Bristol Crown Court observed a two-minute silence on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II before business as usual today. (September 9, 2022) The ten-court complex fell silent at 9.58am.
Court Three was presided over by Judge Julian Lambert. He told the court: "At 10 o'clock the court will observe a two-minute silence upon the death of the sovereign.
"At that hour the court will be closed in order to preserve order and discipline. The silence will be observed in open court by the judge and those here present."
Read next: UK in mourning following the death of Her Majesty the Queen - updates
In the past, at such times, mourning dress was required to be worn by either judges or barristers. No such apparel was required today, though the option is open for people to wear such dress if they have it.
The Queen's state funeral has been mooted for Monday, September 19. The crown court will not sit on the day of the funeral.
For the past seventy years, under Queen Elizabeth II's reign, cases prosecuted at the crown court have been defined as R (Regina) versus the defendant. In the age of her successor, King Charles III, cases will be defined as R (Rex) versus the defendant.
The appointment of the King also means that top grade barristers, known as Queen's Counsel, become King's Counsel. A two-minute silence was also observed at Bristol Magistrates' Court today.
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Read next:
- UK in mourning following the death of Her Majesty the Queen - updates
- How Bristol paid tribute to the Queen and her 'unwavering devotion'
- What will happen today after death of Queen Elizabeth
- Queen Elizabeth II dies: A lifetime of service to the nation
- Schools to be given closure guidance following death of Queen
