Here’s how the Queen’s death will be marked today as the nation enters a period of mourning

A state of mourning has officially begun across the UK today following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

Since the announcement of Queen Elizabeth’s passing, which marks the end to her historical seventy-year-long reign on the throne, several royal protocols have already taken place, including her son becoming King Charles III, a speech by newly-elected Prime Minister Liz Truss and tributes from leaders across the globe.

In the coming days her body will be moved from Balmoral to St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, before returning to Buckingham Palace.

But what will happen today? 

Because the announcement came so late in the day, today, Friday September 9th, is considered as Operation ‘London Bridge’s’ D Day.

Buckingham Palace has confirmed this morning that a period of royal mourning is to be observed from now until seven days after the funeral. The date of the funeral will be confirmed in due course.

Their statement read:”Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, it is His Majesty The King’s wish that a period of royal mourning be observed from now until seven days after The Queen’s funeral.”

Five days after her death, the Queen’s coffin is expected to make the mile-long journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where her body will lie in state before the funeral.

It is expected to be announced that the Queen’s funeral day will become a public holiday in the form of a Day of National Mourning.

Although shops, offices and schools are likely to close, it will be up to individual organisations whether they still want to open or not. Supermarkets may choose to operate reduced bank holiday-style opening hours.

Today, the King and his Queen Consort Camilla will return to London from Balmoral, with the monarch due to hold his first audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss.

Truss and senior ministers will then attend a public service of remembrance at St Paul’s Cathedral in central London later on today.

Throughout the course of Friday, it is believed that King Charles will meet the Earl Marshal – the Duke of Norfolk – who is in charge of the Queen’s funeral, to approve the carefully choreographed schedule for the coming days.

This evening, His Majesty is expected to address the nation in a televised speech, where he will pay tribute to his mother and pledge to serve as head of state.

Churches across the country have been urged to toll their bells, with the Church of England sending out guidance to parishes, chapels and cathedrals encouraging them to open for prayer or special services.

A gun salute will also take place in Hyde Park and the Tower of London from 1pm today.

The full list of events:

• A period of national mourning has begun today, and will be observed until seven days after Her Majesty’s funeral.
• Five days after her death, the Queen’s coffin will make the mile-long journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. 
• King Charles and his Queen Consort Camilla will return to London from Balmoral today.
• His Majesty is expected to address the nation in a televised speech.
• Prime Minister Liz Truss and other senior ministers will attend a public service of remembrance at St Paul’s Cathedral in central London today.
• King Charles will meet the Earl Marshal, who is in charge of the Queen’s funeral, to approve the schedule for the coming days.