Photo of Palace of Westminster from other side of River Thames

How to attend Her Majesty The Queen’s Lying-in-State at Westminster Hall

Members of the public will be able to pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen at the Lying-in-State at The Palace of Westminster in London from Wednesday (14th September) evening.

Ahead of that, a ceremonial procession will take place on Wednesday afternoon that will see The Queen’s coffin travel from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster for the Lying-in-State.

Watch the procession
Members of the public can watch the procession in person at the ceremonial viewing areas along the processional route, or at a screening site in Hyde Park.

At the Lying-in-State, The Queen’s closed coffin will rest on a raised platform, called a catafalque, in Westminster Hall and will be draped in the Royal Standard with the Orb and Sceptre placed on top. Each corner of the platform will be guarded around the clock by a vigil of units from the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division, or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.

Pay your respects
The public will be able to file past the coffin 24 hours a day from 5pm on Wednesday 14th September until 6.30am on the day of the funeral – Monday 19th September.

Those wishing to attend will be required to queue for many hours, possibly overnight. Large crowds are expected and people are encouraged to check ahead, plan accordingly and be prepared for long wait times.

Tight restrictions
All those attending the Lying-in-State will go through airport-style security and there are tight restrictions on what you can take in, with only small bags permitted. Step-free access will be available for those who need it.

For those unable to travel, key moments of the ceremonial procession and the Lying-in-State will be broadcast on the BBC, Sky News and ITV.

Find out more
For full details of where to go, what you should and shouldn’t take Accessibility, conduct etc, see the Government Website for more information.


All information provided from the Government Website, in their words. Ed

Image: Amanda Slater under CC BY 2.0