The government has released official guidance for the UK's mourning period following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The mourning period covers the days following the Queen's death and will last until her state funeral - the date of which is yet to be announced. Meanwhile, the royal family will undertake their own period of mourning which will be subject to the decision of King Charles III.
The following guide covers behaviour and etiquette for the public, businesses and public organisations during the mourning period. Despite this, there are no concrete expectations for specific behaviour to be observed during the mourning period.
Read more: All the shops closed in Greater Manchester today following the Queen's death
Here's a breakdown of how the UK is being advised to mourn the passing of the Queen.
Flags
In accordance with tradition, flags flying from Royal residences, government buildings and military establishments will be flying at half-mast following the death of the Queen. Meanwhile, businesses or other organisations who wish to pay their respects to the former monarch can fly flags at half-mast or hold small periods of silence and observance.
Business, public services and travel information
Businesses are not required to suspend operations during the mourning period. It is entirely up to businesses if they wish to close or postpone any events, including the day of the State Funeral.
Similarly, public services and travel services will continue as usual with availability potentially fluctuating.
Commemorative events
A variety of community organisations such as places of worship, local authorities, and charities may arrange events commemorating the life and service of the Queen. This can include holding reflection services while offering those with no religious beliefs to pay their respects.
Meanwhile, local authorities will support the coordination of local events so you may check with them or your local place of worship for further details.
Major events, entertainment and sport
Event and sporting organisations are under no obligation to cancel or postpone events or fixtures or close venues during the mourning period. It is up to the discretion of organisations to suspend events on the day of the State Funeral as a mark of respect.
If sporting fixtures are planned for the day of the state funeral, times may be changed so they don't clash with the timings of the funeral service and related processions. Players may also wear black armbands during the national mourning period.
Tributes and floral tributes
It is customary to leave floral tributes at some key locations related to the royal household. However, the government and Royal Households are requesting that no official flowers, wreaths, or tributes be sent from organisations to the location of the State Funeral, Royal Residences or government offices.
A customary way of paying respect to the Queen is making a donation to one of her many charities or patronages.
Books of condolence
There are no physical books of condolence at the royal residence, however, people can sign an online Book of Condolence on the Royal Family website. Other opportunities to sign books are at town halls and other locations throughout the UK - it is best to check with your local authority to find out where you can do this.
Online and social media
Organisations can acknowledge the mourning period by making changes to the homepage of their website - commonly by using black edging or black banners. However, there is no set way of marking the passing of the Queen on social media.
It is also important to note that any changes to websites or social media pages should take into consideration accessibility requirements for visually impaired users.
Photographs and official portraits of the Queen
It is not necessary to cover or remove existing official portraits or photographs of the Queen as a mark of respect. In fact, it is customary to leave these in place, at the discretion of the organisation.
Public museums and galleries
Public museums and galleries are not obliged to close during the national mourning period. However, they may choose to close on the day of the state funeral at their discretion.
It is important to note that separate guidance will be published by the devolved administrations, Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories.
Read next:
- His Majesty King Charles III releases first statement since becoming Britain's monarch
- The day-by-day plan for all the key events following the Queen's death
- When does Prince Charles become King following the death of Queen Elizabeth?
- Huge crowds gather outside Buckingham Palace to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
