Sunday, 11 September 2022 | 16.5°C Belfast

Premium subscribers enjoy unlimited access to all articles. But there's more: discover your full benefits now.

Well-wishers queue to view floral tributes outside Buckingham Palace, London, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Picture date: Sunday September 11, 2022.

After her death last week, it has been confirmed the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will take place in London on Monday September 19.

T he news was announced on Saturday by the Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk.

Further details were confirmed as part of the carefully choreographed London Bridge plans, which will include a four-day lying in state at Westminster Hall from September 14.

However the impromptu event has left many wondering how they will be impacted, with the bank holiday likely having a significant bearing on the likes of schools, shops and workplaces.

The Queen’s state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on September 19 at 11am.

On the morning of the funeral, the late Queen’s coffin will be taken in a grand military procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey for the state funeral, and afterwards taken by state hearse for a committal service in St George’s Chapel.

A national two minutes’ silence is expected to be held.

Receive today's headlines directly to your inbox every morning and evening, with our free daily newsletter.

Enter email address This field is required Sign Up

While many people are likely to head to London to see the events in person, for the millions who cannot, both the state funeral and committal service will be televised.

However, the interment service at St George’s Chapel’s is private and will be attended by senior members of the royal family.

The BBC will air the funeral on BBC One, BBC News, and stream it on BBC iPlayer – however, coverage timings have yet to be confirmed by the corporation. ITV and Sky are also likely to broadcast the event with similar coverage given the significance.

The Monday of the Queen’s funeral will be a bank holiday after King Charles approved an order on Saturday. The bank holiday confirmation came when the King approved an order during a meeting of the Accession Council where he was formally declared head of state.

Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, said: “Drafts of two proclamations. One – appointing the day of Her late Majesty’s state funeral as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

According to UK Government advice around bank holidays, this impromptu holiday works like any other throughout the year. The official guidance states that there is “no statutory entitlement to time off” and instead “employers may include bank holidays as part of a worker’s leave entitlement”.

The government advise whether you get the bank holiday off “is a matter for discussion between individuals and their employer”.

However, many industries will choose to close as a mark of respect on the day of the funeral.

"We would expect that many workers will be able to take the day off on the bank holiday,” a UK Government statement said.

"We also expect employers to respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take the day of the funeral off work.”

Many shops in Northern Ireland are expected to close for the day, with the only ones remaining open those retailers who offer essential services such as selling groceries or pharmacies.

Retail NI chef executive Glyn Roberts said retailers “understand how much of an important day it is”. Any closures will only impact that Monday.

"There is guidance that already we have tweeted on social media and we have sent out further guidance,” said Mr Roberts.

"It is a public holiday and the majority of the retail sector will close, other than those who have an essential role other such as convenience stores and pharmacies.

"I would have thought closures would be across the board  and that the majority of businesses would close unless they have a reason to remain open.

“It will be a public and bank holiday. It will have huge significance and talking to retailers they understand how much of an important day it is. We would expect the majority of businesses across every sector will close for that day.”

According to the official UK Government advice, schools across the UK are expected to be closed on the Monday of the state funeral.

The advice states: “Schools will be closed, we are not asking them to remain open on the day of the bank holiday.”

However, Northern Ireland’s education system is devolved and the Department of Education here has yet to confirm the arrangements for schools across the province.

The Department of Education has been contacted for a response.

The Belfast Telegraph is a member of IPSO and subscribes to its Editors' Code of Practice Ipso

A Mediahuis Website © BelfastTelegraph.co.uk