Official guidance issued for Queen’s lying in state – as mourners warned of long queues and photos banned | UK News

Those wishing to see the Queen lying in state have been warned of long queues and prohibited from taking pictures, as official instructions were issued before the late king arrived at Westminster Hall.

The expanded rules and regulations were announced before the late king will be flown to London on Tuesday, where she will stay in the state for four days before next Monday’s funeral.

But first, Queen will rest in peace in Edinburgh today, after her coffin has completed its journey of more than six hours from Balmoral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

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This morning, King Charles and Queen Consort will travel to the Scottish capital to join a procession from Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Church, where the coffin will be delivered at 2.5pm.

Mourning people will be able to view the coffin, with the Crown of Scotland placed on top, from 5pm.

This is called lying still, rather than lying down, which won’t happen until the Queen is in London.

The Met Office is forecasting a cloudy day in Edinburgh, with “some light, patchy rain”, but conditions should have been brighter in the afternoon.

A hearse will bring the coffin to Edinburgh Airport on Tuesday. It will be flown to London for the Queen’s arrival at Westminster Hall from Wednesday.

Her closed coffin will be placed on a raised platform – called a catafalque – inside the hall. Members of the public will be able to pay their respects 24 hours a day until 6:30 a.m. Monday, September 19 – the day of the funeral, it will be a bank holiday.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flock to the capital for the once-in-a-lifetime procedure, and those planning to visit must adhere to sweeping guidance issued today.

Read more: Can you see how and where the Queen is lying?

What should you expect if you visit?

Large crowds are expected, with warnings about long queues and delays on public transport.

Visitors will go through airport-style security and there are tight restrictions on what you can bring in.

People will need to stand for hours, possibly overnight, with little chance to sit down as the queue will keep moving.

The official guide says: “Consider this before you decide to attend or bring children.

Queues may also close early to ensure as many visitors as possible.

What can you bring?

There will be a strict baggage policy, only one small bag per person is allowed.

The bag must be less than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm in size, with a simple zipper or opening.

Anyone who has to carry a larger bag will have to leave it in a pocket facility – but space is limited and there’s no guarantee of storage capacity.

There are a limited number of places to buy food along the queue route, so the public is encouraged to bring food and drinks. But these must be consumed, or processed, before entering the palace.

Mobile phone chargers are recommended due to long queue times.

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What items are prohibited?

Bottles or bottles of water are prohibited – unless they are clear.

Flowers and other tribute items, including candles, soft toys and photographs, are also prohibited.

Flowers should only be brought to designated areas in Green Park.

Sharp items, paint sprayers, padlocks, chains, climbing gear and any other dangerous items are prohibited.

Banners, banners, flags, promotional or marketing messages are also not allowed.

All camping equipment – including coolers, headbands, sleeping bags, blankets, folding chairs – are not allowed and the stroller cannot be folded.

Read more: Stop leaving Paddingtons and bread as tributes to the Queen, mourners say

Will it be accessible?

Stepless access will be available to those who need it.

More information on the route will be available on Tuesday.

How should you behave?

People were warned to “respect the dignity of this event”, and to keep quiet in the Palace of Westminster.

Antisocial behavior, including jumping in line, drinking too much alcohol or being intoxicated, will not be tolerated and people are at risk of being removed from the queue.

People are warned not to film, take pictures or use mobile phones in the security search area or in the palace.

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The bracelets will be given out at the end of the queue and only those with the bracelets can stay, so people won’t be able to line up for someone else or ask people to line up on their behalf.

You cannot bring tents or gazebos, barbecues or fireplaces.

The Met Office says London will be dry from Wednesday until the funeral, with a 10% less chance of rain.