On the one year anniversary of her passing, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reflects on the life and service of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II:
The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Today, on the solemn anniversary of the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our thoughts are with His Majesty King Charles III and the whole Royal Family.
With the perspective of a year, the scale of Her Late Majesty’s service only seems greater. Her devotion to the nations of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth only seems deeper. And our gratitude for such an extraordinary life of duty and dedication, only continues to grow.
I treasure my memories of those occasions when I met Her Late Majesty, in particular the private audience I had with her at Buckingham Palace before presenting my first Budget as Chancellor. I was struck by her wisdom, by her incredible warmth and grace, but also her sharp wit.
People across the UK – whether they had the good fortune to meet Her Late Majesty or not – will be reflecting today on what she meant to them and the example she set for us all. We will cherish those memories.
The bond between country and monarch is sacred. It endures. So, while we continue to mourn Her Late Majesty’s passing, we should be proud that this remarkable legacy of service – and this remarkable bond – continues to grow today under the reign of His Majesty The King.”
National sight loss charity RNIB Scotland commemorated its late patron The Queen this morning by joining with Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge to unveil a plaque beside a tree they have planted in the city’s Hillside Crescent Gardens.
The site is opposite the charity’s headquarters in the crescent, a long-established service hub and social haven for the city’s 15,000 blind and partially sighted people.
Lord Provost Aldridge noted that The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, created to mark her Platinum Jubilee, has now seen over a million new trees planted in her name across the UK.
“Over the last year in Edinburgh, we have planted a large number of new trees as part of the National Canopy,” he said: “1,270 new trees planted at Stenhouse, and most recently on Calton Hill to highlight our fantastic Ukrainian community. Growing the Canopy through planting more trees is a lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s extraordinary seven-decade service to our country and to all of our peoples.”
The Lord Provost recalled that The Queen was an annual visitor to Edinburgh throughout her reign. “After celebrating her Platinum Jubilee only a few months earlier, this city, our nation, and those around the world were stunned and shocked by the sudden death of Her Majesty at Balmoral Castle.
“The atmosphere in our city quickly changed and became the focal point of mourning in Scotland, and our military, police, ceremonial, public, charitable and other services – alongside old and young alike – came together to offer their great respect. I could not have been prouder of our city, of our people and of our community.”
Matt Stringer, chief executive of RNIB said: “Her Majesty became RNIB’s patron in 1952 and made a tremendous contribution to our work. She was a passionate advocate for the rights of blind and partially sighted people and generously hosted many receptions on our behalf. RNIB was honoured to have had The Queen’s company at gala events over the years. Her presence elevated any event for our donors, guests and service users.
“Her Majesty’s support over the decades helped us work towards our hopes for a world where blind and partially sighted people can participate equally.”
The plaque placed alongside the newly planted deciduous tree reads in both text and braille:
‘This tree is planted in lasting memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Patron of the Royal National Institute of Blind People for 70 years. On behalf of the blind and partially sighted community of Edinburgh and Scotland, Robert Aldridge, The Right Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, unveiled this plaque on 15 March 2023’.
Sylvia Paton OBE, a member of RNIB Scotland from Corstorphine who has the sight loss condition aniridia, said: “The Queen lent us her support and encouragement to reach out to and help all blind and partially sighted people. I’m so glad this tree will mark and celebrate the backing she gave us.
“The tree is called a ‘davidia involucrate’ or ‘dove tree’, and will reach heights of between 20 and 25 meters, with lovely white and purple flowers. I hope it will stand as a proud Edinburgh token and tribute to our late Monarch and her wish to encompass all of her people, whatever their abilities or disabilities.”
Queen Victoria was the charity’s first royal patron after the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) was founded in 1868 by Thomas Rhodes Armitage, a physician who had lost his own sight.
Since then, RNIB has established itself as the UK’s leading sight loss charity, advocating and campaigning for the rights of blind and partially sighted people and helping them to live as fully and independently as possible.
Around 183,000 people are currently living with sight loss in Scotland and two million across the UK.
Over the last ten days, my wife and I have been so deeply touched by the many messages of condolence and support we have received from this country and across the world.
In London, Edinburgh, Hillsborough and Cardiff we were moved beyond measure by everyone who took the trouble to come and pay their respects to the lifelong service of my dear mother, The late Queen.
As we all prepare to say our last farewell, I wanted simply to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those countless people who have been such a support and comfort to my Family and myself in this time of grief.
– His Majesty The King
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN: A REMARKABLE LIFE
A new photograph has been released ahead of Her Majesty The Queen’s State Funeral.
The photo was taken to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee – the first British Monarch to reach this milestone.
Today, millions will come together to commemorate her remarkable life.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has marked the National Moment of Reflection mourning the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
Mr Swinney led a moment of reflection outside the Scottish Government’s St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh, alongside other Scottish Ministers. They reflected on Her Majesty’s life and legacy during a one-minute silence.
My Swinney was joined by Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Ben Macpherson, Minister for Social Security and Local Government, Jenny Gilruth, Minister for Transport and Lesley Fraser, Director General Corporate.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The National Moment of Reflection has been a dignified way for many of us to pay our respects to The Queen, whether in our own homes or at public events, by observing a minute silence.
“In reflecting on Her Majesty’s life and legacy, many of us have considered her long and valued service to the nation and the respect and admiration she had for the people of Scotland. These feelings were reciprocated, and will remain long after we pay our final respects to The Queen as part of tomorrow’s State Funeral.
The First Minister travelled to London earlier on Sunday ahead of The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen today (Monday), and observed the National Moment of Reflection there.
The First Minister said: “The State Funeral for Her Majesty will be one of the most momentous occasions in recent history, with people from around the world watching and paying their respects. She was the great constant and it is an honour to represent Scotland at the service.
“As the Queen is laid to rest, it gives us a chance to reflect on the events of the past 10 days which have provided a sincere, solemn and fitting tribute to our longest reigning Monarch.
“We knew how important Scotland was to The Queen and, over recent days, we have been reminded just how much Her Majesty meant to the people of Scotland.
“I am sure the ceremonial events in Edinburgh will live long in our national memory and today we will all bid a final and poignant goodbye to a deeply respected and much loved monarch.”
The First Minister of Scotland, the Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP, will represent the Scottish Government. All four party leaders will also attend:
Douglas Ross MSP, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Anas Sarwar MSP, Scottish Labour Party
Lorna Slater MSP, Scottish Green Party
Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrats
The Presiding Officer said: “It will be an honour to represent the Scottish Parliament at the State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen.
“The Queen was a true friend to the Parliament and her unstinting support helped establish our institution as a central part of Scottish public life.
“Since the announcement of Her Majesty’s passing, people across the country have gathered in their thousands to pay tribute to The Queen. It will be a privilege to join with others from Scotland and far beyond in giving thanks for her life of unrivalled service.”
“Scotland has now bid our Queen of Scots a sad, but fond farewell. We will not see her like again.”
Her Majesty The Queen departed Scotland for the last time last night. She will now Lie in State at the Palace of Westminster ahead of Monday’s State Funeral.
People across the country have been paying their respects, attending remembrance events and reflecting fondly on a life of service to Scotland.
Her Majesty’s departure from Edinburgh Airport concludes the ceremonial events programme in Scotland, known as Operation Unicorn, as the nation continues to mourn The Queen’s passing.
Around 33,000 people filed past Her Majesty The Queen’s Coffin, Lying at Rest in St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, to pay their respects.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Scotland has bid a final and poignant farewell to our much loved Elizabeth, Queen of Scots.
“Over these past few days we have seen just how much Her Majesty meant to the people of Scotland.
“As anticipated, people from all walks of life gathered across the country and in our capital city to pay tribute to the only Monarch most of us have ever known.
“The scenes on Sunday as Her Majesty’s cortege made the journey from Balmoral Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and then yesterday and today as thousands gathered along the Royal Mile and queued to enter St Giles to see the Queen’s Coffin, will forevermore form a very special part of the history of Scotland.
“The sympathy and good wishes of Scotland for The King and Royal Family has also been evident in these last few days, and on behalf of the Parliament and people of Scotland, I continue to offer my heartfelt condolences to all of Her Majesty’s Family.
“I also want to record my sincere thanks to, and admiration for the many public servants who have worked tirelessly in recent days and over many years to develop and, when the time sadly came, implement Operation Unicorn.
“Thousands across the emergency services, local authorities, armed forces, volunteer networks, transport and government agencies have helped ensure that Scotland paid fitting tribute to The Queen, and that Scots from all walks of life could celebrate the unparalleled contribution She made in her 70-year reign. The events of recent days have provided a sincere, solemn and fitting tribute from the people of Scotland to Her Majesty The Queen.
“Scotland has now bid our Queen of Scots a sad, but fond farewell. We will not see her like again.”
The Princess Royal Princess Anne was Her Majesty The Queen’s constant companion during her last days in Scotland and she accompanied her mother on her final journey south.
In a short statement issued last night, The Princess Royal said:
‘I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life. It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys. Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting.
‘We will all share unique memories. I offer my thanks to each and every one who share our sense of loss.
‘We may have been reminded how much of her presence and contribution to our national identity we took for granted. I am also so grateful for the support and understanding offered to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the added responsibilities of The Monarch.
‘To my mother, The Queen, thank you.’
The Queen’s cortège arrived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Sunday afternoon, with The King and members of the Royal Family following on Monday to participate in the Ceremony of the Keys.
They then joined a historic procession up the Royal Mile and a service at St Giles’ Cathedral, where the Queen lay at rest until her final departure for London.
There were also two public Proclamations in Edinburgh on Sunday to announce the Accession of The King.
Hundreds of thousands of people descended on the city to pay their respects and millions more across the world tuned into the broadcast coverage.
Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, said: “The last four days have marked a significant, historic occasion globally, and it is with immense pride that we look back on Edinburgh’s contribution.
“It’s thanks to the monumental efforts of all those involved that we, along with the public, were able to say a heartfelt farewell to Her Majesty, whose strong connection to the Capital and Scotland was widely known.
“This has been the result of a very detailed and successful planning operation that has been delivered flawlessly by a community of partners and is a shining example of the power of coming together in difficult circumstances.
“I know many will remember this for a lifetime, and we’re honoured to have played such an important role in this moment.”
The public have been invited to take part in a National Moment of Reflection to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and reflect on her life and legacy.
The National Moment of Reflection will take place at 8pm on Sunday 18 September, the night before the State Funeral, and be marked by a one-minute silence.
The silence can be marked privately at home, with friends and family, out on doorsteps or the street with neighbours, or at locally arranged community events and vigils.
Community groups, clubs and other organisations across the country are encouraged to take part and people overseas are also encouraged to observe the one-minute silence at 8pm local time.
Large crowds expected as cortege travels from Royal Mile to Edinburgh Airport
People are expected to gather in large numbers in Edinburgh today to pay their final respects to Her Majesty The Queen.
After the Lying at Rest, the coffin will be transported from St Giles’ Cathedral to Edinburgh Airport.
The cortège will follow this route: St Giles’ Cathedral – Lawnmarket – Johnston Terrace – Castle Terrace – Lothian Road – Queensferry Street – Dean Bridge – Queensferry Road – Maybury Road – Turnhouse Road – Edinburgh Airport.
This will have a significant impact on public transport services across the city and on surrounding trunk roads including the M8 and the Edinburgh City Bypass.
People are being asked to work from home if they can, and those not wishing to pay their respects in person are being asked to avoid any non-essential travel.
There will be significant disruption to travel along the route of the Queen’s coffin with numerous road closures from 1pm. Some schools in Edinburgh will also be impacted and close earlier.
Latest traffic and school information can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council website.
The schools and early years centres affected are:
Early years centres
Cammo Kindergarten
Fox Covert Early Years Centre
Fox Covert Kindergarten
Lauriston Kindergarten
Primary schools
Blackhall
Clermiston
Cramond
Davidson’s Mains
East Craigs
Ferryhill
Flora Stevenson
Fox Covert
Hillwood
Stockbridge
St Andrew’s Fox Covert
High schools
Broughton
Craigmount
St Augustine’s
St Thomas of Aquin’s
The Royal High School
Special schools
Rowanfield
Oaklands
The route the Queen’s cortege will travel means the following roads will close between 4pm and 6.30pm:
Johnstone Terrace
Lothian Road
Queensferry Street
Dean Bridge
Queensferry Road
In addition to roads on the route, extensive closures and diversions of adjoining roads will be in place, including all crossover junctions. This will have a significant knock-on impact on surrounding trunk roads including the M8 and the Edinburgh City Bypass.
The Scottish Government is working with City of Edinburgh Council, Transport Scotland, Police Scotland, ScotRail and other partners to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, however, lengthy delays are to be expected.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “This will be an extremely busy time in Edinburgh as members of the public come to pay their final respects. In light of this, we respectfully ask people to avoid non-essential travel if possible.
“Those wishing to line the route should plan ahead taking into consideration local road closures, allowing for extra time and limited facilities. Prepare for long periods of standing and large crowds. Check the weather before you leave and bring water.
“Information on travel can be found at Traffic Scotland, Traveline Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Tram and ScotRail websites and social media channels. We are encouraging everyone to check for the latest information before finalising their travel plans.”
Traffic Scotland Operator Manager Stein Connolly said: “Monday and Tuesday will be extremely busy for Edinburgh, the City Bypass, and the surrounding network, due to a series of road closures and the sheer volume of people expected to line the streets.
“We want to strike a balance and ensure those who wish to pay their respects can do so safely. If you can work from home we would strongly encourage you to do so. Please consider your need to travel if you are not attending any of the advertised events.
“If you do plan to pay respects in person, please allow extra time for your journey and leave the car at home. Consider public transport options, or if you need to use a car, think about car sharing and using park and ride facilities where possible. On arrival, be prepared for long periods of standing. Bring water and dress for the weather. Most importantly – let’s look out for each other.
“Please continue to check Traffic Scotland and Traveline Scotland, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Tram websites – as well as @edintravel and @ScotRail social channels for updates before finalising your travel plans.”
Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “We share the respect and affection the public is demonstrating for Her Majesty and urge everyone to continue to be safe as they do so.
“Roads around Edinburgh are expected to be very busy on Tuesday with closures in place and people should plan ahead and follow travel advice.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Tuesday’s events will be of an unprecedented scale, even for our Capital City, so I’m really proud that Edinburgh’s playing such a significant role in these ceremonial events with the eyes of the world are on us.
“Thousands of people lined the Royal Mile to hear the proclamation of the new King and we’ll continue to work closely with Scottish Government, Police Scotland and transport providers to manage disruption and safely accommodate the large numbers of visitors who will wish to pay their respects on Tuesday.
“We’re reminding everyone to consider their travel needs and avoid any non-essential travel throughout the day. For those who choose to try and attend events, please be aware that you may need to sit or stand for a number of hours so dress for the weather and with limited facilities, we recommend that you prepare accordingly.”
Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway said: “We are doing everything we can to support people to pay their respects while Her Majesty The Queen lies at rest in Edinburgh.
“We expect trains to be busier than normal over the coming days, particularly to and from Edinburgh. Passengers are advised to download the ScotRail app or visit scotrail.co.uk for the latest information.”
The coffin procession will depart St. Giles’ Cathedral for Edinburgh Airport at 5pm.
Those wishing to attend are being urged to do so safely, plan ahead and allow extra time, taking account of local and city centre road closures, weather conditions, limited facilities, crowded roads and very busy public transport, and the likelihood of spending many hours at the roadside.
Significant numbers of stewards are being drafted in, alongside police officers, to help keep the public safe. The stewards will provide advice on routes from car parks, identified crossing points and safe viewing areas.
People are being urged to consider if their journey is absolutely necessary and to work from home if possible. If travel is essential, please allow for extra time, and if possible walk or cycle, use alternative routes or travel at a different time.
Travel information:
There will be rolling road closures along the route. Other roads in the area are expected to be significantly affected as large numbers of people from across Scotland and beyond come to pay their respects.
Those coming to the area by car should reconsider and look at using one of seven park and rides to get a bus or train into the city. Allow plenty of time to travel and park within the designated areas. Please try to share lifts with friends, family and neighbours wherever possible.
The @edintravel traffic information team will be carefully monitoring the city’s roads, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter.
People intending to view the Queen’s cortege, should not leave their vehicle at the side of the road as this poses a risk to public safety. Parking is only allowed in designated areas and the directions of stewards and police officers must be followed.
People are urged not to stand in any unsafe areas and to keep off the carriageway at all times.
Drivers must only park where it is safe to do so, and to respect the needs of residents and businesses to access their premises.
For safety reasons, do not throw flowers on the road or towards the cortege.
Please note that before and after the movement of the vehicles the route remains open and fully operational and normal safety processes apply.
Her Majesty The Queen’s coffin will now Lie at Rest in St Giles’ Cathedral, giving an opportunity for the public to pay their respects.
Mourners will be able to file past the coffin from around 5:30pm this evening (Monday 12 September) until 3pm tomorrow (Tuesday 13 September).
Large crowds are expected and there are likely to be delays on public transport. People are being asked to check ahead and come prepared to stand in long queues.
The queue will start at George Square Lane/North Meadow Walk in The Meadows, where one wristband per person will be issued. Only those with wristbands will be able to enter St Giles.
A series of local and major road closures will be in place. This will have a significant knock-on impact on surrounding trunk roads and the Edinburgh City Bypass. There is no additional parking at George Square, and mourners should wherever possible access George Square by public transport or on foot.
Flowers can be laid in Middle Meadow Walk and Palace of Holyrood House but will not be permitted into St Giles Cathedral.
The queue will pass a number of locations where refreshments can be bought, however people are advised to also bring their own food and drinks. It is also important people are prepared for changeable weather conditions. Toilets will be available and visitors will be able to leave the queue briefly to use the facilities.
Airport-style security checks for entering St Giles’ will be in place at George IV Bridge and there will be tight restrictions on what can be taken into the cathedral.
The queue may close early to ensure as many visitors as possible can enter the cathedral before the Lying-At-Rest period ends should it be clear that those joining the queue beyond that time could not be accommodated before the vigil ends.
Mourners will be asked to pass the coffin without pausing, to enable as many people as possible to do so. Once people have paid their respects, they are asked to move away from the exits to allow the queue to keep flowing.
The security search point and St Giles Cathedral have step-free access. Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other official assistance dogs are permitted within St Giles Cathedral.
Filming and photography:
Filming, photography, use of mobile phones or other handheld devices is prohibited in the security search area or within St Giles Cathedral.
Bag policy:
Visitors will be allowed to take in one bag no larger than 40 X 30 X 20 cms and certain items are prohibited. There will be no facility for bag drops in the security area.
There will be significant travel disruption along the route of the Queen’s coffin on the afternoon of Tuesday 13 September.
Police Scotland will be putting in place numerous road closures from 1pm which will cause significant disruption across the city.
As a result, a number of schools and early years centres along the route will close early from 12 noon to allow pupils and staff time to return home safely before the Police Scotland closures are in place.
We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause. However, you will appreciate these are exceptional times.
All schools will open on Wednesday 14 September as normal.
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 Spartans Chief Executive Douglas Samuel is among Scots to receive an Honour to mark the Queen’s Brthday in Platinum Jubilee year.Dougie is awarded an MBE.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to the recipients in Scotland in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in the year of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
Among those receiving Knighthoods are Professor Sheikh Aziz, for services to COVID-19 research and policy; James Nicol Walker, for services to the food industry and author Ian Rankin, for services to literature and to charity. Professor Sally Mapstone will receive a Damehood for services to higher education.
Jacqui Reilly, Professor of Infection Prevention and Control is among those being awarded a CBE, for services to Healthcare and Public Health.
British Olympic Curling captain Eve Muirhead is amongst those receiving an OBE, while her team members have been honoured with MBEs.
Those receiving MBEs include Julie Young for services to dance, Walter Smith for services to youth enterprise and Chloe Lawson for services to vulnerable and disadvantaged young people
Rhona Gibson and William Dove are among those honoured with a BEM.
Irene Ralston, Superintendent, and Stephen Tanner, Police Constable, will receive The Queen’s Police Medal. The Queen’s Fire Service Medal will be awarded to Roy Dunsire, Group Commander, John Fraser, Firefighter and Stevie Maybanks, Crew Commander of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Donna Baillie, Resilience Manager of the Scottish Ambulance Service, will receive The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.
The First Minister said: “The Queen’s Birthday Honours list illustrates the outstanding contributions of the people of Scotland who have made a difference to their communities, throughout the country and beyond. It is particularly pleasing to see their work recognised in this year of celebration in honour of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
“From those who contribute to the creative industries, communities and charities, to those who have excelled in the field of science and medicine, the Honours highlight their exceptional service to the people of Scotland. I am delighted to see Scotland’s athletes who were outstanding during both summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo as well as the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, so well represented.
“I am also pleased to see that those individuals who worked against the coronavirus pandemic, its far reaching impact and those working for our recovery, have been recognised. I know we are all incredibly grateful for their selfless actions and it’s right that their outstanding efforts have been acknowledged in this way.
“I also want to extend my congratulations to those personnel who have been awarded The Queen’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Our emergency services have displayed incredible fortitude throughout the pandemic, and deserve our continued appreciation for keeping people and communities across Scotland safe, every day of the year.”
Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said: “In the year of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, my whole-hearted congratulations go to all those across Scotland who have been recognised for their extraordinary public service. They truly exemplify the dedication, ambition and generosity of spirit that has defined the Queen’s 70-year reign.
“We were all gripped by the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing, as our curlers swept to gold and we topped the podium in Alpine skiing. Eve Muirhead is awarded an OBE, while the rest of the team get MBEs, along with Alpine skier Neil Simpson and his brother and guide Andrew.
“One of Scottish literature’s most recognisable names, Ian Rankin’s knighthood is richly deserved; his Inspector Rebus novels have kept us in entertained and in suspense for decades.
“It’s great to see recognition of Scotland’s fantastic food and drink. James Walker of Walker’s Shortbread is being knighted, and OBEs are given to Ian and Michael Urquhart from the family-run Gordon and MacPhail whisky company.
Honours also go to those whose dedication and resilience helped make Glasgow’s hosting of COP26 safe and successful, including a well-deserved knighthood for Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Iain Livingstone.”
