Belfast City Council has issued further guidance on how the public can pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at City Hall.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Christina Black and the Lord Lieutenant Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle opened books of condolence at City Hall on Friday 9th at 2.30pm, following the death of the Queen on Thursday.
Members of the public will be able to sign the books which will be at City Hall until the day of the state funeral. Books of condolence will be in the main reception area and east wing of City Hall and will be available for signing from 9.30am to 8pm daily.
Read more: Queen Elizabeth II's relationship with the people and places of Northern Ireland
The Garden of Remembrance at City Hall will also be open for anyone wishing to lay floral tributes. The public are being asked to only leave tributes in the Garden of Remembrance and to enter via Donegall Square West. Stewards will be on hand to assist members of the public.
The council said in a statement of guidance: "The recommendation of the Royal Parks asks for all wrapping to be removed from floral tributes to aid in composting. Items that are not a floral tribute, for example, teddies, balloons, candles or cards, should not be left in the Garden of Remembrance."
The Union flag at City Hall will be flown until the morning after the state funeral, in line with Royal protocol.
The Lord Mayor Tina Black, a Sinn Féin councillor, said yesterday: "My first thoughts are with her children and family circle who will feel this loss deeply.
“I also want to acknowledge the sorrow that will be felt by many people in Belfast and I wish to especially acknowledge the profound sorrow of our neighbours from within the unionist community here who will feel her loss deeply.
“ Queen Elizabeth made a valuable contribution to building peace and strengthening reconciliation between people on these islands."
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