Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II: London tourists need to know now
Created: 09/09/2022, 13:46
By: Franziska Kaindl
Thousands of people are expected in London in the coming days to pay their last respects to Queen Elizabeth II.
How does national mourning affect tourists?
With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, an era comes to an end in England: the regent sat on the throne for 70 years - and during this time the monarchy experienced some ups and downs.
Her successor is her son Charles, who is now King Charles III.
is.
But before the coronation, national mourning is announced in Great Britain.
How does this affect tourists who are currently traveling or planning a trip in London or the UK?
These London attractions remain closed for the time being
Queen Elizabeth II's death may also have implications for travelers to London and the UK in the near future.
The royal family has announced that the royal residences will remain closed for the time being - they should only reopen after the Queen's funeral.
The date of the funeral has not yet been announced.
Among other things, the art gallery "The Queen's Gallery" at Buckingham Palace and the "Royal Mews" exhibition, in which visitors can see state vehicles such as the golden carriage used at coronations or the Rolls-Royce, which Duchess Kate used for her wedding with the prince, remain closed William drove.
The "Queen's Gallery" in Edinburgh and the Queen's private residences, Balmoral Castle in Scotland and Sandringham House in eastern England, will remain closed for the time being.
Likewise Hillsborough Castle, the residence of the royal family in Northern Ireland.
In addition, the NZ Herald
informs
that the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle in Scotland will no longer be accessible to visitors for the time being.
Many sights in London and Great Britain will not be accessible to tourists for the time being.
(symbol photo) © Imago
Are flight operations restricted?
Various airlines have expressed their condolences over the death of the Queen, but there is no talk of flight cancellations or restrictions on operations.
British Airways said: "We at British Airways are deeply saddened by the loss of Her Majesty The Queen." Thoughts are "with the entire British Royal Family and the nation".
Virgin Atlantic states: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was an extraordinary personality who, during her reign, flew the United Kingdom flag like no other around the world.
Rest in peace, Your Majesty." And the low-cost airline Easyjet also shared its dismay: "We join all those who pay tribute to her and her lifelong service to the United Kingdom and beyond."
Queen's funeral: are shops open?
The day of the funeral will be an official day of national mourning.
If it falls on a weekday, it is up to the employer to decide whether to give their employees time off.
According to
The Guardian
, most shops are expected to remain open, although shops close to the procession route are likely to keep their doors closed.
In addition, in branches of large retailers, the advertising will be turned down and only appropriate music will be played.
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Apart from that, sporting events could also be cancelled, the English Premier League is expected to be suspended over the weekend.
A planned September 15-17 rail strike has also been cancelled, expecting an unprecedented strain on London's transport network.
Accommodation could also be bursting at the seams.
However, it can be assumed that Queen Elizabeth II's funeral will be broadcast live on TV.
In Germany it could be shown on ARD and RTL, as well as Prince Philip's funeral last year.
When is Queen Elizabeth II's procession and funeral?
Numerous politicians, royalty and celebrities have expressed their condolences after the Queen's death.
What happens now after the death of the Queen and how the funeral will take place was planned in advance with "Operation London Bridge".
This should take place about 10 days after her death.
An official date has not yet been announced, but the funeral will probably be on September 18th or 19th.
On the fifth day after her death, the coffin is laid out and taken in a procession through London to Westminster Palace, where a service is to take place afterwards.
People will be able to watch the procession in person, and it will be broadcast live on big screens in the Royal Parks, according to the BBC.
These include, for example, Hyde Park or Regent's Park.
Mourners placed bouquets of flowers at Buckingham Palace in London.
© Ben Whitley/Imago
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Opportunity to say goodbye: Queen is laid out in Westminster Palace
Before her funeral, Queen Elizabeth II's coffin will be laid out on a raised platform in Westminster Hall, the oldest part of Westminster Palace, and open to the public for about four days, according to the BBC.
So mourners have the opportunity to walk past it and say goodbye.
The last member of the royal family to be laid out in the hall was the Queen Mother, also known as the Queen Mum, in 2002. More than 200,000 people lined up to see the coffin at the time, the BBC reports.
How is the Queen's funeral going?
On the day of the funeral, the coffin will be taken to neighboring Westminster Abbey.
There is to be a funeral service there, to which heads of state from around the world are expected to commemorate the late Queen together with the royal family.
There will be processions in London and Windsor and at 12pm there will be two minutes' silence across the UK.
The Queen will then be buried in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Her husband Prince Philip is currently resting in the adjacent vault.
Both are to be buried side by side.
