United Kingdom‘s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport released guidelines for those wishing to pay their respects to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, who died last week. Authorities said visitors should be prepared for a “very long” queue.
The rules were released a day after Queen Elizabeth II’s casket was carried across the Scottish countryside from her beloved Balmoral Castle to Edinburgh. The casket will be placed at the Palace of Westminster from 5 PM Wednesday until 6:30 AM on September 19, 2022.
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“If you wish to attend the Lying-in-State, please note that there will be a queue, which is expected to be very long. You will need to stand for many hours, possibly overnight, with very little opportunity to sit down as the queue will be continuously moving”, the guidelines said.
Here is all you need to know before visiting the Palace of Westminster:
-The closed coffin of the monarch who died Thursday at 96 will rest on a raised platform called a catafalque in Westminster Hall.
-Visitors will have to pass through airport-style security and can only bring one small bag with one zipper opening. Larger bags can be stowed at a special facility — but only if there is space available.
-Visitors are advised to bring essentials for a potentially long wait exposed to whatever elements an early fall day in London can throw at them — an umbrella or sunscreen, a cell phone power bank and any needed medication.
-No food or liquids will be allowed past security screening at the Houses of Parliament. Nor will flowers or other tributes such as candles, toys or photographs.
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-The prohibited items list includes items like fireworks, smoke canisters, flares, whistles, laser devices and other items that could be used to cause a disturbance. Banners, placards, flags, advertising or marketing messages are also not allowed.
Included in a list of things not to do: “Film, photograph, use mobile phones or other handheld devices in the security search area or within the Palace of Westminster. Bring or erect gazebos or tents. Light barbecues and fires.”