Schools and shops set to shut as day of Queen’s funeral declared a bank holiday

The day of the Queen’s funeral will be a bank holiday, it has been confirmed.

King Charles III approved the order today at St James’s Palace in London as he was formally declared head of state during a historic ceremony televised for the first time.

The date for the Queen’s state funeral has still not been confirmed, but it is expected to take place on Monday 19 September at Westminster Abbey in central London.

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The announcement means that on the day of the Queen’s funeral, schools, most businesses and many shops will close.

It is thought there are plans for the Queen’s coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, and the military will be expected to line the streets and also join the procession on the day of the state funeral.

There are usually eight annual bank holidays for workers in England and Wales, while those in Scotland normally get nine or ten – depending on the timing of New Year and patron saint days.

There was an additional bank holiday earlier this year on Friday 3 June 2022 to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The UK is currently in the second day of the ten-day period of national mourning to mark the Queen’s death.

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The government has released guidance saying there is no need for businesses to close or for sporting events to be cancelled during this time.

The guidance added that some business owners and event organisers may wish to consider closing or postponing activities, particularly on the day of the funeral.

Buckingham Palace announced a period of royal mourning will be observed until seven days after the Queen’s funeral.

This will be observed by all members of the royal family, household staff and representatives of the royal household on official duties.