Thanks to the New Statesman's Morning Call email for these details. These traditions have been designed to help those who are grieving, sad or simply feel life has changed. Please, could people remember the Queen would often say "it's not about me" and make this a "not about me" thread? I can only agree with others, that it is and should be about the death of a lady who, in the best way she was able, served her country for over 70 years.
A meticulous national plan has now gone into effect. At Westminster Hall late last night, workers had already begun to take down railings and benches in preparation for the Queen to lie in state – as Churchill did in 1965 – for three days next week. Britons will, for 23 hours a day, be able to file past the Queen’s coffin. Five hundred thousand visitors are expected, with queues for several miles.
The Queen’s funeral is then expected to be held in Westminster Abbey in ten or 11 days’ time. Political leaders and foreign dignitaries will descend on London ahead of the service, with President Biden among those expected to attend (although his press secretary declined to confirm as much yesterday). Parliament will meet from noon today, and from 2pm tomorrow in a rare Saturday sitting. MPs will pay tribute to the Queen and, for those who wish to do so, swear allegiance to the King.