THE UK Government has issued guidance barring people from carrying teddy bears or bringing seats with them when they visit the Queen’s casket.
After arriving in London from Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth’s closed coffin will rest on a raised platform called a catafalque inside Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster for five days.
The Queen’s coffin will be “Lying-in-State” from 5pm on Wednesday, September 14 until 6:30am on Monday, September 19, the day of her funeral.
It will be open to view for 24 hours a day in between those two times, with the Tory ministers expecting massive queues of up to 30 hours.
The Government has warned people who wish to attend: “You will need to stand for many hours, possibly overnight, with very little opportunity to sit down as the queue will be continuously moving.”
The UK Government has also issued guidance on what people who wish to attend the Lying-in-State should or should not bring with them, warning that they will have to pass through “airport-style security”.
People have been warned not to bring flares, fireworks, or smoke canisters, and told they should not wear any clothing with offensive or political slogans.
They have also been warned against bringing any camping or climbing equipment, or lighting any fires or barbeques.
Items that people cannot bring to see the Queen Lying-in-State include:
- Bags that have more than one opening.
- Bags larger than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm – although there will be a baggage drop facility.
- Water bottles which are not clear
- Any food or liquid – although these will be allowed in the queue
- Flowers, candles, teddy bears, or any other item to be left as tribute
- Weapons, knives, scissors, or sharp objects.
- Spray paint, fireworks, lasers, airhorns, whistles, or flares
- Climbing gear
- Camping equipment including coolers, hampers, chairs, sleeping bags or blankets.
- Any other items as directed by security staff or police.
The UK Government said more information about the Lying-in-State queue, including its route, would be issued on Tuesday at 10pm.
People have also been warned that the queue may close before access ceases, at 6:30am on Monday, September 19.
The official guidance comes after mourners were urged not to leave teddy bears, balloons, or lit candles among the floral tributes to the Queen.
The Royal Parks said no gifts or artefacts will be accepted and that non-floral objects should not be taken.
