There are many changes expected over the coming days – including closures and cancellations – due to the sad passing of the UK’s longest-reigning monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
All English and Northern Irish football and all professional Scottish football has been postponed this weekend as a mark of respect, and horse racing in Doncaster, Chester, Sandown, and Salisbury have also been cancelled.
The test match between England and South Africa has also been cancelled today, and it looks set to follow over the weekend too. In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board said:
“Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Friday’s play between England and South Africa Men at The Oval, along with all scheduled matches in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, will not take place. For fixtures beyond Friday, updates will be provided in due course.”
The BMW PGA Championship will also not take place today, and the golf course and practice facilities will also be closed. In a statement, they state:
“Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast“.
Theatres across the country will continue with their performances tonight, but they will be observing a minute’s silence during the show and dimming their lights too as a mark of respect. Following the announcement of the national period of mourning, the BBC has announced that there will be no comedy programming until after that Queen’s state funeral – which is rumoured to be on Monday September 19.
The BBC has also cancelled the Last Night of the Proms, and many scheduled events are also most likely going to be cancelled. A number of planned strikes have been cancelled, including today’s industrial action by Royal Mail workers. Rail strikes planned for the September 15 to 17 have also been called off.
Most shops are expected to remain open for the period of national mourning, though some will close on the day of the funeral – particularly those close to the route of the procession.