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Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, died Thursday at her Scotland estate, Balmoral Castle. She was 96.
Upon her death, her eldest son, Charles, became king.
« The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family, » King Charles III said Thursday in a statement shared by Buckingham Palace. « We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. »
Elizabeth’s funeral plans have been in place since the 1960s. It has been 70 years since the last monarch’s death, and the ceremonies and processions will be a big draw for spectators and tourists. Here’s what to know if you are planning to travel for the queen’s funeral.
The queen’s state funeral will take place on Sept. 19 at Westminster Abbey, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace.
The queen’s funeral plans are known as Operation London Bridge because of the heavy involvement of the military in organizing and executing processions and ceremonies. Details about what would happen in the 10 days of mourning leaked for the first time in The Guardian in May 2017.
In the coming days, there will be a procession of the casket from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, with a service at Westminster Hall to follow. Elizabeth will lie in state at Westminster Hall for four days before the state funeral, and during that time « members of the public will have the opportunity to visit Westminster Hall to pay their respects to The Queen, » according to the statement.
