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GOD BLESS

The Queen could lie in state at St Paul’s Cathedral instead of Westminster Hall if she dies while Houses of Parliament is closed for repairs

Plans for her funeral, which is code-named London Bridge, are regularly reviewed

THE Queen could be buried in St Paul's cathedral rather than Westminster Hall, according to Whitehall officials.

A £3.9billion restoration project of the Houses of Parliament means the Palace of Westminster will be shut for six years, so she might not be able to lie in Westminster Hall which is traditionally used for the lying-in-state of monarchs and royal consorts.

 The Queen could be buried in St Paul's cathedral rather than Westminster Hall
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The Queen could be buried in St Paul's cathedral rather than Westminster HallCredit: Getty Images
 A £3.9billion restoration project of the Houses of Parliament means the Palace of Westminster will be shut for six years
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A £3.9billion restoration project of the Houses of Parliament means the Palace of Westminster will be shut for six yearsCredit: Alamy

Contingency plans have been drawn up proposing St Paul's cathedral as the most suitable alternative for hosting people to pay their respects.

Plans for her funeral, which is code-named London Bridge, are regularly reviewed.

MPs and peers are expected to move out from 2022 in order for repair work to take place on the plumbing, electrical and heating system.

 Contingency plans have been drawn up proposing St Paul's cathedral as the most suitable alternative
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Contingency plans have been drawn up proposing St Paul's cathedral as the most suitable alternativeCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

A growing number of MPs are opposed to leaving the main parliament building and propose sitting in the House of Lords Chamber, meaning peers would move to the Royal Gallery.

While the government has warned against allowing parliament to "fall into terminal disrepair", Downing Street have said that Theresa May has not made a decision.

 Plans for The Queen's funeral, which is code-named London Bridge, are regularly reviewed
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Plans for The Queen's funeral, which is code-named London Bridge, are regularly reviewedCredit: i-Images Picture Agency

A spokesman for the restoration project told the Times: "Alternative plans for state events are already being considered and developed to take account of all future decisions relating to the restoration and renewal programme."



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