For those planning to visit The Palace of Westminster to see Her Majesty The Queen lying-in-state have until 6.30am on Monday 19th September to do so.
Although there is 24-hour access to view Her Majesty The Queen’s Lying-in-State it’s advised to check the situation before setting off.
Earlier today, the five-mile queue snaked along the River Thames reached capacity with those travelling to pay their respects asked to return later.
There is a wealth of information provided on the Government Website about where to queue, how to get there, what to take or not take, etc.
We’ve shared below some of the information we felt readers might be interested in.
Queueing time
As you may have seen if watching the news, the queue can get very long. You will need to stand for many hours, possibly overnight, with very little opportunity to sit down, as the queue will keep moving.
Please consider this before you decide to attend or take children with you.
The queue may close early to ensure as many visitors in the queue as possible can enter the Palace before the Lying-in-State period comes to an end.
Step-free and accessible options will be available for those who need them. Read the accessibility section for more information.
The queue starts where Albert Embankment meets Lambeth Bridge in Central London, on the south side of the River Thames. From Albert Embankment, the queue continues along the south bank of the Thames.
Click on image to see larger version
The image above also shows the facilities which are available at designated locations along the queue route, including public toilets, drinking water and first aid stations.
How to get to the queue
To visit the Lying-in-State, you need to join the back of the queue. The location of the back of the queue will move depending on how many people are queuing.
You can also follow DCMS on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for live updates and information about the Lying-in-State.
Joining the queue
When you reach the back of the queue, you will be given a coloured and numbered wristband. This is a record of when you joined the queue, however please note that having a wristband does not guarantee your entry to the Lying-in-State.
Wristbands are specific to each person joining the queue, and are strictly non-transferable. You must keep this wristband on at all times as it will be checked along the route.
Your wristband also allows you to leave the queue for a short period to use a toilet or get refreshments, then return to your place in the queue. Public toilets, drinking water and first aid stations are available at designated locations along the queue route.
Security search
Before entering the Palace of Westminster, everyone will be subject to an airport-style security search. There are restrictions on what you can take in and bag sizes.
If you have a large bag that you are not permitted to take into the Palace of Westminster, stewards will direct you to the bag drop facility before you enter the security search point. You will not lose your place in the queue, but it may increase your queuing time.
Step-free routes and an accessible queueing scheme are available for those who need them. Read the accessibility section for more information.
What you should and should not take
There is a strict bag policy in operation. You are only permitted to take one small bag per person into the Palace of Westminster.
It must be smaller than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, with one simple opening or zip so you can move quickly through the security check.
If you have to bring a larger bag, you will need to leave it in the bag drop facility. Stewards will direct you to the bag drop facility before you enter the security search point. Items are left at your own risk.
Capacity at the bag drop facility is limited and there is no guarantee that there will be space at the facility. Waiting for bag storage space to become available will increase your queuing time.
Read the bag drop facility section for more information
Remember to take:
- Suitable clothing for the weather conditions. This might include warm, protective clothing or an umbrella in cold or wet weather, or sunscreen if you might need it.
- Food and drinks to consume in the queue. There are limited places to buy refreshments along the route. Any food items and liquids must be consumed or disposed of before you enter the security search point outside the Palace of Westminster. Clear water bottles are permitted, but must be emptied of their contents before you enter the security search point.
- Mobile phone charger. You are likely to be in the queue for a long time, so consider bringing a small portable power bank to use if you need to charge your phone.
- Essential medication or medical equipment that you need to keep with you. Please explain this to the security staff or police at the security search point.
Prohibited items
You must not take any of the following items into the security search point or Palace of Westminster.
Prohibited items will be confiscated and will not be returned. Illegal items will be dealt with by the police.
- Bags larger than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm in size, bags or rucksacks with expandable compartments, bags or rucksacks with multiple pockets or complex openings, solid-sided bags, or bags on wheels.
- Flasks or water bottles, except clear water bottles. Clear water bottles must be emptied of their contents before you enter the security search point at the Palace of Westminster.
- Food and liquid of any kind. Any food or liquids must be consumed in the queue or disposed of before you enter the security search point at the Palace of Westminster.
- Flowers or other tribute items (including candles, soft toys and photographs). These items cannot be taken into or left in the Palace of Westminster. Floral tributes only should be taken to the dedicated floral tribute area in Green Park.
- Sharp items, including knives, Swiss Army knives, scissors, cutlery and screwdrivers.
- Personal defence equipment or any object that could be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety, including personal defence sprays.
- Paint sprays, padlocks, chains, climbing gear, and dangerous or hazardous items.
- Fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, whistles, laser devices, and other items that could be used to cause a disturbance or noise.
- Banners, placards, flags, advertising or marketing messages, and other similar items that could be used to cause a disturbance.
- Coolers, hampers, sleeping bags, blankets, and camping equipment.
- Chairs, folding chairs and other seating equipment, including shooting sticks.
- Any other items as directed by security staff or police.
- Please do not bring pets or other animals as you will not be allowed to enter with them. Animals are not permitted in the Palace of Westminster, except guide dogs, hearing dogs and other official assistance dogs.
Conduct and behaviour
Please respect the dignity of this event and behave appropriately. You should remain silent while inside the Palace of Westminster.
Stewards and police officers will patrol the queue. Antisocial or inappropriate behaviour (including queue-jumping, excessive consumption of alcohol or drunken behaviour) will not be tolerated and you will be removed from the queue.
You can find more information on the Parliament website about what to expect at the Lying-in-State and what you need to do when you enter the Palace of Westminster to pay your respects.
You should:
- Dress appropriately for the occasion to pay your respects at the Lying-in-State. Do not wear clothes with political or offensive slogans.
- Turn your phone off (or to silent mode) before entering the security search area.
- Dispose of litter using the litter bins provided.
- Keep noise to a minimum, and respect people who live in residential areas near the queue.
- Follow the instructions of stewards, marshals and the police at all times.
You must not:
- Film, photograph, or use mobile phones or other handheld devices in the security search area and the Palace of Westminster.
- Bring or erect gazebos or tents.
- Bring pets or other animals. Animals are not permitted in the Palace of Westminster, except guide dogs, hearing dogs and other official assistance dogs.
- Light barbecues or fires.
- Attempt to queue on behalf of others or ask others to queue on your behalf. Only those given wristbands at the end of the queue will be able to stay in the queue.
- Leave personal items unattended in the queue. If you leave bags or other items unattended they will be removed and may be destroyed.
Visit the Government’s Website to find out more information about accessibility and more.
