Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to queue up for Queen Elizabeth's lying in state at Westminster from today.
The procession of the Queen will begin at 2.22pm today as she leaves Buckingham Palace for the last time where she is expected to arrive at Westminster Hall at 3pm. Following this, a service will take place for around 20 minutes and will be led by the Archbishops Canterbury and accompanied by the Dean of Westminster.
After this, the Queen's lying in state will begin at 5pm and will last until Monday, September 19 at 6.30am. Throughout the weekend, mourners will have the chance to pay their respects to the Queen 24 hours a day over the coming days.
Read more: How the Queen's funeral is hitting Greater Manchester's under-strain pubs and restaurants
Despite this, queues are already beginning to pile up in London with a line expected to extend miles from Westminster to Southwark Park at its maximum capacity. The government has already warned that well-wishers could be waiting in line for as long as 30 hours with very little chance to sit down due to the queue constantly moving.
Strict rules are being enforced for well-wishers who intend to enter Westminster over the coming day, including a list of banned items and expected behaviour.
What you should and shouldn't bring - banned items
A strict bag policy will be in operation with well-wishers only permitted to bring one small bag per person into the Palace of Westminster. The bag must be smaller than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm with one simple opening or zip so you can move quickly through security checks.
If you do happen to have a large bag on you, then you will need to leave it in the bag drop facility which security will direct you to. People are also being asked to wear suitable clothing for the weather.
A list of banned items have also been released, with illegal items being dealt with by the police:
- Bags larger than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm in size, bags or rucksacks with expandable compartments, bags or rucksacks with multiple pockets or complex openings, solid-sided bags, or bags on wheels.
- Flasks or water bottles, except clear water bottles. Clear water bottles must be emptied of their contents before you enter the security search point at the Palace of Westminster.
- Food and liquid of any kind. Any food or liquids must be consumed in the queue or disposed of before you enter the security search point at the Palace of Westminster.
- Flowers or other tribute items (including candles, soft toys and photographs). These items cannot be taken into or left in the Palace of Westminster. Floral tributes only should be taken to the dedicated floral tribute area in Green Park.
- Sharp items, including knives, Swiss Army knives, scissors, cutlery and screwdrivers.
- Personal defence equipment or any object that could be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety, including personal defence sprays.
- Paint sprays, padlocks, chains, climbing gear, and dangerous or hazardous items.
- Fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, whistles, laser devices, and other items that could be used to cause a disturbance or noise.
- Banners, placards, flags, advertising or marketing messages, and other similar items that could be used to cause a disturbance.
- Coolers, hampers, sleeping bags, blankets, folding chairs and camping equipment.
- Non-foldable pushchairs.
- Any other items as directed by security staff or police.
Conduct and behaviour
Well-wishers are being asked to treat the event with the utmost respect and behave appropriately. While inside Westminster, visitors should remain silent.
People are being asked to ensure that they:
- Dress appropriately for the occasion - avoid clothing with political or offensive slogans
- Either turn off your phone or switch it to silent mode before entering the security search area
- Dispose of litter using the litter bins provided
- Keep noise to a minimum and respect residents in the surrounding area.
- Follow the instructions delivered by stewards, marshals and the police at all times
You must also avoid doing the following:
- Film, photographs, or use mobile phones or other handheld devices in the security search area and the Palace of Westminster.
- Bring or erect gazebos or tents.
- Attempt to queue on behalf of others - wristbands at the end of the queue will be provided.
- Leave personal items unattended in the queue.
As you exit the lying-in-state, you will be asked to remove your wristband and pick up any items left at the bag drop facility.
Read next:
