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Rules issued for these eager to pay respects to the Queen

2 min read

People eager to pay their last respects to Queen Elizabeth II as she lies in state on the Houses of Parliament in London must be ready for an extended wait.

The authorities has revealed tips for folks wishing to file previous the late queen’s closed coffin because it lies in state on the Palace of Westminster from 5 pm (1600 GMT) on Wednesday till 6:30 am (0530 GMT) on September 19. Thousands are anticipated to need to pay tribute to the one monarch that many within the United Kingdom have ever identified.

The guidelines have been made public a day after hundreds of individuals lined roads and bridges Sunday as a hearse carried the queen’s coffin throughout the Scottish countryside from her beloved Balmoral Castle to Edinburgh.

“If you wish to attend the Lying-in-State, please note that there will be a queue, which is expected to be very long. You will need to stand for many hours, possibly overnight, with very little opportunity to sit down as the queue will be continuously moving,” the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport mentioned in its tips.

The closed coffin of the monarch who died Thursday at 96 will relaxation on a raised platform referred to as a catafalque in Westminster Hall on the Houses of Parliament.

“Large crowds are expected, and there are likely to be delays on public transport and road closures around the area,” the ministry warned.

READ | Time to say goodbyes: The journey of Queen Elizabeth’s coffin

Visitors should move by way of airport-style safety and might solely convey one small bag with one zipper opening. Larger luggage could be stowed at a particular facility — however provided that there’s area obtainable.

The ministry advises folks to convey necessities for a probably lengthy wait, uncovered to no matter components an early fall day in London can throw at them — an umbrella or sunscreen, a cellular phone energy financial institution and any wanted remedy.

No meals or liquids can be allowed previous safety screening on the Houses of Parliament. Nor will flowers or different tributes comparable to candles, toys or pictures.

“Please respect the dignity of this event and behave appropriately. You should remain silent while inside the Palace of Westminster,” the recommendation says, including that individuals should gown appropriately and switch off their cellphones earlier than going by way of safety.

Included in a listing of issues to not do: “Film, photograph, use mobile phones or other handheld devices in the security search area or within the Palace of Westminster. Bring or erect gazebos or tents. Light barbecues and fires.”

And an extended checklist of prohibited gadgets consists of fireworks, smoke canisters, flares, whistles, laser gadgets and different gadgets that may very well be used to trigger a disturbance, in addition to any banners, placards, flags, promoting or advertising and marketing messages.

READ | Queen Elizabeth’s coffin arrives in Edinburgh as mourners line streets

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