It was announced yesterday, 8th September 2022, that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96.
London is mourning its monarch.
She was just 25 years old when she took to the throne and had ever since dedicated her life to serving the British people. As the Head of State for 15 countries, Queen Elizabeth’s death will be felt deeply around the world, and tributes have already begun to pour in for the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning Monarch.
The UK now enters into a period of mourning, which will be followed by The Queen’s funeral.
London Mourns Queen Elizabeth II
These are unprecedented times; the vast majority of people have never experienced the death of a King or Queen. London, like others all over the country, awoke this morning to find itself a city in mourning.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, leads the capital in paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Last night, The Shard was illuminated in royal purple to pay respect to The Queen – and it’s likely we’ll see plenty more landmarks in London (and around the world) doing so over the next few days.
All on the Board, known for their cheeky quotes that cheer commuters up, opted for a stunning tribute to The Queen instead.
Castles, palaces, and places such as Kew Gardens have announced that they will be closed today, while sports games are likely to be postponed until further notice.
As far as shops, gyms, and salons are concerned, it’s totally up to them whether they want to remain open (and most shall). Selfridges is in the minority of places that decided to remain closed until Saturday 10th September.
What Happens Now?
Royal Salutes will be fired in London today (9th September) at 1pm in Hyde Park. The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company will be firing one round for each year of The Queen’s life – 96 rounds.
The Queen is currently in Scotland and will be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. From here, a procession will take place along The Royal Mile to St Giles Cathedral, where The Queen’s coffin will be placed.
The coffin will then be transported to London either by Royal train or by plane, where it is expected to be at rest at Westminster Abbey until the funeral.
When Will The Queen’s Funeral Take Place?
The date of The Queen’s funeral will be the 19th September, as with other members of the Royal Family, it is expected to be held at Westminster Abbey at the end of ten days of mourning.
The funeral will be televised and she will be laid to rest in the King George VI memorial chapel alongside her husband Prince Phillip, her parents, and her sister.
King Charles III
London (and the rest of the UK) is now expected to transition from Elizabethan life to one under King Charles III. He released this statement following his mother’s death.
A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
He was officially announced as King at St James’s Palace on Saturday 10th September.
The King’s coronation will likely occur at Westminster Abbey in the next few months.
How to Pay Your Respects in London
There were poignant scenes of crowds flocking to Buckingham Palace when the sad news first broke.
If you would like to pay your respects to The Queen, there will be dedicated sites at The Green Park and Hyde Park. Flowers left outside the gates of Buckingham Palace will be moved to The Green Park Floral Tribute Garden.
The Queen will also be lying in state at Westminster Abbey between 14th September and the funeral on the 19th September.
Alternatively, those visiting Windsor Castle just outside of London will be invited to leave flowers at Cambridge Gate on the Long Walk.
Whilst there is no physical book of condolences at any of these locations, Londoners (and those around the world) are invited to send messages here.
