The UK Has Entered A Period Of National Mourning, This Is What It Means
2 min read
A period of national mourning has been confirmed following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
During the period of national mourning, which will last for eight days, until after the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral, all ministerial visits, routine announcements and government statements will be paused.
Important public health announcements will continue, however, and the roadmap for the lifting of lockdown restrictions will continue as planned from Monday.
The government has also joined the Palace in asking the public not to lay floral tributes outside Royal residences at this time.
"Although this is an extraordinarily difficult time for many, we are asking the public not to gather at Royal Residences, and continue to follow public health advice particularly on avoiding meeting in large groups and on minimising travel,” the government said in a statement.
The College of Arms has confirmed that Prince Philip will not receive a state funeral and that the ceremony will not be preceded by a lying-in-state.
In line with custom and the Prince’ wishes, his body will lie in rest at Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral in St George’s Chapel, the details of which will be announced in due course.
Advice has also been issued by the government on the protocol for the flying of flags. All official flags are to be flown at half-mast from now until 8am on the day following the funeral, and non-official flags — such as pride flags and military flags — should not be flown during this period.
Westminster Abbey — where many state events are customarily held — will toll its tenor bell 99 times from 6pm on Friday evening in tribute to Prince Philip, the abbey has said.
Earlier on Friday, Boris Johnson agreed with Labour leader Keir Starmer to suspend party campaigning for the May local elections following today’s news.
Parliament is to be recalled on Monday — a day earlier than planned — and tributes are expected from 2.30pm onwards, with the Prime Minister leading the Commons from 4pm.
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