UK has now entered a period of national mourning that will last 10 days
Following the death of Queen Thursday afternoon, Brits were left wondering if her passing would mean the day would become a bank holiday.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away “peacefully” at Balmoral after Buckingham Palace had earlier announced that she was under “medical supervision” after doctors became “concerned” for her health.
Britain has now entered a period of national mourning, which will conclude in 10 days’ time with her funeral.
According to Politico, it was already pre-agreed between the prime minster and the Queen that the day of the state funeral would mark a ‘Day of National Mourning’, which would effectively be a bank holiday without the title.
Citing official documents, the outlet explained how, if the funeral was to fall on a weekday, the government did not plan to order employers to give employees the day off, saying this was a matter between employers and their staff.
It was also decided that, if the funeral fell either on the weekend or over an existing bank holiday, an extra bank holiday would not be granted. As the funeral will take place 10 days after the Queen’s death, it is expected that Her Majesty will be laid to rest on 18 September, which is a Sunday.
So, not only will the day not be a bank holiday, an extra bank holiday will not be granted for another date.
A statement from the Royal Family confirmed the Queen’s passing, aged 96.
It read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
The Queen’s passing now means that ‘Operation London Bridge’ has come into effect, marking a 10-day period leading up to the Queen’s funeral and Charles’ accession to the throne.
This comes to an end with a state funeral on the 10th day, with processions due to take place before the Queen is buried in Windsor Castle’s King George VI Memorial Chapel.
Related links:
- Prince Charles issues statement after becoming King
- Rainbow appears over Buckingham Palace as crowds gather to mourn Queen’s death
- Queen Elizabeth II: The life and times of Britain’s longest-serving monarch
