The Welsh Government has told schools they should close on the day of the Queen's funeral. The day of the event, Monday, September 19, has been declared a national Bank Holiday in the UK and Welsh Government has clarified it expects schools across Wales to close, as they would normally on other bank holidays
The date of the funeral was confirmed on Saturday after King Charles III had earlier confirmed it would be a national bank holiday. Schools and many shops and other businesses across the UK are set to close for the day. The Queen's funeral will be broadcast across the nation and beyond and thousands of people are expected to line the streets near Westminster Abbey, with millions more expected to tune in to watch the funeral procession and service on their television. You can read more details of how the day will work here.
Read more: Thousands honour Queen at sport events in England but all Welsh rugby and football was cancelled
In a statement confirming schools in Wales are to close, a spokesperson from the Welsh Government said on Saturday night: "Schools are not expected to remain open on the bank holiday. It should be treated as any normal bank holiday."
The Queen's funeral will begin at 11am and will take place at Westminster Abbey in London - the first Royal funeral to take place at the Abbey since King George II was laid to rest there back in 1760. Whilst the funeral is a "state funeral" - it is arranged and funded by the Government and is a public event - only invited guests will be allowed to attend the funeral service and private committal service. That said, there are expected to be around 2,000 heads of state, dignitaries, presidents, royals from other countries and other key figures attending the event. It will be a strict all-black affair with mourning bands worn and there will be a national two-minute's silence at midday, following the funeral.
Confirmation of schools' closure comes just hours after the Prince and Princess of Wales and Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out together in Windsor to observe the beautiful floral tributes laid for Her Majesty and to thank the public for their support, and shortly after details of Charles' first visit to Wales as King were confirmed.
Thousands of people had gathered outside the gates of Windsor Castle to pay their respects to the Queen and many had placed flowers and tribute messages there. There were cheers from the crowds when the "Fab Four" arrived at the gates to the Castle, took time to admire the flowers and tributes and met and shook hands with countless members of the public.
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