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Chronicle Live
National
Simon Meechan

The difference between Royal and National Mourning and how long they last after the Queen's death

The new King has declared a period of Royal Mourning will stay in place for seven days after the Queen's funeral.

It means the Royal Family will observe 18 days of Royal Mourning, as the Queen's funeral will take place on Monday September 19, 2022, 11 days after her death.

The funeral date was confirmed on Saturday September 11 following Charles III's proclamation. That means the Royal Mourning period will last until Monday September 26. But the separate period of National Mourning is due to end on the evening of Elizabeth II's funeral, on Monday September 19.

The Queen will lie in rest in Edinburgh after being transported from Balmoral. Her body is expected to be flown to London on Tuesday September 13.

Read more: King Charles to address nation tonight as UK goes into mourning at Queen's death

How Royal Mourning and National Mourning are different

Royal Mourning will be observed by members of the Royal Family, Royal household staff and representatives of the Royal household on official duties, together with troops committed to ceremonial duties until seven days after the Queen's funeral, Buckingham Palace said. Royal events and appearances will be cancelled and flags will be flown at half-mast from Royal residences, Government buildings and Armed Forces properties.

Royal Mourning, also known as Court Mourning, is separate from National Mourning, which has already influenced the cancellation of some events like Premier League football matches and places rules on what the BBC can broadcast. There is no obligation to cancel events during the National Mourning Period, Buckingham Palace has confirmed, although many organisations will choose to.

"There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations.

"As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations. "

Venues, transport, and state services (such as the Passport Office) are not under obligation to close either, although the Palace has issued advice on flying flags at half-mast and putting on commemorative events.

Buckingham Palace states: "A period of National Mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has now started. The period of National Mourning will continue until the end of the day of the State Funeral. The Royal Family will undertake a separate period of Royal Mourning, subject to the wishes of The King."

In a nutshell, the National Mourning period ends after the funeral, while the Royal Mourning period will remain in place for a week after.

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