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You’re probably getting emails and texts about your social plans being cancelled or postponed in the wake of the Queen Elizabeth II’s death. While events are already being called off now that we’re in a national period of mourning, plans are also being scrapped for September 19 itself – when the funeral is due to take place. It is also a bank holiday, so schools and places of employment will be closed (though the latter is ultimately at the discretion of employers).
If you did have anything planned that day, you’ll want to get ahead of all the postponements and cancellations. Here’s everything we know about what might be called off on the day of the funeral.
Will events be cancelled on September 19?
That’s entirely up to the venue. However big or small the event is, organisers may well wish to call it off given the Queen’s funeral is taking place and the day is now a bank holiday.
Will pubs and shops be open?
Many shops will choose to close their doors. Primark and Apple stores, for example, will not be trading on the bank holiday. Pubs and supermarkets may be open, but working reduced hours. Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Lidl have confirmed that they will shut their stores entirely. A government spokesperson said: ‘Some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the state funeral, however, this is at the discretion of individual businesses.’
Will schools be open?
The government has confirmed that all schools will be closed on September 19. Good news for kids, and perhaps less good news for parents.
Will royal institutions be open?
All the royal properties including Windsor Castle are closed until further notice and certainly will be on the day of the funeral. London Zoo (of which Elizabeth II was a patron) and its Whipsnade outpost will both be closed. The Royal Historic Palaces will be closing all six of its sites, including the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace and Kew Palace. The Royal Opera House and the Royal Geographical Society are also closed.
And what about museums?
London’s Natural History Museum, the National Gallery and Science Museum, and National Museum of Scotland, have already confirmed that they will be closed on Monday September 19. It’s likely that most other museums will be too.
ICYMI: here’s everything you need to know about the Queen’s funeral.
Plus: here’s how to see the Queen’s body lying in state.