As we settle into the reality at the death of our Queen Elizabeth II, I thought it would be helpful to share an idea of what is happening in London and where you can pay your respects to her.
This timeline is in line as Her Majesty’s coffin returns to London today. She will travel from Northolt this evening to Buckingham Palace, her London home. All under the code name of Operation London Bridge.
How can we possibly pay our respects to our longest serving monarch? A Queen, whose sense of duty was there to the very end? Flowers, a candle .. a silent prayer, it is anything that comforts us. She really was, our Queen, Elizabeth The Great.
Paying your respects with a floral tribute
The tribute of flowers move daily from Buckingham Palace to their new home in Green Park and Hyde Park. Nothing prepares you for what greets you. It is beautiful, it is moving, and it is truly unforgettable.
Green Park is a Royal Park, alongside Buckingham Palace, it is an extraordinary floral tribute. An ever evolving art installation as every bouquet creates something new.
The additional floral tribute that has been set up in Hyde Park is next to the Rose Garden.
Both gardens will remain open for a few days after the funeral.
Travel details change daily as the crowds grow. My advice would be to go as early in the day as possible, as many roads are closed off.
Queen Elizabeth II returns to London
The Queen returns to London this evening, Tuesday night, and will rest at Buckingham Palace over night.
Wednesday 14 September | Lying In State
The Queen’s coffin will lie in state for 4 days in Westminster Hall.
Her coffin will leave Buckingham Palace at 14.22 followed by The King and members of the Royal Family via The Mall, Horse Guards, Whitehall, Parliament St, Parliament Square and New Palace Yard.
There will be screens up in Hyde Park from 11am.
Here is a visual map for you to save, if coming into London.
Details for lying in rest:
Members of the public can pay their respects from 17.00 in Westminster Hall until 06.30 on Monday 19 September. There are lots of conditions to consider. Please check the Government website for details.
* Update : This queue is about to close imminently.
Sunday 18 September | A minute’s silence
One-minute silence will be held across the UK at 20.00 BST
Monday 19 September | The Funeral
The Queen’s state funeral. Details on the funeral in Westminster Abbey can be found in this link.
Following the funeral, the coffin travels by gun carriage from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch. At the Wellington Arch, the coffin will be transferred into the hearse that will take The Queen to Windsor.
The Journey
The coffin will travel along South Carriage Drive, past the Albert Memorial, down Queensgate. At this junction it will turn left and out on the A4 to St George’s Chapel in Windsor. It is here where The Queen will be buried alongside her beloved Prince Philip.
Where to watch
Where to watch it in London. If you are thinking of watching the procession, I’d plan to be there by 6am to get a view. Remember to take a snack, some water & be warm.
Royal Gun Salute
To mark the procession of Her Majesty’s The Queen’s coffin from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch, a Royal Gun Salute will take place in Hyde Park. The Kings Troop will begin firing at 12.15pm
Please check the Royal website if you are travelling to London for any up to date information.