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Gloucestershire Business News

Details of the Queen's lying-in-state revealed

Details have been revealed about how people can attend the lying-in-state at the Palace of Westminster.

But anyone heading to London to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II has been warned to expect large crowds and to have to wait for hours, or even overnight.

Unprecedented numbers of mourners are expected and queueing times could reach 20 hours, reports The Times.

Visitors will face airport-style security and tight restrictions on what they can bring with them.

The public will be able to file past the coffin in Westminster Hall 24 hours a day from 5pm on Wednesday, September 14 to 6.30am on Monday, September 19 - the day of the Queen's funeral.

A one -minute silence will be held at 8pm the vening before the funeral, which has been delcared a bank holiday.

The last member of the Royal Family to lie in state in the hall was the Queen Mother in 2002, when more than 200,000 people queued to view her coffin.

The Queen's coffin is currently on its way to St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, where King Charles III will lead the Royal Family in a poignant procession before the Queen's coffin lies under vigil for 24 hours.

It will then be flown back to RAF Northolt, before travelling to Buckingham Palace.

Visitors to the lying-in-state should expect long delays on public transport and road closures.

Once they arrive they will have little opportunity to sit down, as the queue will be continuously moving.

They will also be asked to respect the dignity of the event by remaining silent and turning off their mobile phones while inside the Palace of Westminster and dressing appropriately - with clothes with "political or offensive slogans" banned.

Filming, photography and the use of mobile phones or other devices will not be allowed in the security search area or the Palace of Westminster.

Those queuing are also asked not to attempt to queue on behalf of others, leave personal items unattended or put up tents.

Any prohibited items will be confiscated and not returned, it has been warned. Police may also conduct security checks along parts of the queue.

What to bring:

Suitable clothing for the weather conditions

Food and drinks to consume in the queue (although these will need to be disposed of before you reach the security point)

Portable mobile phone charger

Essential medication or equipment that you need to keep with you

What not to bring:

Flasks or water bottles - except clear water bottles

Flowers or other tribute items (flowers only should be taken to the dedicated area in Green Park)

Sharp items including knives

Personal defence equipment or weapons

Paint sprays, padlocks, chains, climbing gear and any dangerous or hazardous items

Fireworks, smoke canisters or other items which could cause a disturbance or noise

Coolers, hampers, sleeping bags and other camping equipment

Non-foldable pushchairs

Banners, placards, flags, advertising or marketing messages

What to expect

Details of the route will be revealed on Tuesday evening and step-free access will be available for those who need it.

The Queen's closed coffin will rest on a raised platform called a catafalque inside Westminster Hall, in the Houses of Parliament. It will be draped in in the Royal Standard with the orb and sceptre placed on top

Each corner of the platform will be guarded around the clock by a vigil of soldiers from units from the Sovereign's Bodyguard, the Household Division, or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.

Ahead of the lying-in-state a ceremonial procession will take place on Wednesday afternoon that will see the coffin travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster.

Members of the public can watch the procession in person at the ceremonial viewing areas along the processional route, or at a screening site in Hyde Park.

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