital.
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D+3, D+4
On D+3 King Charles will receive the motion of condolence at Westminster Hall.
After duties in London, Charles will embark on a tour of the UK, visiting Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In the capital, there will be a rehearsal for the procession of Her Majesty’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster.
D+5
The Queen’s coffin will be taken from Westminster Hall and travel through crowds of thousands of mourners by gun carriage to Westminster Abbey.
A service will follow.
D+6 to D+9
The Queen’s body will lie in state in Westminster Hall until her funeral.
The coffin will be on a raised box and will be accessible to the public for 23 hours per day for three days.
D + 10
The state funeral itself will be held at Westminster Abbey.
There will be a two minutes’ silence across the nation at midday.
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Processions will take place in London and Windsor, with thousands expected to attend.
There will later be a committal service in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle before the Queen is buried in the castle’s King George VI Memorial Chapel.
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