How to pay respects to the Queen Lying-in-State in London

People across the UK, and indeed the world are wondering how to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II as her body Lies-in-State ahead of her funeral on Monday, September 19.

• The Queen passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle.
• Ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, the former monarch's body is Lying-State in London. 
• In other Royal News, Queen's corgis get new homes, as Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson agree to adopt late monarch's beloved dogs.

The UK is currently in a 10-day period of mourning after the death of its longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, with many well-wishers hoping to pay their final respects to the late Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II is currently Lying-in-State at Westminster Hall. For 24 hours, starting today (Monday, 12 September), the Queen's coffin will be visible in a catafalque with visitors allowed into the cathedral to pay their respects.

The coffin traveled from Scotland to London by plane with Princess Anne, who escorted her mother's body for her final journey to the capital. 

When will Queen Elizabeth II's coffin Lie-in-State?

Queen Elizabeth II is Lying-in-State in London from Wednesday, September 14, at Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster.

Her Majesty's coffin will be available to visit 24 hours a day until Monday, September 19, 2022, when viewings will end at 6.30am, just before the Queen's funeral. 

Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to file past during this time.

The official advice for those planning a visit, as per the UK government, states that anyone wishing to attend, "will be required to queue for many hours, possibly overnight. Large crowds are expected and people are encouraged to check ahead, plan accordingly and be prepared for long wait times. All those attending the Lying-in-State will go through airport-style security and there are tight restrictions on what you can take in, with only small bags permitted. Step-free access will be available for those who need it."

Flowers, candles, and other gifts will be prohibited and these items should be left in designated areas such as outside Buckingham Palace, Green Park, and Hyde Park.

What does Lying-in-State mean?

Lying-in-State describes the tradition of placing a coffin in a public place so that people may pay their respects to the deceased ahead of their official funeral.

This tradition is most commonly permitted for the Monarch, the Queen consort, and on occasion, former Prime Ministers. In 2002, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother lay in state ahead of her funeral so that members of the public could pay their respects to the beloved mother of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen's father King George VI lay in state in 1952, as did Queen Mary in 1953, and Sir Winston Churchill in 1965.

When the Queen Mother's body Lay-in-State in 2002, her coffin was also presented in Westminster Hall, the same location where her eldest daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, will lay in state.

The Queen Mother died on March 30, 2002, and lay in state for three days ahead of her funeral at Westminster Abbey on April 9, 2002. 

It was predicted that around 200,000 people paid their respects to the Queen Mother. It is now anticipated that hundreds of thousands will visit London in order to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

Is there a dress code when visiting Queen Elizabeth II Lying-in-State?

Black attire is not required, but many may choose to wear this as a mark of respect. However, there are regulations, and wearing clothes with political or offensive slogans is prohibited. 

There is more advice available on the government website about attending the Lying-in-State of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which includes extensive information about security and other prohibited items.