Announcement coincides with the centenary of her birth
Permanent memorial in central London to include statues of Queen Elizabeth in Garter robes and Prince Philip, The late Duke of Edinburgh, in Naval uniform.
A new charity, The Queen Elizabeth Trust, and a Digital Memorial are also launched today.
Prime Minister says that Elizabeth II devoted her life to public service during her extraordinary reign.
The recommendations made by the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee have been announced today [21 April], including the masterplan for a permanent memorial in St James’s Park, London, a new charitable trust for regenerating community assets across the United Kingdom, and an online Digital Memorial to allow people to submit their own memories of the late Queen.
Today [21 April] Their Majesties The King and Queen, other Members of the Royal Family and the Prime Minister will view the designs and other elements of the memorial at an event at the British Museum in London, to coincide with the hundredth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “As our longest‑serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II devoted her life to public service. The nation will commemorate her extraordinary reign with a memorial that offers a place of reflection for generations to come.“
The permanent memorial park, designed by Foster + Partners in collaboration with Michel Desvigne Paysagiste, commemorates Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her lifelong commitment to public service.
It features a new standing statue of Queen Elizabeth overlooking The Mall at Marlborough Gate, close to Buckingham Palace. The statue, to be sculpted in bronze by acclaimed sculptor Martin Jennings, will show Her Majesty in an early stage of her reign dressed in the robes of the Order of the Garter, using the famous painting by Pietro Annigoni as an inspiration.
Mr Jennings will also sculpt a nearby statue of Prince Philip, the longest-serving consort, at a similar age wearing a uniform of Admiral-of-the-Fleet. His statue will be located close to Queen Elizabeth’s, in recognition of the support he gave her during her 70-year reign. The appearance of both statues will be further refined during the sculpting process.
The permanent memorial will also feature: a new cast-glass bridge inspired by Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara, which was worn by Queen Elizabeth on her wedding day; a bust of Her Majesty in her later years by sculptor Karen Newman; and The Commonwealth Wind Sculpture, a new abstract work by Yinka Shonibare.
The design also includes gardens dedicated to the Commonwealth and to the nations of the United Kingdom, creating spaces for relaxation and reflection. The memorial has been developed in consultation with the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee following a design competition held last year.
A new UK-wide independent charity, The Queen Elizabeth Trust, has also been established on the occasion of the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth to honour her lifelong commitment to public service. His Majesty The King has accepted the Royal Patronage of the Trust, which will bring the late Queen’s values to life for present and future generations.
Inspired by the words “everyone is our neighbour”, shared by Queen Elizabeth in a speech to mark her twenty-first birthday, the Trust will work hand in hand with communities, providing funding and targeted support to restore and sustain spaces that will thrive long into the future. The Trust’s Chair is Sir Damon Buffini, who currently serves as Chair of the Royal National Theatre and Deputy Chair of the BBC Board.
The Trust will support places at the heart of local life such as community centres and green spaces. To ensure the Trust can have the widest positive impact, the Government is providing a one-off £40 million endowment. This provides the initial funding needed to support local projects of public value and will act as a catalyst for future fundraising.
Today also marks the launch of The Queen Elizabeth Digital Memorial, which will digitise Court Circular records and bring them to life online alongside materials from museums, archives and the media to create a record of Elizabeth II’s public life.
It will map the key events from her reign and allow people from across the world to contribute their own memories and images of Her late Majesty to this historic record.
The Memorial Committee is keen for everyone to submit their memories of Elizabeth II and tag them to events and locations on the site. Notable public figures have already provided memories, including Tom Daley, Dame Tracey Emin, Baroness Valerie Amos, and others.
Models of the permanent memorial and details of the Queen Elizabeth Trust and the Digital Memorial will also be displayed at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, the Millennium Centre in Cardiff and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland on 24 April to allow people from across the UK to view the details.
Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee Lord Janvrin said:“Queen Elizabeth was admired around the world for her quiet leadership through times of great change – driven by her common sense, optimism and strong sense of duty. Our task has been to recommend a memorial capturing her role, her personality and what she meant to so many of us – whilst being of public benefit which was so important to her.
“We hope the physical Memorial will enhance a most beautiful space in the heart of our capital for people to meet, relax and reflect, whilst the new Queen Elizabeth Trust aims to benefit local communities in every part of the United Kingdom.
“The Digital Memorial will allow people across the country, the Commonwealth and beyond to share their memories of the late Queen to build a living archive of her reign for future generations.”
Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners Lord Foster said: “The Queen’s reign encompassed periods of significant change – socially and technologically – which she negotiated with incredible composure and stability.
“The memorial reaches across all ages and interests – and communicates the common values that Her Majesty promoted. With a serene and contemplative atmosphere, there will be opportunities to rediscover – or perhaps for some to discover – the legacy of Her Majesty.”
Interim Chief Executive of the Queen Elizabeth Trust Claire Whitaker CBE said: “I am delighted to be part of the Queen Elizabeth Trust, a charity which aims to make a lasting difference in communities across the UK.
“Its focus on working hand in hand with people to renew and sustain shared spaces reflects what we’ve heard from local groups across the four nations: that these places work best when they are shaped by and for the communities they serve.
” I am looking forward to seeing this work come to life over the coming months, and to supporting inclusive, revitalised spaces which bring people together for years to come.”
In addition to this Memorial for the whole United Kingdom, the UK Government has allocated funding for memorial projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee was established in 2023 to develop plans for the memorial. It has consulted experts in arts, history and heritage and other stakeholders from across the United Kingdom. His Majesty The King has been sighted throughout the process and the Committee’s proposals were approved by the Prime Minister in April 2026.
List of ceremonies and events taking place across the UK to allow people to pay tribute to the life of Her Majesty The Queen and mark the Accession of His Majesty King Charles III:
Scotland
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Council will be screening the State Funeral on a big screen in Holyrood Park in front of the Palace of Holyrood House. More information can be found on the council’s website.
Scottish Canals
In partnership with The Church of Scotland, Falkirk Council will hold a service of reflection at the Kelpies this Sunday 18th September 2022 at 7.30pm. Further details can be found on their Facebook page.
London
You can view guidance on Her Majesty’s Lying-in-State at the Palace of Westminster here. Details of accessibility arrangements are available here.
In the evening, the grandchildren of Her Majesty The Queen will conduct a vigil at the Lying-in-State.
Other Events
The following public events are taking place in towns and cities across the UK during the period of National Mourning. For more information about local events in your area please check your local authority’s website.
Moments of Reflection – Sunday 18 September, 8pm
Blackpool
The Blackpool Tower Illuminations- which have been changed to red, white and blue throughout the period of mourning in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – will turn off for the Moment of Reflection at 8pm. You can find more information here.
Cheltenham
A Moment of Reflection will be held outside Cheltenham’s Municipal Office, led by the Mayor of Cheltenham, at 8pm on Sunday 18 September. For more details please visit the Cheltenham Borough Council website
Luton
The National Moment of Reflection will be observed in a special event at 7.30pm on the steps of Luton Town Hall to commemorate the life and reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Please visit the Council’s website for more details.
Southend
In the City of Southend-on-Sea, the Mayor will lead a moment of silent reflection at 8pm on Sunday 18 September, to reflect on a lifetime of service which Her Majesty devoted to the United Kingdom, the Realms and Territories and the Commonwealth. For more details please visit the Southend-on-Sea website
Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent will hold a commemoration service on the eve of the funeral, at 6.30pm on Sunday 18 September at Stoke Minster. It will be followed by the observation of the national moment of reflection at Stoke Cenotaph at 8pm. For more details please visit the Stoke-on-Trent council website.
Swindon
The National Moment of Reflection will be observed on Sunday, 18 September with a short service on the steps of Swindon’s Town Hall. Members of the public are asked to arrive by 7.45pm for the service to begin at 7.55pm. For more information, please visit the Council’s website.
Ceremonial events
Northern Ireland
Coleraine
Coleraine Town Hall will broadcast the National Moment of Reflection on Sunday 18 September. On Monday they will also show the State Funeral.
Lisburn
The State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II streamed from Westminster Abbey will be shown on the screen in Lisburn City Centre on Monday 19 September from 10.00am.
East of England
Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth Borough Council will hold a civic service of thanksgiving and remembrance for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at 6pm on Sunday 18 September at Great Yarmouth Minster. For further information visit the Council’s website.
Ipswich
A big screen will be showing the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II on the Cornhill, Ipswich on Monday 19 September.
The funeral of HM The Queen will be live streamed in the Nave of Norwich Cathedral. All are welcome to watch the live broadcast from 9am, free of charge. No ticket is required. You can find more information on the Cathedral website.
Norwich Theatre Royal will also broadcast the live coverage of the State Funeral of HM The Queen, free of charge. Please book tickets in advance here.
Midlands
Bedford
Bedford Borough Council will be holding a public screening of Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral on Monday 19 September at Bedford Corn Exchange. Residents must book their place to watch the proceedings in advance. For further information visit the Bedford Borough council’s website.
Birmingham
The State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be shown on a big screen in Centenary Square on Monday 19 September. For further information visit the Birmingham council’s website.
Coventry
The State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be screened live in Coventry city centre on Monday 19 September. A large screen is to be set up in University Square – between the Cathedral steps and Coventry University – to help people watch the 11am service and pay their respects. For further information visit the Coventry council’s website.
Lichfield
Lichfield Cathedral will be holding a service of commemoration at the Cathedral at 3.30pm Sunday 18 September. There will also be a minute’s silence and outdoor vigil at the Memorial Park at 8pm, Chasetown. You can find more information can be found on the Cathedral’s website.
Lincoln
The grounds of Lincoln Castle will remain open and a large screen will be displaying the funeral for those wishing to pay their respects. Please check local information for details.
Nottingham
A multi-faith event remembering Queen Elizabeth II will take place in the Old Market Square from 7pm, incorporating the national Moment of Reflection at 8pm. More information can be found on the Council’s website.
Stoke-on-Trent
The City of Stoke-on-Trent Council will be holding a service of commemoration (with procession) for Her Majesty The Queen at 6.30pm on Sunday 18 September at Stoke Minster. For further information visit the Stoke-on-Trent council’s website.
West Northamptonshire
West Northamptonshire Council will be holding a remembrance service for Her Majesty The Queen at 11am on Sunday 18 September at All Saints Church, Northampton. For further information visit the West Northamptonshire council’s website.
A service of commemoration for Her Majesty The Queen at 3.30pm on Sunday 18 September at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Market Place, Kettering. For further information visit the West Northamptonshire council’s website.
Durham Cathedral will hold a special Service of Reflection to give thanks for Her Majesty The Queen’s life. This event will be ticketed, and the service will also be live streamed on Durham Cathedral’s Facebook page. For further information, please visit Durham Cathedral’s website.
The National Moment of Reflection will be marked with an event at 8.00pm on Sunday 18 September in Durham Market Place. More details are on the council’s website.
Newcastle upon Tyne
Live coverage of the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be shown on a screen in Old Eldon Square, Newcastle on Monday 19 September. Further information on the screening can be found on the council’s website. A Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will take place at 4pm on Sunday 18 September. Further information on the service can be found on Newcastle Cathedral’s website.
North Tyneside
North Tyneside Council will hold a service a service of remembrance to commemorate the distinguished service of Her Majesty The Queen at 6pm on Sunday 18 September at the Christ Church in North Shields. For further information visit the North Tyneside council’s website.
North West
Blackburn
A service will be held at Blackburn Cathedral on Sunday 18 September at 2pm. The service will also be live streamed.
Blackpool
A moment of reflection for Her late Majesty The Queen by the Blackpool Standard Bearers will take place at 11.00am, at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum on Moor Park Ave. Please refer to the Council’s social media and website.
Church services will take place on various dates across Chester, including at Chester Cathedral, Neston Parish, St Thomas Ellesmere Port and St Chad’s Winsford. For further information visit the Chester council’s website.
Liverpool
The official civic service of Remembrance for Queen Elizabeth II will take place at Liverpool Cathedral on Sunday 18 September at 3pm. Doors will open for members of the public at 2pm. For further information visit the Cathedral’s website.
Manchester
A requiem mass giving thanks for the life of the Queen will take place at 10:30am Sunday 18 September at Manchester Cathedral. A Service of Thanksgiving will also be held at Manchester Cathedral on Sunday at 2.30pm. More information can be found here.
On Monday 19 September, big screens will show coverage of the State Funeral at three locations from 9am: Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square and inside Manchester Cathedral. Each site will be open to the public without the need for tickets. More information can be found here.
North Yorkshire
York
York Minster will hold a service a service of commemoration for Her Majesty The Queen (with a respectful procession of City of York Council members and the civic party, between York Mansion House and York Minster) at 4pm on Sunday 18 September at York Minster. For further information, visit the City of York council’s website and York Minister’s website.
South
Chichester
Special services of Choral Evensong with Thanksgiving for the Life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be held at Chichester Cathedral at 3.00pm on both Saturday 17 September and Sunday 18 September. Further details on the Saturday and Sunday services can be found on the Cathedral’s website.
Reading
Live coverage of the State Funeral and procession to Windsor will be shown in Reading’s Forbury Gardens. There will also be a church service at Reading Minster on 18 September from 2pm. Further information can be found on the Visit Reading website.
Winchester
Winchester Cathedral will be hosting a one-hour service of commemoration at 6pm on Saturday 17 September. On Monday 19 September, a screening of the State Funeral will be held at 11am, with doors opening at 9am. The day will end with a ‘Closing Act of Remembrance’ at 7.30pm. Details for Saturday and Monday can be found on the Cathedral’s website.
South East
Canterbury
A special Civic Service will take place at Canterbury Cathedral at 11am on Sunday 18 September to commemorate the life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The service will also be streamed live on the cathedral’s website and YouTube channel. For more information, visit Canterbury Cathedral’s website.
Hastings
The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen on Monday 19 September will be shown on a big screen in Alexandra Park on the top lawn (nearest entrance is in Dordrecht Way).
Hastings Borough Council is organising the event, in partnership with Love Hastings, the Business Improvement District for Hastings. Visit the council’s website for more details
Hatfield
On Monday 19 September from 10.00am, Hatfield Park will be showing live coverage of the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on a large screen in Palace Green outside the Old Palace. Please refer to the website for more details.
Rochester
There will be a Requiem Eucharist at Rochester Cathedral at 3.15pm on Saturday 17 September, attended by representatives from across the Diocese and the civic life of Kent, Medway, Bromley and Bexley. All are welcome to attend this service. The service is not ticketed, and seats will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Bristol Cathedral will offer a ticketed screening of the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Please check Bristol Cathedral’s website for further information.
Exeter
The funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 19 September is being screened at Northernhay Gardens and Sandy Park at the Exeter City Football Club. Further details are available at Exeter City Council’s website.
Gloucestershire
Gloucester Cathedral will be holding a service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at 1500hrs on Sunday 18 September. This is a ticketed event for both local officials and members of the public. The expected attendance is around 1,100 people. All tickets are applied for via the Gloucester Cathedral website.
Plymouth
There will be a church service held on Sunday 18 September at the Minster Church of St. Andrew, Royale Parade at 3pm. Her Majesty’s funeral will be screened on Monday 19 September at the Lyric Theatre. More information can be found on the Plymouth council website.
Salisbury
Salisbury Cathedral will be live streaming the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 19 September at 11:00. The Funeral service will be shown on a large screen and seating will be available in the Nave. No booking is required. For more details, visit Salisbury Cathedral’s website.
Truro
Truro City Council, working with Truro Cathedral, has arranged for a large screen to be placed within Truro Cathedral on the day of the State Funeral for those wishing to attend a public viewing. Further information can be found on Truro City Council’s website.
South Yorkshire
Doncaster
A Service of Commemoration for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will take place at Doncaster Minister on Saturday 17 September at 6.00pm. More details can be found on the website.
Sheffield
Sheffield Cathedral will hold a commemorative service on Sunday 18 September at 6pm, with a National Moment of Reflection at 8pm. The service will also be shown on a large screen outside the cathedral on the forecourt, and streamed on the Cathedral’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Head to the Cathedral’s website for more details.
Sheffield Cathedral will also be screening the funeral of The Queen inside and outside the Cathedral. The Cathedral doors will open from 8:30am with morning prayer at 8:45am. Please refer online for more details.
West Yorkshire
Bradford
There will be a Civic Service at Bradford Cathedral on Sunday 18 September. The Cathedral will also be screening the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 19 September. Further details are available on Bradford Cathedral’s website.
Leeds
Live coverage of the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be shown on Leeds Big Screen in Millennium Square on Monday 19 September between 10am – 6pm (times subject to confirmation of TV broadcast schedules). Further details are available on the Leeds City Council website.
Her Majesty The Queen’s journey to Edinburgh will begin tomorrow, Sunday 11 September, with an official cortege from Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Her Majesty’s coffin will leave Balmoral at 10am to be brought by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where it will remain before Lying at Rest on Monday at St Giles’ Cathedral.
The Princess Royal Princess Anne wil accompany her mother on the journey.
To minimise disruption as the convoy makes the journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh and to allow those who wish to pay their respects to do so safely, there will be designated viewing locations along the route. These will be at Ballater, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh (further details below).
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Her Majesty’s death at Balmoral Castle means Scotland has lost one of its most dedicated and beloved servants. The grief we have seen across the world has been profound and deeply touching. It will be especially poignant to see Her Majesty’s coffin begin its journey from her Aberdeenshire home to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
“This is a chance for people to gather together publicly and begin to mark our country’s shared loss. We anticipate many, many people will be keen to pay their respects and we ask them to observe public safety messaging to ensure the safety of all.”
There will be temporary closures of laybys and access roads along the route the convoy will travel. Transport networks are likely to be busy and delays are expected along the route. Regular traffic reports will be provided via Traffic Scotland and travel bulletins on TV and radio.
For safety reasons, those wishing to leave floral tributes are asked to do so at designated areas along the route and mourners have been requested not to throw flowers at the convoy as it passes.
Edinburgh event
All the pavements along the route in Edinburgh will be lined with barriers to allow the public to view from there. The Edinburgh route will stretch from north of the city to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Public Proclamations will be made in Edinburgh today (Sunday 11 September) to announce the Accession of The King.
The King’s Body Guard for Scotland (Royal Company of Archers) and the Guard of Honour will march from the Castle Esplanade to the Mercat Cross.
The main procession will make its way from Parliament House to the Mercat Cross. The party will consist of:
His Majesty’s State Trumpeters
Moderator and Office Bearers of the Society of High Constables of Edinburgh
City Officer
Macer to the Court of the Lord Lyon
Heralds and Pursuivants of Scotland
Lord Lyon King of Arms
City Mace and City Sword
The Lord Lyon King of Arms will then read the Proclamation to the people of Scotland. This will be followed by a 21 gun salute from Edinburgh Castle.
The procession will then make its way to Edinburgh Castle where The Lord Lyon will read the second Proclamation.
Very large crowds will be expected to gather along the Royal Mile to witness the Proclamations and there will be limited space. Those wishing to attend are advised to allow plenty of time. Access may be restricted for safety reasons if numbers exceed capacity.
Events, which are due to start after 11am, will also be televised.
Thousands expected to pay their respects to HM The Queen in Edinburgh
The Queen’s cortege will leave Balmoral this morning (Sunday) and arrive at the Palace of Holyroodhouse at 4pm.
The King and members of the Royal Family will arrive on Monday for the Ceremony of the Keys, followed by a historic procession up the Royal Mile and a service at St Giles’ Cathedral, where the Queen will lie at rest before leaving for London late afternoon on Tuesday.
Her Majesty’s coffin will be guarded by Vigils from The Royal Company of Archers, to allow the people of Scotland to pay their respects.
Members of the public who wish to do so will be able to view the coffin at rest from 5pm on Monday.
Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge said: “The news of Her Majesty The Queen’s passing has been met with great sadness around the world and has been greeted with an outpouring of emotion that reflects how highly regarded she was at home and abroad.
“I’m preparing to warmly welcome King Charles and Royal family members and of course to express deepest sympathy on behalf of the city.
“The next few days will be truly historic for Edinburgh, with tens of thousands of people descending to pay their respects and millions more across the world tuning into the broadcast coverage.
“I believe Scotland can take real pride that Her Majesty cherished her time here and now the eyes of the world will be upon the Capital as we unite in national mourning and herald our new King.
“This is a time for our communities to stand together and for people to reflect on our shared history. The outpouring of grief from citizens and visitors is touching and demonstrates the special relationship the city shared with the Queen.
“Edinburgh’s Books of Condolence have been opened online, at Central Library and across the city for citizens and visitors to pay their respects.”
What to expect in Edinburgh
With the city centre already filling up with crowds of mourners, we’re urging people to plan ahead and avoid any non-essential travel on Sunday along the line of the cortege route as people pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen.
Thousands are expected to gather along the route and anyone wishing to come along is being urged to do so safely, plan ahead and allow extra time, taking account of local and city centre road closures, weather conditions and the likelihood of spending many hours at the roadside. The city council will continue to update their dedicated webpages with the latest advice and road closures.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “These are sad and difficult times for us all as we mourn Her Majesty’s passing. I’m proud, however, that Edinburgh will play such a significant part in the ceremonial events taking place in the coming days and have no doubt that our beautiful Capital city will provide the perfect backdrop.
“I want to warn residents that we’re anticipating significant delays along the route as the Queen’s cortege arrives in our city tomorrow but we’re making every effort to minimise disruption. The city centre will be very busy so please plan ahead and follow the latest travel advice on the Council’s website.
“We’re also urging people to please use public transport where possible. If you absolutely have to travel by car, consider using park and rides, allow extra time for your journey and only park within designated areas, respecting the needs of local residents and businesses.
“Please be aware that you may have to sit or stand for a number of hours and with limited facilities, so please prepare accordingly.”
As per mourning guidance shared by the Royal Household, floral tributes are encouraged to be left at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The @edintravel traffic information team will be carefully monitoring the city’s roads, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter.
Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, all official flags, including the Union Flag, should be half-masted from as soon as possible until 08.00 the day following The Queen’s State Funeral. Flags may be flown overnight during this period but should remain at half-mast.
Official flags in this instance are defined as national flags of the home nations, Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, Ensigns and Ships’ colours.
Any non-official flags flying or due to be flown, such as the Rainbow Flag or the Armed Forces Day Flag, should be taken down and replaced with a Union Flag at half-mast. Other official flags scheduled to be flown can be flown as normal, but at half-mast.
Half-mast means the flag is flown a third of the way down the flagpole from the top, with at least the height of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the flagpole.
On poles that are more than 45° from the vertical, flags cannot be flown at half-mast and should not be flown at all.
The Union Flag must be flown the correct way up – in the half of the flag nearest the flagpole, the wider diagonal white stripe must be above the red diagonal stripe. Please see the College of Arms website
Royal Standard
The Royal Standard is never flown at half-mast even after the death of a monarch, as there is always a Sovereign on the throne and it would therefore be inappropriate for it to fly at half-mast.
The Union Flag will be flown at half mast on all Royal Residences.
UK PARLIAMENT
Following the announcement of the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the House of Commons, the House of Lords and everyone at UK Parliament extend their sympathies to the Royal Family.
Statement from the Speaker of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle:
‘For all of us, the Queen has been a constant presence in our lives – as familiar as a member of the family, yet one who has exercised a calm and steadying influence over our country. Most of us have never known a time when she was not there. Her death is not only a tragedy for the Royal family, but a terrible loss for us all.
During her 70 years on the throne – and even before that, as a teenager, reassuring and engaging with children and families disrupted by the Second World War – she has given our lives a sense of equilibrium. While her reign has been marked by dramatic changes in the world, Her Majesty has maintained her unwavering devotion to the UK, the British Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth of Nations – and her gentle authority and sound reason have been felt throughout.
She has travelled the world extensively, modernised the Royal family, and is credited with inventing the royal ‘walkabout’, which enabled her to meet people from all walks of life during her visits. As Head of State, she has provided advice and the benefit of long experience to 15 prime ministers during her reign – and met more than a quarter of all the American presidents in the history of the US.
The Queen has been involved in everything that is important to us and which makes us who we are – from state occasions to Royal weddings, and especially at Christmas, with her wise words and reflective annual message.
She has been a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother – but she has been our Queen, and we will miss her beyond measure.’
Statement from the Lord Speaker, The Rt Hon. Lord McFall of Alcluith:
‘Following the death of the Queen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the nation and the whole Commonwealth is united in deep mourning.
For 70 years she has been a loyal and steadfast presence in the national life of the United Kingdom.
Her integrity, unique record of public service, deep sense of faith and commitment to her role have ensured that she will be regarded as a supreme example of a constitutional Monarch.
Her vital relationship with our Chamber, where the three elements of Parliament come together during the State Opening, ensures that she will be forever remembered and cherished by the House of Lords.
Today my thoughts, and indeed those of the whole House, will go out to His Majesty the King and to the members of the Royal family, for whom this feeling of loss will be profound.
Today the nation reflects on the service Queen Elizabeth II gave to the Crown and to her people, and gives thanks for her life.
Members may wish to be aware that information about arrangements for the House will be issued by Black Rod and the House authorities shortly.
In fondest remembrance of a Queen dedicated to Her nation and Her people.’
MPs will have the opportunity to pay tribute at a special parliamentary session at Westminster this afternoon:
Business
Tributes to Her late Majesty The Queen.
12:00pm – 10:00pm
ROYAL MOURNING
Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, it is His Majesty The King’s wish that a period of Royal Mourning be observed from now until seven days after The Queen’s Funeral. The date of the Funeral will be confirmed in due course.
Royal Mourning will be observed by Members of the Royal Family, Royal Household staff and Representatives of the Royal Household on official duties, together with troops committed to Ceremonial Duties.
Flags at Royal Residences
Flags at Royal Residences were half masted yesterday, Thursday 8th September, and will remain half-masted until 0800hrs on the morning after the final day of Royal Mourning.
The half-masting of flags at Royal Residences does not apply to the Royal Standard and the Royal Standard in Scotland when The King is in residence, as they are always flown at full mast.
Guidance on flags at other public buildings has been issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Royal Gun Salute
Royal Salutes will be fired in London today at 1300hrs BST in Hyde Park by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company. One round will be fired for each year of The Queen’s life.
Closure of the Royal Residences
Royal Residences will close until after The Queen’s Funeral. This includes The Queen’s Gallery and the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, and The Queen’s Gallery in Edinburgh. Balmoral Castle and Sandringham House, The Queen’s private estates, will also close for this period. In addition, Hillsborough Castle, The Sovereign’s official residence in Northern Ireland, will be closed.
Floral Tributes at the Royal Residences
Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, the following guidance is given to members of the public who wish to leave floral tributes at Royal Residences:
At Buckingham Palace members of the public will be guided to lay floral tributes at dedicated sites in The Green Park or Hyde Park. Flowers left outside the gates of Buckingham Palace will be moved to The Green Park Floral Tribute Garden by The Royal Parks. Further guidance will be issued by The Royal Parks.
At Windsor Castle, floral tributes can be left at Cambridge Gate on the Long Walk. These flowers will be brought inside the Castle every evening, and placed on the Castle Chapter grass on the south side of St George’s Chapel and Cambridge Drive.
At the Sandringham Estate, members of the public are encouraged to leave floral tributes at the Norwich Gates.
At Balmoral Castle, floral tributes can be left at the Main Gate.
At the Palace of Holyroodhouse, members of the public are encouraged to give floral tributes to the Wardens at the entrance to The Queen’s Gallery. Those flowers will be laid on the Forecourt grass in front of the North Turret of the Palace.
At Hillsborough Castle, floral tributes may be laid on the Castle Forecourt, in front of the main gates.
Information on Floral Tributes at other public buildings and locations will be issued by the Cabinet Office.
Books of Condolence at the Royal Residences
There are no physical Books of Condolence at the Royal Residences.
Since the early 1960s plans have been in place in the event of the death of the Queen. These have undergone numerous changes in the decades since. As Her Majesty the Queen died in Scotland, “Operation Unicorn” will now be triggered.
Details of “Operation Unicorn” were first reported to the public in 2019, although the codename appeared in the Scottish Parliament’s online papers in 2017.
Holyrood Palace, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Scottish Parliament will serve as the focal point of gatherings. A condolence book will be open to the public and set up at the Parliament building.
It’s reported that the Scottish Parliament will be suspended to allow authorities to prepare for the Queen’s state funeral.
The Queen’s coffin will initially lie in repose at the Palace of Holyrood, before being carried to St Giles’ Cathedral where there will be a service of reception.
Thousands of people are expected in Edinburgh to pay their respects and they will be encouraged to gather around the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Palace and St Giles’ Cathedral.
More details to follow.
Edinburgh road closures and public transport information
Road closures are in place in the city centre, with further closures planned in the coming days.
We expect significant disruption in the city over the next few days. We will update this page with further details of which roads will be closing and public transport information.
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.
A statement has been issued by the Royal Family on behalf of Charles III, the new King:
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother.
“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth and by countless people around the world.
“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.”
Prime Minister Liz Truss paid the following tribute:
We are all devastated by the news we have just heard from Balmoral.The death of Her Majesty The Queen is a huge shock to the nation and to the world.
Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built.
Our country has grown and flourished under her reign.
Britain is the great country it is today because of her.
She ascended the throne just after the Second World War.
She championed the development of the Commonwealth – from a small group of seven countries to a family of 56 nations spanning every continent of the world.
We are now a modern, thriving, dynamic nation.
Through thick and thin, Queen Elizabeth II provided us with the stability and the strength that we needed.
She was the very spirit of Great Britain – and that spirit will endure.
She has been our longest-ever reigning monarch.
It is an extraordinary achievement to have presided with such dignity and grace for 70 years.
Her life of service stretched beyond most of our living memories.
In return, she was loved and admired by the people in the United Kingdom and all around the world.
She has been a personal inspiration to me and to many Britons. Her devotion to duty is an example to us all.
Earlier this week, at 96, she remained determined to carry out her duties as she appointed me as her 15th Prime Minister.
Throughout her life she has visited more than 100 countries and she has touched the lives of millions around the world.
In the difficult days ahead, we will come together with our friends…
….across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world…
…to celebrate her extraordinary lifetime of service.
It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy.
Today the Crown passes – as it is has done for more than a thousand years – to our new monarch, our new head of state: His Majesty King Charles III.
With the King’s family, we mourn the loss of his mother.
And as we mourn, we must come together as a people to support him.
To help him bear the awesome responsibility that he now carries for us all.
We offer him our loyalty and devotion just as his mother devoted so much to so many for so long.
And with the passing of the second Elizabethan age, we usher in a new era in the magnificent history of our great country, – exactly as Her Majesty would have wished – by saying the words … God save the King.
Flags are flying at half-mast on all Scottish Government buildings, and on behalf of the people of Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has sent a message of condolence to the new King and other members of the Royal Family.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Her Majesty The Queen gave decades of her life in service and has died today here in Scotland as our longest-serving monarch.
“Our condolences are with The King, The Queen Consort and the wider Royal Family. Millions around the world will share their grief but only they will feel the loss of a mother and grandmother.
“The Queen was unflinching in her dedication to duty, unwavering in her commitment to public service and unmatched in her devotion to the people of this country and the wider Commonwealth.
“We are all saddened by today’s news and will come together in the days ahead to mourn. But it is right and proper that we celebrate the unparalleled contribution she made in her 70 years as Sovereign.
“The Queen came to the throne following the Second World War, reigned through decades of social change and lived to be the monarch who opened our Scottish Parliament in the age of devolution.
“Largely through her belief in the value of diverse nations coming together to celebrate humanity, The Queen played a leading role in creating the modern Commonwealth – 53 countries across six continents working together.
“Scotland was special to her and she was special to Scotland. Throughout her life, she had a particular fondness for Aberdeenshire and her home there at Balmoral, where she spent her final days.
“But her contribution to Scottish public life extended throughout our country and abroad and was deeply felt by thousands.
“In the coming days there will be ample opportunity for people to pay their respects by attending events across the country.
“Today is a day for reflection and remembrance. It is also a day for giving thanks to The Queen for her devotion to duty and the decades of public service she gave to the people of Scotland.”
The royal household’s representative in Edinburgh, the Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge, has led Edinburgh’s tributes to the Queen following the news of her death from Buckingham Palace today.
The Lord Provost said: “Throughout HM the Queen’s extraordinary reign, she showed great appreciation for her ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland. During her countless visits to Edinburgh, she reached out to our charities, veterans, serving personnel, hospitals and children and won a very special place in the hearts of Scottish people.
“Over her seven-decade reign, she has shown unwavering and inspirational dedication to the nation and I pay tribute to her years of service. I’m sure her legacy will be special and longstanding.
“I had the pleasure of meeting her in June at our historic Ceremony of the Keys and it has been my privilege and honour to be her personal representative in Edinburgh. To many she is the nation’s mother and grandmother and it is with great sadness that I convey, on behalf of the Scottish capital, our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to all the members of the royal family at this very sad time.
“Queen Elizabeth II, born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary in London on April 21 1926, ascended to the throne in 1952.
“She became the longest-reigning British monarch in history when she opened the Borders Railway line 9 September 2015, where she was greeted and congratulated by (then) Lord Provost, Donald Wilson.
“On that day in an address to the people of Scotland, the Queen said: “Inevitably, a long life can pass by many milestones; my own is no exception. But I thank you all and the many others at home and overseas, for your touching messages of great kindness.”
LOCAL MSP Alec Cole-Hamilton said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been a bedrock of and grace in the life of our nation. Her constancy and devotion to the people of these islands have carried us through many dark times.
“I share the sentiment of grief and the profound sense of gratitude felt by so many tonight”.
LABOUR Party leader Sir Keor Starmer said: “Today we mourn the passing of a remarkable sovereign. It is a deep private loss for the Royal Family and our first thoughts are with them at this time. The nation shares in their grief.
Queen Elizabeth II created a special, personal relationship with us all. A relationship based on service and devotion to her country. Nobody under the age of 70 has known anything other than Queen Elizabeth II on the throne. For the vast majority of us, the late Queen has been simply the Queen. The only Queen. Above all else, our Queen.
As we mourn her loss, we should also treasure her life. Our longest-serving and greatest ever monarch. Above the clashes of politics, she stood not for what the nation fought over but what it agreed upon. In crisis, she reassured us. Reminding us that we are all part of something that stretches back through time. A symbol of the best of us. I saw it for myself when I led the Crown Prosecution Service.
Every time I had the privilege to meet the late Queen, she would ask the most searching questions because she wanted to understand the lives and struggles of her people. And as Britain changed rapidly around her, this dedication became the still point of our turning world. An example that taught us that whatever the challenges we face, the value of service always endures.
And the obvious love the late Queen displayed for Britain, the British people gave back in return. That is why there is such an outpouring of grief across the nation today. As there is across the Commonwealth to which the late Queen was so devoted.
Around the world, people are united in mourning. And united in celebrating her life. This togetherness is a reminder of what she achieved. A reminder of our shared values. Values which I know will be upheld by her beloved son, Charles, our new King.
So as our great Elizabethan era comes to an end, we will honour the late Queen’s memory by keeping alive the values of public service she embodied.
For seventy years, Elizabeth II stood as the head of our country. But, in spirit, she stood amongst us.
“Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”
Price Charles is now with the Queen, who is 96, and other members of the royal family are now travelling to Balmoral.
Her Majesty The Queen has presented the George Cross to the NHS for 74 years of dedicated service.
The award for heroism was accepted by representatives of the NHS from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland in an audience at Windsor Castle.
It is only the third time in the award’s 82 year history that the honour has been presented to an organisation and follows the efforts of health and social care workers across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Accepting the award on behalf of the health service in Scotland was NHS Scotland Chief Executive Caroline Lamb, and Eleanor Grant, a palliative care nurse specialist at University Hospital in Wishaw who was named Nurse of the Year at the Scottish Health Awards 2021.
Ms Lamb said: “We wouldn’t be where we are today without our health services. NHS and social care staff have cared for all of us on the frontline of the pandemic.
“Thanks to their dedication and duty our NHS has saved countless lives and the George Cross is a symbol of the country’s gratitude. I know that the rest of Scotland will join me in paying tribute and giving thanks for everything the NHS and wider social care has done for us not only during the pandemic, but since its formation in 1948.
“The NHS is only the third entity to receive the George Cross and I am truly honoured. This award goes beyond the commitment and personal sacrifices staff have made over the past two-and-a-half years. It reflects the wider admiration and gratitude we all have for the NHS.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone working across the health and social care sector for everything they have done, and continue to do, to care for us all.”
Ms Grant has been a nurse for 35 years, working in St Andrew’s Hospice before re-joining the NHS to provide hospital patients with palliative and end-of-life care.
Ms Grant said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to accept this award on behalf of my colleagues across health and social care In Scotland. It’s an honour and a privilege.
“For me, COVID-19 has changed how I work. When patients were unable to have loved ones with them in their final moments, it was for me to be there. We all pulled together in the toughest of times and did what we had to do.
“The George Cross is sometimes awarded to individuals involved in the military and it feels quite fitting for this recognition to be given to the NHS as the early days of the pandemic did feel like a battle.”
QAVS recognition for Edinburgh’s Care Van volunteers
Those who have provided community support and empowered others receive highest number of awards
Awardees include volunteers working in food banks, hospices and fundraising
The highest award given to local volunteer groups, The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, is being awarded to 244 organisations across the UK today in recognition of their outstanding community service.
Among them is Edinburgh’s Care Van volunteers, a project run by Edinburgh City Mission in partnership with Bethany Christian Trust and 40 local churches.
The van is an important source of care and support for people who are homeless and vulnerable in the capital.
Relying on volunteers, it goes out almost every day of the year providing soup, food, hot drinks, blankets and clothes, friendship, encouragement and advice to up to 60 people a night who are rough sleeping or housed in homeless B&B accommodation by Edinburgh Council.
Edinburgh City Mission co-ordinates rotas for over 40 teams that are drawn from local churches across the Lothians and includes over 750 volunteers.
Last year organisers celebrated 30 years since the Care Van first took to the streets of Edinburgh to provide food and comfort to people in need. Throughout Edinburgh’s Covid-19 lockdown, the evening and lunchtime teams have served over 20,000 meals.
Charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland receive the prestigious award for their volunteer-led work across a wide range of fields including mental health, youth, community, arts and heritage.
This year 204 organisations from England, 22 from Scotland, five from Wales and 13 from Northern Ireland will receive The Queen’s Award, highlighting the continued breadth and depth of voluntary service undertaken each and every day across the United Kingdom.
The awardees have all enhanced the lives of others through their work with the highest number of awards this year going to the community support sector, which includes food banks, village shops, fundraising events and men’s sheds.
Minister for Civil Society and Youth Nigel Huddleston said: “Our volunteers give up their time to help others and The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises their selfless acts of generosity and kindness.
“I congratulate all the awardees whose hard work and dedication is rightly recognised in this milestone year of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”
Sir Martyn Lewis, QAVS Chair said: “I warmly congratulate all the outstanding voluntary groups who have been rewarded with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this year.
“The level of commitment and innovation shown by these volunteers is truly impressive. We owe a debt of gratitude to them, and the countless others who give up their free time regularly to improve the lives of others in their community.”
Empowering others is also an area well represented in this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service with confidence building, training opportunities, educational support and sports all highly recognised. Volunteers working in hospices, cancer support, long-term illness, search and rescue and first aid also feature prominently.
Coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises that volunteers continue to provide a vital social function and improve access to services across the country.
As well asThis year’s recipients also include:
Knockmany Running Club in County Tyrone which utilises an unused forest to provide a space for all ages to run, walk and ramble through accessible trails.
Cymru Creations in Gwent is a team of professionals who give their time to run an award-winning film academy, helping young people to create their own films and develop skills.
Bright Minds Big Futures which is a youth led movement in Stockton-on-Tees providing social action opportunities for young people and working very positively with the council to make Stockton a better place to live.
The Buddy Bag Foundation is providing support bags to children arriving in refuges which include toiletries, pyjamas, socks and underwear, in addition to comfort items such as a book and a teddy bear. It creates and supplies over 10,000 each year which helps to restore a sense of safety to the children in the West Midlands.
1st Buckie Company Boys’ Brigade is challenging young people from 6 to18 years old through physical and skills-based activities, community involvement and spiritual development in Banffshire.
The Oasis Centre which is creating communities in four parishes in Cornwall with multiple economic, health and well-being needs through food provision, social events and practical advice.
A new portrait of The Queen has been released mark the beginning of the #PlatinumJubilee Celebration Weekend.
The photograph was taken by Ranald Mackechnie at Windsor Castle on 25 May. Captured in the background are the Castle’s Round Tower, and the statue of King Charles II which stands in the Quadrangle of the Castle.
HM Queen Elizabeth II issued a statement:
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.
“I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions. I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”
TV presenter, magician and comedian, Stephen Mulhern, is urging people to grab their tickets so they don’t miss out on the highly anticipated event known as the Platinum Jubilee Youth Spectacular at St Ninians, near Kelty in Fife.
This event is also being promoted through a newly-launched radio campaign.
The Youth Spectacular which is part of Her Majesty the Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations, is taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June. The amazing young talent who are participating will be performing on a newly constructed arena on the site of the former opencast mine at St Ninians.
The event is sponsored by National Pride UK who jointly own the site and are planning its future development. The event is being organised by local Events Manager, Michael Boyle and the former Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo impresario, Brigadier Sir Melville Jameson.
Tickets are being snapped up by the public as progress moves swiftly ahead on delivering what is set to be a weekend for all to remember the Platinum Jubilee and to be inspired by the performance and the setting.
The performers confirmed to date include:
· The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, the world’s foremost youth display team
· Katie Robertson, the award-winning ‘Wheeled Piper’
· Massed pipes and drums from Scottish schools
· Massed military bands
· The musical skills of the massed army cadet force brass bands
“This will be a truly inspiring spectacular event and I would urge people to get their tickets quickly to avoid disappointment.”
Irene Bisset, Chair of National Pride UK, said: “We’re delighted that tickets to this fantastic event in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee are proving popular, testament to the tremendous young talent that will perform.
“The local communities are coming together to show great support for what we are sure will be a fantastic celebration and a brilliant event for all the family to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming everyone onto St Ninians and having a great weekend of fun.”
