Bank holiday for Queen’s funeral approved by Charles

Events in sport and the arts are being cancelled as the country mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth. Changes to so many aspects of British life – from the running of government to pastimes like sports matches and plays to televisions and radio output – will be seen during the national mourning period, which runs up to the funeral.

The date of the funeral has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to be on Monday, Sept 19. 

Will there be a bank holiday for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral?

The King on Sept 10 approved an order that the day of the Queen’s funeral will be a bank holiday. The date is yet to be confirmed.

During the Accession Council, Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt said: “Drafts of two proclamations. One – appointing the day of Her late Majesty’s state funeral as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“Two – appointing the day of Her late Majesty’s state funeral as a bank holiday in Scotland.

“And of two orders in council, directing the Lord Chancellor to affix the great seal to the proclamations.”

Charles answered: “Approved.” 

What sports events are cancelled?

A number of sporting events have been cancelled, including football and racing fixtures. We will be keeping this file updated on the latest on sporting events. 

Will schools close for mourning?

The Department for Education said schools and colleges in England should remain open as normal during the mourning period.

In a message to headteachers, officials from the department said it would issue further guidance after details of the funeral are confirmed by the royal household.

Headteachers were told: “Schools and further education settings should remain open. While normal attendance is expected, headteachers continue to have the power to authorise leaves of absence for pupils in exceptional circumstances.”

The message from DfE went on to auggest that schools may want to “consider conducting special activities, holding assemblies or adapting planned lessons” to commemorate the Queen’s life. 

Will shops close for mourning?

Shops will generally remain open throughout the mourning period although some may choose to close on the day of the funeral, particularly if they are close to the route of the procession. 

Official guidance from the Government states: “There is no obligation on organisations to suspend business during the National Mourning period.”

Some businesses may wish to close during the mourning period, especially on the day of the Queen’s State Funeral, but this is at their discretion. None of the major supermarkets have yet announced changes to their opening times.

Strikes

Postal and rail strikes were cancelled on Thursday as the country entered a period of national mourning after the death of the Queen. 

A planned strike by Royal Mail workers on Friday has been called off following the Queen’s death. Members of the Communication Workers Union were due to continue a 48-hour walkout in a dispute over pay and conditions.

Rail strikes that were being prepared for September have been cancelled. Train drivers union Aslef had set a strike date for Thursday, September 15. The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) had planned a walkout on Monday, September 26. 

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has postponed its annual conference that was due to be held in Brighton from Sunday for four days.

Government

Usual government business has been scaled back to essentials, with policy announcements put on pause – though measures to implement the new energy price freeze will still progress.

Government press releases and policy announcements will not be made in the usual way during the mourning period, though critical information will still be communicated.

Public buildings will continue to function and the machinery of government continues, but a high bar will be adopted for new government communications with the country.