On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96. The late Queen’s coffin left Balmoral on Sunday, September 11, heading through Edinburgh towards London. Plans are now proceeding towards her state funeral, which will take place on September 19. Beforehand is a period of mourning as those in London and the UK, and indeed beyond, pay tribute to the deceased monarch.
The procession
During this period of mourning, a military procession on Wednesday, September 14, will see the Queen’s coffin transferred from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. The procession will travel down the Mall, across Horse Guards Parade, onto Whitehall to Parliament Square, past the Cenotaph, before finishing in Westminster Hall. Starting at 2.22pm, members of the royal family, including King Charles III, will follow during the procession.
How to watch the procession
The procession will allow members of the public to gather and pay tribute to the long-reigning Queen. Viewing areas will be set up along the route, but with limited capacity. Considerable crowds are expected, so be prepared to queue. For those unable to gain access to the viewing areas, a screening site will also be in place at Hyde Park where large screens will show the procession. The viewing areas and screening site will open at 11 AM on Wednesday September 14, and access is free. However, the public are advised not to camp or wait in advance of the day of the procession. Those who do may be asked to move on.
On the day, expect travel restrictions and considerable delays, and potentially in the lead-up as well. Also expect a large turn-out, as the public will show up in huge numbers to pay tribute to the longest-serving British monarch.
Following the procession, the Queen’s coffin will remain in Westminster Hall until the morning of her funeral. The Queen’s body will lie in state for four full days, during which time the hall will be open to the public to pay their respects. On the morning of her funeral, another procession will move the coffin to Westminster Abbey where the funeral will take place.
Further details of the procession viewing areas and screening site, including maps, will be uploaded soon to the UK Government website.
Queen Elizabeth II, April 21, 1926 – September 8, 2022.