The country has now entered a period of National Mourning to mark the death of the Queen Elizabeth II. The mourning period began at midnight on Friday (September 9) after it was announced that Her Majesty had died peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon.
At around 6.30pm on September 8, The Royal Family confirmed that the Queen had passed away. A statement issued from Buckingham Palace read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
The period of National Mourning covers the days following the Queen's death and will be in place until seven days after Her Majesty's funeral, the date of which is yet to be announced. On Friday morning the Cabinet Office released a document with guidance for organisations, businesses and the public during this time.
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An introduction to the document read: "National Mourning is a period of time for reflection in response to the demise of the Sovereign, or other member of the Royal Family or a very prominent person in national life.
"This guide is intended to provide the public, businesses and institutions with an explanation of National Mourning, and outline some practical advice on how you or your organisation may wish to observe public mourning during this period.
"Nevertheless, mourning is very personal and we anticipate individuals, families, communities and organisations may want to mark Her Majesty’s demise in their own way.
"There is no expectation on the public or organisations to observe specific behaviours during the mourning period. Public services will continue as usual, although there may be some changes to service availability on the day of the State Funeral."
In terms of businesses, shops and public services, the advice states that there is no obligation for organisations to suspend business during the National Mourning period.
Depending on the nature and location of their business and the tone of planned events, some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the State Funeral, however this is at the discretion of individual businesses.
Public services will continue as usual, although there maybe some changes to service availability.
Further guidance on any potential considerations relating to the day of the State Funeral will be issued if needed.
Businesses or other organisations wishing to pay their respects by half-masting flags or holding silences can follow the guidance that has been issued on GOV.UK.
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