UK: Mass public mourning events, business, and transport disruptions continue nationwide Sept. 16-19, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II /update 2

Event

Public mourning gatherings, business closures, and localized transport disruptions will likely continue across the UK over the coming days following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The UK government has declared a national mourning period after the long-reigning British monarch passed away Sept. 8 at Scotland's Balmoral Castle.

Formal events to memorialize the queen ahead of her state funeral are currently underway. Her son and heir, King Charles III, is on an official visit to Cardiff, Wales, as part of these events. The king is attending a prayer service for the queen at Llandaff Cathedral; Bridge Street, the Cathedral High Street, and numerous other roads in the area have been closed as a security measure. The king will later visit the Welsh Senedd (Parliament), where numerous roads have also been closed ahead of his visit, including Brittania Quay and Harbour Drive. Finally, the king will hold a private audience with the Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford at Cardiff Castle; an anti-monarchist protest will take place outside the castle from around 13:00.

The queen's coffin is currently lying in state at Parliament in Westminster, London, until Sept. 19. Road closures and large crowds are reported along Queen's Gardens, The Mall, Horse Guards and Horse Guards Arch, Whitehall, Parliament Street, Parliament Square, New Palace Yard, Abingdon Street, Millbank, Westminster Bridge, and Lambeth Bridge. Extensive road closures have also been reported around Buckingham Palace.

Queen Elizabeth's state funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey Sept. 19; the king has declared the day a public holiday. Heathrow Airport (LHR) has altered approximately 15 percent of its flight schedule to reduce noise during the queen's funeral; around 100 British Airways flights and four Virgin Atlantic flights have been canceled. Numerous foreign dignitaries and heads of state, including US President Joe Biden, will arrive in London Sept. 17-19 to attend the funeral. A major security operation will precede and accompany the ceremony; up to 10,000 security officers will be deployed in London ahead of the funeral. The king will host an official reception for heads of state at Buckingham Palace Sept. 18. Early Sept. 19, heads of state and other senior dignitaries will gather at the Royal Hospital Chelsea before proceeding to Westminster Abbey in groups. The route, which is likely to remain unannounced, will almost certainly be highly secured and feature numerous road closures.

Following the funeral, UK Foreign Minister James Cleverly will host a reception for guests at the nearby Church House on Great Smith Street, while the queen's coffin travels in procession to Wellington Arch, from where it will be transported to Windsor for the burial service. Tight security will be deployed at these events.

Additionally, other types of both formal and spontaneous public gatherings are likely across the UK. Crowds will likely continue to gather outside Royal residences, including Buckingham, St. James, and Kensington palaces. Such events will probably cause localized traffic congestion, but severe disruptions are unlikely. Some businesses may close for varying lengths of time out of respect for the late sovereign.

Some public events not associated with mourning the queen's passing will likely be canceled. Medical facilities, police, national defense assets, and emergency services will continue to operate, though some services may be reduced. Protests denouncing the monarchy remain possible over the coming days; however, these are likely to be small and minimally disruptive.

Advice

Plan accordingly for business and transport disruptions. Verify business appointments through mid-September, as cancellations are possible. Confirm all travel reservations, including flight, rail, bus, and private vehicles, before checking out of hotels. Follow local travel and security advice in London and other major urban centers during this period.