Queen death – latest: Thousands queue through night to pay respects after Charles leads coffin vigil

Thousands of people are queuing in Edinburgh to pay their respects to the Queen as she lies in her closed coffin in St Giles’ Cathedral.

King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Prince Andrew have kept vigil by the coffin as mourners started to be let in from 7pm.

The new monarch, with his siblings, bowed their heads in silence as they stood – for about 12 minutes – around the coffin of their mother who died aged 96 at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon after a 70-year reign.

One official warned mourners at the cathedral that they face waiting for 10 hours to pay their respects.

The Queen will lie in state at the cathedral until Tuesday afternoon when her coffin will be flown from Edinburgh airport to RAF Northolt. She will then lie in state for five days at the Palace of Westminster until her funeral on Monday (19 September).

In Edinburgh, a procession starting at the Palace of Holyroodhouse had carried Her Majesty’s coffin along the Royal Mile to the cathedral.

Earlier on Monday, King Charles vowed to uphold parliamentary traditions in his first address to MPs and peers at Westminster, saying he would aim to follow in the footsteps of his mother by maintaining the principles of constitutional government.

Key Points

• Huge crowds face 10-hour wait to see Queen lying in state in Scottish capital

• Service held at Edinburgh’s St Giles Cathedral after procession along Royal Mile

• King vows to uphold ‘parliamentary traditions’ in first address to MPs

• Prince Harry pays tribute to the Queen

• Queen’s coffin arrives at Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh

• Anti-monarchy protesters arrested as Charles proclaimed King

Queen’s coffin to travel to palace as King heads to Northern Ireland

04:50 , Namita Singh

The Queen’s coffin will be taken to Buckingham Palace today while the King will travel to Northern Ireland for the first time as monarch.

Thousands of members of the public moved solemnly past the oak coffin through the night as it stood on public view for 24 hours at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.

Charles, on his Operation Spring Tide tour around the UK with the Queen Consort, will leave Scotland and head to Belfast before returning to London in the evening.

Members of the public are already queueing for the Queen’s lying in state at Westminster Hall, which opens on Wednesday, and thousands are still placing floral tributes in Green Park.

Mourners have been asked by Royal Parks not leave marmalade sandwiches – a nod to the Queen’s comedy sketch with Paddington Bear – for fear of a negative effect on wildlife.

Read the details here:

Queen’s coffin to travel to Palace as King travels to Northern Ireland

Poet laureate Simon Armitage marks death of Queen with poem

04:35 , Namita Singh

The poet laureate Simon Armitage has written a poem to mark the death of the Queen.

Floral Tribute is composed of two stanzas of nine lines each, describing the coming of a September evening and the appearance of a lily as “a token of thanks”.

The lily of the valley was one of the Queen’s favourite flowers and appeared in her coronation bouquet.

Since then it has held special association with the late monarch and grows in the garden of Buckingham Palace.

The poem employs the form of a double acrostic, meaning the first letter of each line spells out Elizabeth when taken together.

Read more in this report:

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage marks death of Queen with poem

Mourners watching the Queen’s Coffin and the King to expect mixed autumn weather

04:23 , Namita Singh

Mourners lining the street to catch a glimpse of the King in the Northern Ireland today can expect to be greeted by intermittent sunshine breaking through cloudy skies, the Met Office has said.

Meanwhile in London, the morning sunshine is likely to give way to downpours by the evening, bringing the possibility of more rainbows like those seen over Buckingham Palace on the day the Queen died.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin predicted a “fine day for most” with the exception of southern England, where people heading out should be braced for “heavy bursts of rain” throughout the evening.

Mr Deakin said: “The rain is going to pop up through the day across parts of southern England.

“There are some heavy bursts of rain likely, especially through the late afternoon and into the evening, making for a lot of spray and surface water on the roads.

“It’s still quite humid-feeling with highs of 22C or 23C, whereas further north, it’s going to be quite pleasant in the September sunshine, with temperatures in the high teens or low twenties likely.”

Queen’s death: What will happen today?

04:00 , Lamiat Sabin

Here is the timeline of events expected to take place over the next 24 hours on Tuesday 13 September.

Queen’s coffin

At 5pm, the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II will leave St Giles’ Cathedral on a hearse for Edinburgh Airport.

At 6pm, it will depart on an RAF Globemaster C-17 aircraft with the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence on board.

The flight is scheduled to arrive at RAF Northolt in west London at 6.55pm.

The coffin will then be transported by a state hearse, accompanied by Princess Anne and Sir Tim, to Buckingham Palace.

Its route to the palace will be via the A40, Eastbourne Terrace, Lancaster Gate, Bayswater Road, Marble Arch, Park Lane, Hyde Park Corner and Constitution Hill.

Waiting to receive the coffin at the Palace will be the King and the Queen Consort – Charles and Camilla. The Prince and Princess of Wales – William and Kate – will also be present.

The Queen’s coffin will rest in the palace’s Bow Room overnight before it will be taken on Wednesday to the Palace of Westminster where she will lie in state for five days for members of the public to pay their respects.

King’s duties

The King and Queen Consort will leave the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh for Belfast as part of Operation Spring Tide – Charles’ tour around the UK nations.

At Hillsborough Castle, Charles and Camilla will view an exhibition of pictures, showing the Queen in Northern Ireland.

The King will then meet Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and party leaders.

Charles and Camilla will attend St Anne’s Cathedral for a service of prayer and reflection.

They are expected to be greeted by thousands of members of the public who are expected to line the streets of the city in the afternoon.

Their royal cavalcade will travel through Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, Chichester Street and Victoria Street.

The King and Queen Consort will then undertake a walkabout at Writers’ Square, before leaving Northern Ireland.

ICYMI: Six strange ways organisations are paying respects to the Queen

03:00 , Lamiat Sabin

In case you missed it...

Some companies and services are showing their respects to the late monarch Queen Elizabeth II in some strange ways.

The moves include silencing the beeps at supermarkets, closing an outdoors bike rack, and banning busking on the London Underground during the 10-day period of national mourning.

Read the full list by Chiara Giordano here

Bike rack closed and Morrisons turns off beeps as ‘signs of respect’ to Queen

Where is the Queen’s final resting place?

02:15 , Lamiat Sabin

Queen Elizabeth II’s final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

This is where her parents – the Queen Mother and King George VI – were interred and where her sister Princess Margaret’s ashes are kept.

The coffin of the Queen’s husband Prince Philip, who died in April 2021 at the age of 99, will be moved from the Royal Vault to join hers.

Public warned not to camp along route Queen’s coffin will take in London

01:30 , Lamiat Sabin

People have been warned not to wait or camp along the route where the Queen’s coffin will be taken from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.

On Wednesday, the late monarch’s coffin – followed by members of the royal family and senior members of her household in silence – will move along The Mall, Horse Guards Road, across Horse Guards Parade, onto Whitehall and into the Palace of Westminster after 2.22pm.

Viewing areas along the route with limited capacity will open at 11am on the day.

People will be admitted in order of arrival time and readmission cannot be guaranteed if a person leaves the area, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said.

The DCMS has warned: “Please do not wait or camp in advance of the processional day. If you camp before this time you may be asked to move on.”

The coffin, adorned with the Imperial State Crown, will be transported on a gun carriage of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

There will be large screens at Hyde Park to watch the procession, which will be broadcast on national television and radio.

The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct a short service following the coffin’s arrival at the Palace of Westminster.

ScotRail trains running through night for mourners visiting Queen’s coffin

Tuesday 13 September 2022 00:45 , Lamiat Sabin

ScotRail is running additional services throughout the night so that people can travel to Edinburgh to pay their respects to the Queen while her coffin is in St. Giles’ Cathedral.

Trains will run every hour between Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High in both directions tonight into tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

Passengers are being advised to use Waverley station as construction work is being carried out on a building next to Haymarket station in the proximity of the tram lines.

Queues are expected, particularly at Edinburgh Waverley, and passengers are advised to check the ScotRail app or website for the most up-to-date service information.

Alex Hynes, managing director of Scotland’s Railway, said: “On behalf of everyone at Scotland's Railway, we share the nation’s sadness at Her Majesty The Queen’s death and gratitude for her decades of service. We send our condolences to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family.

“ScotRail and Network Rail are doing everything we can to support people who want to pay their respects while The Queen lies at rest in St Giles' Cathedral.”

Blank paper protester ‘more inclined’ to demonstrate after police encounter

Tuesday 13 September 2022 00:01 , Lamiat Sabin

A man who said he was told by a police officer that he risked being arrested if he wrote “not my King” on a placard in London now feels “more inclined to go out there and to protest to uphold our rights”.

Paul Powlesland, 36, a barrister and nature rights activist from Barking in east London, travelled into the centre of the capital on Monday afternoon with “a blank piece of paper”.

He told the PA news agency: “I went down there because I’ve been increasingly concerned by people who are just, you know, exercising rights to freedom of speech, being either arrested or threatened with arrest by the police.

“I actually couldn’t risk arrest as I’m due to be in tribunal (on Tuesday). So I just thought I’d take a blank piece of paper down there.

“Partly, as a comment as well on the lack of freedom of speech and how ridiculous it is. So I held that up and various police officers spoke to me and I tried to find out from some of them, whether if I wrote, ‘not my King’ on it, they would arrest me.

“They didn’t know or wouldn’t say, and then I went for a little walk around and went down towards Downing Street. And then that officer came up to me and began that conversation effectively asking for my details and then saying, if you write ‘not my King’ on it, then we may well arrest you for public order offences, being offensive.”

My Powlesland recorded part of his interaction with the officer and shared it on social media, where it was viewed more than 700,000 times in around four hours.

“Why would you ask for my details?” he can be heard asking the officer, who said: “I wanted to make sure you didn’t have bail conditions (inaudible).”

PA

Public ‘absolutely’ has right to demonstrate, police say after paper protest

Monday 12 September 2022 23:00 , Lamiat Sabin

The Metropolitan Police have said “the public absolutely have a right to protest” during the days following the death of the Queen.

The force issued a statement following a viral video from Parliament Square showing a barrister who held holding up a blank piece of paper being asked for his details by a police officer.

Deputy assistant commissioner Stuart Cundy said: “We’re aware of a video online showing an officer speaking with a member of the public outside the Palace of Westminster earlier today.

“The public absolutely have a right of protest and we have been making this clear to all officers involved in the extraordinary policing operation currently in place and we will continue do so.

“However, the overwhelming majority of interactions between officers and public at this time have been positive as people have come to the capital to mourn the loss of Her Late Majesty the Queen.”

You can read up on the full details by my colleague Lizzie Dearden here:

Police demand details of man who held up blank piece of paper amid protest arrests

List of shops closing on day of Queen’s funeral

Monday 12 September 2022 22:15 , Lamiat Sabin

A number of retail chains said they will shut on Monday (19 September) due to the Queen’s funeral.

They include:

• Sainsbury’s (except convenience shops and petrol stations)

• Aldi

• Argos

• Primark

• John Lewis

• Poundland

• B&Q

• Dreams

The government guidance is: “Some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the state funeral, however, this is at the discretion of individual businesses.”

Mourners begin queuing for Queen’s lying in state in London two days early

Monday 12 September 2022 21:59 , Andy Gregory

In London, mourners have already started to queue to visit Westminster Hall, where the Queen’s body will lie in state from 5pm on Wednesday until Monday.

Rebecca Speare-Cole reports:

Mourners begin queuing for Queen’s lying in state in London two days early

Queen’s coffin adorned with Lion Rampart and flag of St Andrew’s

Monday 12 September 2022 21:40 , Andy Gregory

As King Charles and his siblings – the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex – took their places at the four sides of the Queen’s oak coffin for a vigil earlier this evening, it was draped in the Lion Rampart and flag of St Andrew’s, and adorned with the Crown of Scotland.

They stood alongside four suited members of the Royal Company of Archers, who were standing guard dressed in long-feathered hats and armed with arrows and quivers.

You can read more details on the vigil at St Giles’ Cathedral here:

King Charles and senior royals stand vigil over late Queen’s coffin in Edinburgh

Aircrafts restricted at certain altitudes in London and Edinburgh

Monday 12 September 2022 21:25 , PA

Planes have been banned from flying below a certain altitude over parts of London and Edinburgh during the Queen’s coffin procession.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the ban has been enforced as part of wider security arrangements, and applies to “aircraft” including personal jets, small balloons, kites and parachutes.

A spokesperson for the regulator has said this will create a “protective blanket” over the restricted areas, but will not affect commercial flights because they operate above the altitude limits.

Aircraft are not permitted to fly below 2,500 feet above mean sea level within central London until 7am on September 19, with potential for this time limit to be extended.

They have also been banned from flying below 6,000 feet above mean sea between Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire and the Palace of Holyrood in Edinburgh until 11.59pm on Wednesday.

Monday 12 September 2022 20:53 , Andy Gregory

Sharon O’Neill, from Airdrie, was one of the first people inside St Giles’ Cathedral to view the Queen’s coffin, which will be laying there to rest until Tuesday.

Speaking after paying her respects, she said: “It was beautiful inside the cathedral, it was lovely, the guards were lovely. The flowers were lovely, with the crown sitting on top of the coffin.

“I came from Airdrie, to come and pay respects. It was stunning, it really was, but also very sad, and a very poignant moment. It’s been a great opportunity to allow the Scottish people to come and pay their respects.”

Queen’s children keep vigil by her coffin as public pays respects

Monday 12 September 2022 20:13 , Lamiat Sabin

King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Prince Andrew have kept vigil by the Queen’s coffin.

The closed coffin is at St. Giles’ Cathedral where members of the public have been paying their respects since 7pm.

The new monarch, with his siblings, bowed their heads in silence as they stood around the coffin of their mother who died aged 96 at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon after a 70-year reign.

The Queen will lie in state at the cathedral until Tuesday afternoon when her coffin will be flown from Edinburgh airport to RAF Northolt.

In London, members of the public will be able to pay their respects over the course of four days and five nights as she lies in state at the Palace of Westminster until her state funeral on Monday (19 September).

Watch: Members of public pay respects to the Queen in Edinburgh

Monday 12 September 2022 19:45 , Lamiat Sabin

Members of the public have been paying their respects to Queen Elizabeth II at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh since 7pm.

The late monarch is lying in state at the church until about 3pm tomorrow (Tuesday) before the coffin leaves for London.

People are seen in footage approaching the coffin to bow and curtsey, and many well up with tears at the sight of the closed coffin.

On Tuesday, the coffin will be taken to Edinburgh Airport to be flown to RAF Northolt in London.

The Queen's coffin will rest in the Bow Room at Buckingham Palace overnight, before a procession to the lying in state on Wednesday.

At the Palace of Westminster, members of the public will be able to pay their respects to the Queen over the course of five days until her funeral on Monday 19 September.

Millions of people are expected to travel to central London to pay their respects during all hours of the day and night until 6.30am on the day of the state funeral.

The route Queen Elizabeth’s coffin will take to leave Scotland

Monday 12 September 2022 19:30 , Lamiat Sabin

Details have been revealed of the route Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin will take as it leaves Scotland for the last time.

The late monarch will be lying in state overnight at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.

Members of the public will be able to pay their respects in person at the church until about 3pm tomorrow (Tuesday).

The Queen’s coffin will leave Scotland by going along Lawnmarket to Johnston Terrace and then on to Castle Terrace and Lothian Road.

From there it will travel along Queensferry Street, Dean Bridge, Queensferry Road, Maybury Road and then Turnhouse Road, before arriving at Edinburgh Airport for its journey to RAF Northolt in London.

Edinburgh City Council confirmed a number of roads would be closed to the public to allow for the cortege to make the journey.

With more disruption expected on Tuesday, Edinburgh city council leader Cammy Day urged people “to continue to bear with us and consider their travel needs”.

Mr Day also urged those arriving to pay their respects to the Queen – either at St Giles’ or by lining the route – to dress appropriately for the weather and to be prepared for long periods of standing.

King Charles addresses Scottish Parliament

Monday 12 September 2022 19:15 , Andy Gregory

King Charles III has addressed the Scottish Parliament, after party leaders paid tribute to the Queen in a special session.

“I know that the Scottish Parliament and the people of Scotland share with me a profound sense of grief at the death of my beloved mother,” the monarch said.

“Through all the years of her reign, the Queen like so many generations of our family before her, found in the hills of this land and in the hearts of its people, a haven and a home.”

He continued: “If I might paraphrase the words of the great Robert Burns, my dear mother was a friend of man, a friend of truth, a friend of age and guide of youth. Few hearts like hers, with virtue warmed, few heads with knowledge so informed.”

The King then said his other Scottish titles including Duke of Rothesay had now passed to his son William.

He said: “I take up my new duties with thankfulness for all that Scotland has given me. With resolve to seek always the welfare of our country and its people and with wholehearted trust in your goodwill and good counsel as we take forward that task together.”

Nicola Sturgeon shares anecdote about Queen’s corgis

Monday 12 September 2022 19:05 , Andy Gregory

Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has recalled how her husband saved one of the Queen’s corgis from being electrocuted.

Speaking as she moved a motion of condolence in honour of the late monarch, Ms Sturgeon told of how Peter Murrell stopped the dog, a puppy named Sandy, from chewing through a lamp switch after a light began to flicker at Balmoral.

“To my great alarm, he was, after all, in the presence of Her Majesty, my husband suddenly leapt up and darted across the floor,” the First Minister said. “Peter had spotted the cause of the flickering light. One of the Queen’s young Corgis, a beautiful pup called Sandy, was eating through a lamp switch.

“Thankfully, tragedy was averted and Sandy emerged unscathed, though not before a ticking off from his mistress.”

The Scottish Parliament took part in a two-minute silence for the late monarch.

Prince Harry banned from wearing military uniform at Queen vigil but exception made for Andrew

Monday 12 September 2022 18:49 , Andy Gregory

The Duke of Sussex has been denied the chance to wear military uniform as he mourns the Queen, even though his disgraced uncle the Duke of York will be permitted to do so at the lying in state vigil.

Laura Elston has more details here:

Prince Harry banned from wearing military uniform at Queen vigil

Thousands join queue to see Queen’s coffin in St Giles’ Cathedral

Monday 12 September 2022 18:46 , Andy Gregory

Thousands – if not tens of thousands – are queueing to pay their respects to the late Queen at St Giles’ Cathedral, according to my colleague Holly Bancroft.

The Independent witnessed crowds snaking all the way from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, along the George IV Bridge and into the Meadows, with one official warning of a 10-hour wait.

The cathedral has now opened to the public, with the first photographs emerging of visitors inside the place of worship, where the late monarch’s coffin is currently situated.

‘Celebrating our oppressors doesn’t help us’: Former colonies react to Queen’s death

Monday 12 September 2022 18:20 , Andy Gregory

The Queen’s death sent ripples of sadness through the world, but the monarchy’s complex legacy in the context of colonialism and the British Empire has brought varied responses from some former British colonies.

Our race correspondent Nadine White has spoken to Jah Mickey Bowe, vice chair of the House of Rastafari in the Bahamas, and Jomo Thomas, chair of St Vincent and Grenadines Reparations Committee, in this comprehensive report on the response to the Queen’s death in former colonies:

‘Celebrating our oppressors doesn’t help us’: Former colonies react to queen’s death

Scotland ‘stands ready’ to support new king, says Nicola Sturgeon

Monday 12 September 2022 18:16 , Andy Gregory

Scotland “stands ready” to support King Charles III as he continues his mother’s legacy of public service, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

“We are honoured by the presence today of His Majesty, King Charles III, and The Queen Consort,” she said. “Your Majesty, we stand ready to support you, as you continue your own life of service - and as you build on the extraordinary legacy of your beloved mother, our Queen.

“Queen Elizabeth, Queen of Scots – we are grateful for her life. May She now rest in peace.”

Former Scots Guard soldier at front of queue for St Giles

Monday 12 September 2022 18:11 , Andy Gregory

George Higgins, a former soldier in the Scots Guards, is at the front of the queue to enter St Giles’ Cathedral.

The 61-year-old has been queuing since before 7am, straight after finishing an overnight shift as a security guard at the University of Edinburgh.

“I took my clothes to work, got changed and came straight here. I’m going back on shift at 9.30pm tonight, so I’m going to be very tired,” he told the PA news agency.

“But it’s worth it, with her service to the country, to us, to people and to the Commonwealth, the least I can do is give her a couple of days of my time to say farewell. It’s a real privilege to be here. I can’t believe I’m actually first. I have actually got to pinch myself. It’s just luck.”

King and Queen Consort at Scottish Parliament ahead of tributes to Queen

Monday 12 September 2022 18:00 , Andy Gregory

The King and the Queen Consort have arrived at the Scottish Parliament, where tributes will shortly be paid to the Queen as part of a motion of condolence in the debating chamber.

They were received in the Queensberry House courtyard by presiding officer Alison Johnstone and deputy presiding officers Liam McArthur and Annabelle Ewing.

A kilt-clad King Charles then met the leaders of Scotland’s main political parties: Nicola Sturgeon of the SNP, Douglas Ross of the Scottish Conservatives, Anas Sarwar of Scottish Labour, Lorna Slater of the Scottish Greens and Alex Cole-Hamilton of the Scottish Lib Dems.

Mourners face 10-hour queue to see Queen’s coffin at St Giles’ Cathedral

Monday 12 September 2022 17:49 , Andy Gregory

Hundreds of people are queuing outside St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, where the Queen’s coffin is currently situated, with some having been in line since 7am.

Well-wishers will shortly be led through a security tent to be searched before heading into the cathedral to pay their respects to the late monarch.

One event official has told my colleague Holly Bancroft, who is in Edinburgh, that there is currently a 10-hour wait time to enter the cathedral.

Police demand details of barrister who held up ‘blank piece of paper’

Monday 12 September 2022 17:39 , Andy Gregory

Amid a string of arrests targeting anti-monarchy protesters, police have demanded the details of a man who held up a “blank piece of paper” outside parliament.

Paul Powlesland, who is a barrister, filmed his interaction with an officer who claimed that the sign “may offend” people if he wrote “not my King” on it.

Our home affairs editor Lizzie Dearden has the full report:

Police demand details of man who held up blank piece of paper amid protest arrests

Nearly half of British adults ‘cried or became teary’ over Queen’s death, poll suggests

Monday 12 September 2022 17:26 , Andy Gregory

Some 44 per cent of respondents to a YouGov survey have reported either crying or welling up in response to the Queen’s death.

Just under one third of men said they had become teary, rising to 55 per cent of women, the pollster found.

The proportion of those reporting shedding tears over the monarch’s passing was also higher among different age groups, ranging from a quarter of under-25s to 55 per cent of over-65s.

With a wide range of sporting and cultural events having been cancelled this weekend, YouGov found that a majority of the British public believed this was the correct response – with 52 per cent in favour of the cancellations and 36 per cent opposed.

White House confirms Trump not invited to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral

Monday 12 September 2022 17:04 , Andy Gregory

US president Joe Biden will not be bringing predecessor Donald Trump to London for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, the White House has said.

The official invitation was extended only to Mr Biden and the US first lady, Jill Biden, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.

My colleague Andrew Feinberg has the details:

White House confirms Trump not invited to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral

Man arrested after Prince Andrew heckled during Royal Mile procession

Monday 12 September 2022 16:55 , Andy Gregory

A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a breach of the peace, Police Scotland has said, after Prince Andrew was heckled as he walked behind Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

The man was seen in BBC footage shouting “Andrew!” as the royal procession passed the crowd, with the rest of his words not clearly audible before he was yanked out of the crowd from behind.

A separate video shared on social media showed him being pulled to the floor by two men, with a police officer helping him off the ground before he was led away.

My colleague Lamiat Sabin has the full report here:

Man arrested after Prince Andrew heckled as he follows Queen’s coffin in Edinburgh

King and Queen Consort leave service at St Giles Cathedral

Monday 12 September 2022 16:42 , Andy Gregory

At the end of the memorial service, the King and Queen Consort made their way out of St Giles’ Cathedral, followed by members of the royal family.

Members of the congregation bowed and curtseyed as they walked past, and applause could be heard when they stepped out into the Edinburgh sunshine.

Prince Andrew to become caretaker of late Queen’s corgis

Monday 12 September 2022 16:38 , Andy Gregory

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson will become the caretakers of Queen Elizabeth II’s corgis, my colleague Mary-Kate Findon reports.

The Queen left behind two of her cherished pets in her passing, both of them gifted to her by the Duke of York.

Pictured: New king attends thanksgiving service for late Queen

Monday 12 September 2022 16:33 , Andy Gregory

Here are some images from the service at St Giles’ Cathedral:

Congregation sings ‘God Save the King’ at St Giles Cathedral service

Monday 12 September 2022 16:29 , Andy Gregory

“God Save The King” was sang near the end of the service at St Giles’ Cathedral.

The Queen Consort, Duke of York, Earl of Wessex, Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence could be seen singing as they stood alongside King Charles III in front of the late Queen's coffin.

The Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, moderator of the general assembly of the Church of Scotland, delivered the homily at the cathedral on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

He told the congregation: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth began her reign, like King Solomon by asking for wisdom, something that she demonstrated in large measure and to which was added duty, honour, commitment, and faith, these are the words that we reach out for today to describe the life and the reign of Queen Elizabeth, whose passing is mourned not only in her native land but across the Commonwealth and the world, as has been so evident to us in these recent days.”

Elsewhere in the thanksgiving service, Karen Matheson sang Psalm 118: 17-21, accompanied by Catriona McKay on harp.

Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon then read the first lesson Ecclesiastes 3: 1-15.

Why King Charles will pay zero inheritance tax on the Queen’s private fortune

Monday 12 September 2022 16:10 , Matt Mathers

As well as inheriting the throne from his mother, King Charles is also in line to receive much of her private wealth.

On top of official Crown property Queen Elizabeth, amassed tens of millions of pounds in her own cash and assets – much of it in art and racehorses.

Most people pay 40 per cent inheritance tax on anything they inherit over a £325,000 threshold – meaning the monarchy would be on the hook for millions.

Yet King Charles is not liable for a penny due to a deal negotiated between the Crown and John Major’s government in 1993 effectively exempting them in situations like this.

Our policy correspondent Jon Stone reports:

Why King Charles will pay zero inheritance tax on the Queen’s private fortune

What is the Ceremony of the Keys? Meaning behind ancient tradition as King Charles takes part

Monday 12 September 2022 16:04 , Matt Mathers

What is the ceremony of the keys?

The Ceremony of the Keys is an annual event and would normally take place when the Queen would begin her summer holidays in July.

She last attended the event only a few months ago and would also use the opportunity to meet Scottish people who had a positive impact on their community.

The Queen would symbolically receive the keys from the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, who is currently Robert Aldridge.

My colleague Joe Sommerlad reports:

All you need to know about Ceremony of Keys as Charles joins ancient tradition

What is Operation Feather? All you need to know about Queen lying in state

Monday 12 September 2022 15:55 , Matt Mathers

Mourners hoping to pay their final respects to Queen Elizabeth II should expect long queues that could last overnight.

For four days the public will be able to file past the Queen’s coffin as she lies in state at Westminster Hall from Wednesday, 14 September.

The policing operation, described by police as a “massive challenge”, is called Operation Feather. My colleague Thomas Kingsley reports:

What is Operation Feather? All you need to know about Queen lying in state

Welsh first minister not told in advance William was to be Prince of Wales

Monday 12 September 2022 15:50 , Matt Mathers

Wales’ first minister Mark Drakeford has said he was not told in advance that William would be assuming the role and title of Prince of Wales, our politics correspondent, Adam Forrest, reports.

The Labour first minister told the BBC that he had a “very warm conversation” with William shortly after the new King revealed his son would carry on in the role on Friday. “I think we can be sure it was given a great deal of thought.”

Mr Drakeford added: “He wanted to look forward, talk about the time he needs to take on the responsibilities, and fashion the job in the way that will be right for him and Wales in the 21st century.”

ICYMI: William and Harry reuniting was a ‘symbolic gesture’, royal expert says

Monday 12 September 2022 15:45 , Matt Mathers

William, the Prince of Wales and his brother Harry, the Duke of Sussex, put on a united front on Saturday at Windsor.

The brothers stepped out with their wives, Kate, Princess of Wales, and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, to greet mourners and view floral tributes left for the Queen after the monarch died on 8 September.

While some experts have called the reunion between the brothers – who have reportedly been feuding since before Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior members of the royal family in 2020 – as an “important show of unity”, others have claimed that it’s not a sign their relationship being repaired.

My colleague Laura Hampson reports:

William and Harry reuniting was a ‘symbolic gesture’, royal expert says

Queen’s death could impact mental health and wait times, NHS warns

Monday 12 September 2022 15:40 , Matt Mathers

In a plan ahead of the Queen’s funeral, NHS England has written to GPs and hospitals warning the her death may impact some patients’ mental health and warned there could be increased demand, Rebecca Thomas, our health correspondent, reports.

A letter sent on Monday said the passing of the queen would have “particular significance” to those in the Armed Forces and “has the potential to trigger mental health issues” within this group specifically.

It also warned GPs and trusts they would need to be able to identify any patients from overseas who might come to the UK for the Queen’s funeral as they would need to be charged.

Under the guidance, GPs can make their own decision over to close for the bank holiday.

Trusts and GPs were told to monitor the number of patients cancelling appointments and have a plan to recover any lost time as a result.

Prince Andrew heckled

Monday 12 September 2022 15:37 , Matt Mathers

Prince Andrew was heckled as the procession travelled along the Royal Mile.

A man in the crowd was heard to shout at the Duke of York as he followed his mother’s coffin in Edinburgh.

Shortly after he appeared to be pulled away from the security fencing and Police.

Scotland confirmed he was arrested for a breach of the peace:

Prince Andrew heckled as he follows Queen’s coffin through Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

King wearing 10 medals

Monday 12 September 2022 15:15 , Matt Mathers

The King wore 10 medals as he joined the procession to Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral, with his brother the Duke of York donning eight.

Charles wore a full day ceremonial uniform with the rank of Field Marshal - carrying a Field Marshal baton presented to him by the Queen when he took up the role in 2012.

The King also wore the Order of Merit neck decoration, with the thistle star and thistle sash.

Amongst his medals, Charles wore a Queen’s Service Order medal, a Coronation medal, Silver, Golden, Diamond and Platinum medals and a Naval Long Service Good Conduct medal.

The King also wore a New Zealand Commemorative medal, a New Zealand Armed Forces Award and a Canadian Forces Decoration.

Zelensky pays tribute to Her Majesty

Monday 12 September 2022 15:10 , Matt Mathers

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky took time out from organising his country’s fightback against Vladimir Putin’s forces to sign a book of condolence for the Queen.

"On behalf of the people of Ukraine and myself, I express sincere condolences over the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"Ukrainian women and men share this great loss.

"We mourn with the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth of Nations and all subjects of the British Crown.

"The memory of Her Majesty and her selfless service to her people will forever remain in the history of mankind."

ICYMI: Prince Harry describes Queen as 'guiding compass' during tribute to late grandmother

Monday 12 September 2022 15:04 , Matt Mathers

‘God bless the Queen'

Monday 12 September 2022 15:00 , Matt Mathers

The late Queen’s coffin is currently being carried along the Royal Mile, the oldest procession route in the UK.

The procession is being attended by King Charles III. Along the route a woman could be heard shouting “God bless the Queen”.

Dogs could be heard barking as the hearse continued its procession on a bright sunny day in Edinburgh.

Members of the public held their phones high to capture images of the historic event.

Procession in pictures

Monday 12 September 2022 14:50 , Matt Mathers

‘The Queen was right on it'

Monday 12 September 2022 14:44 , Matt Mathers

Tens of thousands of people stood for hours in the blazing sunshine to catch a glimpse of the Queen’s cortège, my colleague Holly Bancroft reports.

People from all over the world has been thrust together in the huge crowds, united by the royal family.

One news presenter from New Zealand, who was there to film the procession, took photos for a group of ladies who had come from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Wilma, who had organised the day out for the group, said they wanted to come and show their respects.

“Many people speak and they don’t follow actions but the Queen was right on it,” she said.

She had been on the Royal Mile with friends Fiona, Elizabeth Ray, and Margaret from 11am.

“My mother named me Elizabeth R after the Queen. I’m here for my mum as well as myself,” Elizabeth said.

King Charles joins procession

Monday 12 September 2022 14:37 , Matt Mathers

King Charles has joined the procession for his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II as it makes its way along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

The procession starts at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and travels to St Giles’ Cathedral, where a service will take place in memory of Her Majesty.

Tomorrow the Queen’s coffin will be transported  by road from the cathedral to Edinburgh Airport and then flown to RAF Northolt before going on to Buckingham Palace.

Prince Harry describes Queen Elizabeth II as ‘guiding compass’ in tribute to late grandmother

Monday 12 September 2022 14:29 , Matt Mathers

Prince Harry has paid an emotional tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, thanking her for her “sound advice” and “infectious smile”, my colleague Ollie Browning reports.

The Duke of Sussex also described his late grandmother as a “guiding compass” through her commitment to service and duty.

“Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy,” a statement, written on his Archewell website, read.

Harry also said he was grateful for the memories of the Queen meeting her “beloved great-grandchildren”.

Prince Harry describes Queen as ‘guiding compass’ in tribute to late grandmother

Andrew Marr says he’s not ‘embarrassed’ about emotional live reaction to Queen’s death

Monday 12 September 2022 14:21 , Matt Mathers

Andrew Marr says he’s decided not to be “too embarrassed” about his emotional reaction as he announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II during a live broadcast, my colleague Mary-Kate Findon reports.

The presenter’s voice broke as he told LBC listeners the Queen died aged 96 on Thursday, 8 September.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Mr Marr said: “I’ve been asking myself ever since that, ‘how embarrassed do I feel,’ because after all, we’re all meant to be professional broadcasters, we hold it together.”

Andrew Marr not ‘embarrassed’ about emotional live reaction to Queen’s death

Where did the King go to school?

Monday 12 September 2022 14:15 , Matt Mathers

When King Charles III was a young boy, the royal family took the unique step of sending him to Gordonstoun Boarding School in Elgin, Scotland instead of enlisting private tutors.

My colleague Furvah Shah takes a look at the school where the King was educated:

Gordonstoun: The Scottish boarding school that taught King Charles III

‘This is history being made today'

Monday 12 September 2022 14:10 , Matt Mathers

Derek Fraser, 50, was on the Royal Mile with his daughter, Brooke,15, his son, Dexter,12, and his son’s friend Nathan Ramsay, 12.

They had got the bus on Monday morning from Falkirk and found a position by the barriers at around 11am. “This is history being made today,” he said.

“My daughter is hoping to study history at university and I wanted her to be here. It’s very strange to think the Queen is gone.”

Mr Fraser, an IT technician, had taken the day off work to watch the Queen’s cortège pass through Edinburgh and the children were off school.

“It’s a very special moment in time. It’s hard to think of what it’ll be like without her”, his daughter, Brooke, said.

Queen hailed as ‘courageous and gracious’ leader in special sitting of Stormont

Monday 12 September 2022 14:05 , Matt Mathers

The Queen was a “courageous and gracious leader” who contributed to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, a special sitting of the Stormont Assembly has been told.

MLAs gathered at Stormont on Monday, where Speaker Alex Maskey opened the session, which heard tributes to the late monarch from both unionist and nationalist parties.

Jonathan McCambridge reports:

Queen hailed as ‘courageous and gracious’ leader in special sitting of Stormont

King inspects troops

Monday 12 September 2022 13:58 , Matt Mathers

Pictures show the King inspecting the Guard of Honour ahead of a procession for his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The monarch will  join a procession of the Queen’s coffin to St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, where a service will be held.

The procession will start at Holyroodhouse Palace.

No 10: Right to protest remains ‘keystone of democracy’

Monday 12 September 2022 13:45 , Matt Mathers

The right to protest remains a “keystone of democracy”, No 10 has said in response to a number of protests against the new King.

At least two arrests were made at proclamation ceremonies on Sunday, while police were seen moving a woman holding a placard saying “not my King” near the Houses of Parliament on Monday morning.

“I won’t be drawn into commenting on individual cases that are operational matters for the police.

“More broadly, this is a period of national mourning for the vast vast majority of the country, but the fundamental right to protest remains the keystone of our democracy.”

Watch: Gun salute fired from Edinburgh Castle

Monday 12 September 2022 13:39 , Matt Mathers

Mourners face overnight queues in ‘thundery showers’ to see Queen’s coffin

Monday 12 September 2022 13:30 , Matt Mathers

Mourners hoping to pay their final respects to Queen Elizabeth II face “thundery showers” as they queue for hours to view her lying in state.

The Queen’s coffin will arrive in London from Scotland on Tuesday night before being placed in Westminster Hall, where the public can view it lying in state from Wednesday, 14 September until 6.30am on the day of her funeral on Monday, 19 September.

My colleague Thomas Kingsley has more details:

Mourners face overnight queues in heavy rain as Queen’s funeral forecast announced

Large crowds gather in Edinburgh

Monday 12 September 2022 13:22 , Matt Mathers

Large crowds gathered along the Royal Mile as the King made his way to the Palace of Holyrood House.

The King will inspect the Guard of Honour before attending the ceremony of the Keys, at around 2.35pm.

The monarch will then join the procession of the Queen’s coffin to St Giles’ Cathedral.

“Now only around an hour and a half to go till the procession and it’s become nearly impossible to move up and down certain parts of the Royal Mile,” my colleague Holly Bancroft reports.

“People are having to shuffle single file through the crowds.”

Watch: King Charles III and Queen Consort land in Edinburgh ahead of Royal Mile procession

Monday 12 September 2022 13:15 , Matt Mathers

Sinn Fein vice-president hails Queen as ‘courageous and gracious leader’ in special Stormont sitting

Monday 12 September 2022 13:10 , Andy Gregory

The Queen has been hailed by Sinn Fein’s vice president as a “courageous and gracious leader” who contributed to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, during a special sitting of the Stormont Assembly.

MLAs gathered at Stormont on Monday to hear tributes to the late monarch from both unionist and nationalist parties, ahead of a visit to Northern Ireland by King Charles III on Tuesday

Speaking first, Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill said the Queen’s life and legacy will be “fondly remembered by many people around the world”.

“Today I wish to record the value and respect I place on the significant contribution Queen Elizabeth made to the advancement of peace and reconciliation between the different traditions on our island, and between Ireland and Britain during the years of the peace process,” she said. “I recognise that she was a courageous and gracious leader.”

Ms O’Neill added “that she wanted to "extend the hand of friendship" to the new king, saying: “Having met him in County Cork back in 2018 alongside Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald TD, we discussed the evolving relationship between Ireland and Britain, and how reconciliation must be at the centre of all we do as we move forward in these changing times”.

Commuters may want to ‘change working patterns’ as Queen lies in state for five days, says No 10

Monday 12 September 2022 13:01 , Andy Gregory

Downing Street has said that commuters may want to “change their working patterns accordingly” as London will be “extremely busy” for the Queen’s lying in state, set to take place from Wednesday at 5:30pm until 6:30am on Monday.

“At this point we can’t be more specific on numbers. We do expect it to be extremely busy,” said Liz Truss’s official spokesperson.

“I think for the Queen Mother it was around 200,000 people, we expect [it] to be far more than that for this lying in state. But at this point, but we can’t be more specific into exact numbers.”

On whether commuters should work from home this week if they normally travel into the capital from outside London, he said some people “may wish to change their working patterns accordingly”, but acknowledged “not everyone will have that ability”.

Asked if there will be any facilities for people who physically cannot queue for 30 hours, he said: “Obviously we want everyone to be able to attend regardless of whether they have disabilities. Our focus is on ensuring they have the information needed to make the decision about what’s right for them.

“There will be toilet facilities, there will be first aid available, there will be the ability for people obviously to go and use toilets and return to queues and things like that.”

Nicola Sturgeon greets King Charles as he lands in Edinburgh

Monday 12 September 2022 12:56 , Andy Gregory

Nicola Sturgeon has greeted King Charles III on the tarmac as he touched down in Edinburgh, ahead of the sombre procession of his mother’s coffin along the Scottish capital’s Royal Mile.

And here is some footage of the king’s flight landing:

No 10 tight-lipped over claims world leaders ‘to be bussed to Queen’s funeral'

Monday 12 September 2022 12:50 , Andy Gregory

Downing Street has refused to comment on reports that world leaders visiting London for the state funeral of the Queen have been asked to travel on commercial flights and will be bussed to Westminster Abbey.

Liz Truss’s official spokesperson said he would not discuss such details, as reported by news website Politico, telling journalists: “That is a leaked document so I wouldn’t be getting into it and I couldn’t get into some of those details for operational security arrangements.

“I would say that clearly arrangements for leaders including how they travel will vary depending on individual circumstances. And the guidance and information provided is guidance. But beyond that, I wouldn’t comment,” he said.

The government is taking the lead on travel arrangements, while the guestlist is a matter for Buckingham Palace, the spokesperson said.

Public asked to reconsider bringing children to Queen’s lying in state

Monday 12 September 2022 12:44 , Andy Gregory

Members of the public have been asked to reconsider bringing their children to the Palace of Westminster as they pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II.

My colleague Peony Hirwani has more details here:

Public asked to reconsider bringing children to the Queen’s lying in state

King Charles’ flight lands in Edinburgh

Monday 12 September 2022 12:27 , Andy Gregory

The flight of the King and Queen Consort has landed in Edinburgh, where they will join other members of the royal family for a procession behind the Queen’s coffin, as it is taken up the Royal Mile to St Giles’ Cathedral.

The plane carrying Charles and Camilla took off from RAF Northolt in Hillingdon west London at 11.34am.

Dozens of members of the public and photographers peered through a perimeter security fence, catching a glimpse as they left.

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile packed with well-wishers hours ahead of royal procession

Monday 12 September 2022 12:24 , Andy Gregory

My colleague Holly Bancroft reports from the Royal Mile:

Despite it being a Monday, the crowds seem to have grown even larger in Scotland’s capital compared to yesterday.

There are still many hours to go before King Charles and his siblings follow behind the Queen’s coffin but thousands of people have packed out Edinburgh’s streets in preparation. The skies, which were an ominous grey yesterday, are clear blue.

One broadcaster seems to have hired a crane so they can get a birds eye view of the procession.

Minute’s silence to be held on Sunday, says No 10

Monday 12 September 2022 12:17 , Andy Gregory

People across the UK will be invited to come together to “mourn and reflect on the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II” during a minute’s silence on the eve of her state funeral, Downing Street has announced.

Liz Truss’s official spokesperson said: “At 8pm on Sunday 18 September, the night before the state funeral, there will be a one-minute silence where the public are invited to come together and observe a national moment of reflection to mourn and reflect on the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.

“The silence can be marked privately at home on your own or with friends and neighbours, out on your doorstep or street with neighbours, or at any locally arranged community events and vigils.

“We encourage local community groups, clubs and other organisations to mark this moment of reflection. And if you are overseas, people are encouraged to mark the silence at their local time.

“The shared national moment of reflection is an opportunity for everyone across the UK to mark the death of Her Majesty and we will set out details of where the prime minister will mark it closer to that time.”

His Majesty visibly moved as God Save the King sung in Westminster Hall

Monday 12 September 2022 12:05 , Matt Mathers

King Charles III appeared visibly moved as MPs and peers sang God Save the King at Westminster Hall.

The monarch addressed both Houses of Parliament earlier after MPs and peers expressed their condolences to the monarch on the death of his mother, late Queen Elizabeth II.

In his speech he said he would uphold parliamentary traditions by maintaining the principles of constitutional government.

Royal piper says King Charles once asked him to play AC/DC

Monday 12 September 2022 12:00 , Matt Mathers

The Queen’s former piper, Pipe Major Scott Methven has recalled how King Charles III – formerly known as the Prince of Wales – once asked him to play AC/DC at an event.

The professional bagpiper – who has performed at other events including Sting’s 60th birthday party in 2012 – said that he was able to have a “good laugh” with the royal family.

My colleague Megan Graye reports:

Royal piper says King Charles once asked him to play AC/DC

Woman with ‘abolish monarchy’ sign charged with offence amid arrests of republican protesters

Monday 12 September 2022 11:55 , Matt Mathers

A woman who held an “abolish monarchy” sign at a proclamation ceremony for King Charles III in Edinburgh has been charged with a criminal offence.

It comes amid a series of arrests and police interventions in republican protests across the UK.

Our home affairs editor Lizzie Dearden will have more on this story as it comes in:

Woman with ‘abolish monarchy’ sign charged with offence amid arrests of protesters

Mourners continue to gather at Buckingham Palace

Monday 12 September 2022 11:50 , Matt Mathers

Mourners continue to gather outside Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Children, wearing T-shirts with the message “you will stay in our hears”, could be seen laying flowers near the monarch’s main residence in the capital.

One woman appears to fight back tears as she reads tributes to Her Majesty.

Another looks on accompanied by her corgis - the late Queen’s favourite breed of dog.

Watch: Queen Elizabeth II's best outfits throughout the years

Monday 12 September 2022 11:45 , Matt Mathers

Queen’s state funeral route and where to watch it as coffin carried to Westminster Abbey

Monday 12 September 2022 11:40 , Matt Mathers

Over the weekend it was confirmed that the late Queen’s funeral will be held in Westminster Abbey on Monday, 19 September.

It will take place after she lies in state for four full days.

My colleague Chiara Giordano has a full guide to all the events taking place on the day.

Queen’s state funeral route and where to watch as coffin carried to Westminster Abbey

Funeral director branding on hearse carrying Queen’s body to Edinburgh disappears during journey

Monday 12 September 2022 11:35 , Matt Mathers

The branding of a funeral director carrying the Queen’s coffin from Balmoral to Edinburgh on Sunday mysteriously disappeared during the six hour journey.

A prominent sticker with the name of the company, William Purves, was spotted by eagle-eyed Royal watchers as the hearse left Balmoral just after 10am.

However, by the time the hearse arrived after its more than 100-mile journey the advertisement for the company had vanished.

My colleague Joe Middleton has more details:

Funeral director branding on hearse transporting Queen’s body disappears on journey

King arrives at RAF Northolt

Monday 12 September 2022 11:25 , Matt Mathers

King Charles III has arrived at RAF Northold, from where he and the Queen Consort will fly to Edinburgh.

There will be a service of thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral, where the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin will lie.

The Epistle will be read by the (Catholic) Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh.

The Gospel will be read by the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

New Met Police commissioner swears oath to King on first day in post

Monday 12 September 2022 11:19 , Matt Mathers

The new commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has sworn allegiance to the King as he steps into the post amid unprecedented challenges.

Sir Mark Rowley, the former head of UK counter-terrorism policing, said he would be working to ensure the safety of crowds gathering to pay their respects to the Queen.

Our home affairs editor Lizzie Dearden reports:

New Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley swears oath to King

King wears 10 medals

Monday 12 September 2022 15:14 , Matt Mathers

The King wore 10 medals as he led the procession to Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral, with his brother the Duke of York donning eight.

Charles wore a full day ceremonial uniform with the rank of Field Marshal - carrying a Field Marshal baton presented to him by the Queen when he took up the role in 2012.

The King also wore the Order of Merit neck decoration, with the thistle star and thistle sash.

Amongst his medals, Charles wore a Queen’s Service Order medal, a Coronation medal, Silver, Golden, Diamond and Platinum medals and a Naval Long Service Good Conduct medal.

The King also wore a New Zealand Commemorative medal, a New Zealand Armed Forces Award and a Canadian Forces Decoration.

What happens now the King has addressed the Houses of Parliament?

Monday 12 September 2022 11:08 , Matt Mathers

As we’ve been reporting, the King addressed MPs and peers in Westminster Hall, where he vowed to uphold the principles of constitutional government.

The monarch and Queen Consort are now making their way to Scotland.

The Queen’s oak coffin, which began its final journey from Balmoral castle on Sunday, will be taken from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral in Ediburgh to lie in rest.

My colleague Holly Bancroft has more details:

Everything happening in Edinburgh today as royals return to Scotland to mourn Queen

Watch in full: King’s speech

Monday 12 September 2022 10:57 , Matt Mathers

In his address, the King described parliament as the "living and breathing instrument of our democracy" as he referenced the connections to "my darling late mother".

In reply to addresses from both Houses of Parliament, Charles said: "Parliament is the living and breathing instrument of our democracy.

"That your traditions are ancient we see in the construction of this great hall and the reminders of mediaeval predecessors of the office to which I have been called and the tangible connections to my darling late mother we see all around us".

You can the address in full here:

King vows to uphold parliamentary traditions

Monday 12 September 2022 10:47 , Matt Mathers

The King vowed to uphold parliamentary traditions in his first address to MPs and peers.

The monarch said he would aim to follow in the footsteps of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, by maintaining principles of constitutional government.

He and the Queen Consort travel to Edinburgh later today.

Our politics correspondent Adam Forrest has more details:

King Charles III vows to uphold ‘parliamentary traditions’

King addresses Houses of Parliament

Monday 12 September 2022 10:39 , Matt Mathers

King Charles III is now addressing the Houses of Parliament.

He says he is “deeply grateful” for the messages of condolences from MPs and peers.

He adds that he can’t help but feel the “weight of history” of parliamentary traditions as makes his speech.

Common speaker opens proceedings

Monday 12 September 2022 10:31 , Matt Mathers

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Commons speaker, has begun proceedings in Westminster Hall.

He pays tribute to the late Queen, offering his “heartfelt” sympathies to the Royal Family.

MPs and peers will also pay tribute. More below:

Policing of Queen’s lying in state ‘massive challenge’, says Met chief

Monday 12 September 2022 10:30 , Thomas Kingsley

New Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the Queen’s lying in state presents a “massive challenge … but we have been preparing for many, many years”.

Sir Mark said he joined planning for the Queen’s death “five or six years ago”. He added: “We will have a safe event but we will be putting thousands of officers into this because of the level of security required and the millions of people who want to pay their respects.”

Mr Rowley swore allegiance to King Charles III on Monday adding that in the next two weeks his main priorities are to “lead a Met that enables Londoners and visitors from all over the world to safely pay their respects to Her late Majesty The Queen.”

“Second, as we continue to police local communities, we will begin the journey of reform to renew policing by consent.”

MPs gather in Westminster Hall for condolences

Monday 12 September 2022 10:26 , Matt Mathers

MPs are gathering in Westminster Hall as King Charles III prepares to address both Houses of Parliament for the first time as King.

Liz Truss, the new PM and Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, are among those attending.

The King and Queen Consort will arrive at parliament shorty.

King Charles set to address Parliament for first time

Monday 12 September 2022 10:07 , Thomas Kingsley

King Charles III is set to address Parliament for the first time as monarch after hearing condolences from MPs.

MPs dressed in black have taken their seats in Westminster Hall with former prime minister Boris Johnson in attendance as well as prime minister Liz Truss, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and former Tory leader hopeful Rishi Sunak.

‘I cherish these times shared with you’: Prince Harry statement in full

Monday 12 September 2022 09:48 , Thomas Kingsley

“In celebrating the life of my grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen—and in mourning her loss—we are all reminded of the guiding compass she was to so many in her commitment to service and duty. She was globally admired and respected. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy.

“Let us echo the words she spoke after the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, words which can bring comfort to all of us now: “Life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings.

“Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings—from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren. I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between. You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over. And as it comes to first meetings, we now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III.

“Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile. We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace.”

BREAKING: Prince Harry pays tribute to the Queen

Monday 12 September 2022 09:37 , Thomas Kingsley

Prince Harry has paid tribute to his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.

The Duke of Sussex described the late monarch as his “guiding compass,” adding: “I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings – from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren.”

In the statement released this morning, Prince Harry thanked the Queen for her “sound advice” and “infectious smile.”

Read the full story below:

Mourners told not to bring marmalade sandwiches and Paddington Bear toys to Queen tributes

Monday 12 September 2022 09:25 , Thomas Kingsley

Royal fans have been told not to leave Paddington Bear soft toys, marmalade sandwiches, corgi soft toys, balloons or lit candles as tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The Royal Parks has announced that no gifts or artefacts will be accepted and that non-floral objects should not be brought to pay tribute to the Queen.

Many fans have been leaving marmalade sandwiches and Paddington Bear toys in front of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and Balmoral since Her Majesty’s death on Thursday (8 September).

The unique tribute is presumably a nod to the Queen’s much-loved platinum jubilee sketch during which she had tea at Buckingham Palace with the popular children’s character Paddington Bear.

Read the full story here

New Met Police commissioner swears allegiance to the King

Monday 12 September 2022 09:10 , Thomas Kingsley

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley took his oath and swore allegiance to King Charles III at New Scotland Yard on Monday.

Sir Mark was formally appointed to the post of Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service in July by Her late Majesty the Queen following a recommendation by the Home Secretary.

He was joined by Deputy Commissioner Dame Lynne Owens who also took her oath and swore allegiance to His Majesty the King.

Speaking after his attestation, Sir Mark said: “I join the nation in sorrow at the death of Her late Majesty The Queen and share my condolences with His Majesty The King and The Royal Family. Her late Majesty’s unstinting public service, stoicism in times of turbulence and dedication to the people she served has shaped our nation immensely.

“As your new Commissioner, I have sworn an oath to serve with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality.

“In the next two weeks, I have two priorities. I will lead a Met that enables Londoners and visitors from all over the world to safely pay their respects to Her late Majesty The Queen.”

“Second, as we continue to police local communities, we will begin the journey of reform to renew policing by consent.”

What to expect when King Charles III addresses parliament

Monday 12 September 2022 09:00 , Thomas Kingsley

Charles III will visit Westminster Hall on Monday morning in his first visit to parliament as the new monarch following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.

Both Houses of Parliament will express their condolences to the King and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, in a ceremony known as the presentation of addresses.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Lords Speaker Lord McFall will give addresses on behalf of MPs and peers, before Charles gives his reply.

The 10am ceremony will be attended by MPs – including the new prime minister Liz Truss – peers and members from the legislatures of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

It takes part in the oldest part of parliament, Westminster Hall, which has hosted Henry VIII’s coronation banquet and Guy Fawkes’s trial.

Ms Truss will support the King by joining him at “services of reflection” in Scotland later on Monday, before joining him at services in Northern Ireland and Wales later this week as part of the 10-day mourning period.

Read the full story below from our political correspondent, Adam Forrest:

What to expect when King Charles III addresses parliament

Seeing William and Harry together was ‘very moving’, says Starmer

Monday 12 September 2022 08:50 , Thomas Kingsley

Sir Keir Starmer has said the footage of the Queen’s coffin leaving Balmoral on Sunday was “incredibly moving”.

The Labour leader also welcomed the appearance together of William and Kate and Harry and Meghan in Windsor on Saturday. “I think it was very moving to see those images of them together.

“I think for many, many people across the country at times of uncertainty, they want the reassurance that everybody is pulling together and uniting, whether that’s across the royal family, whether it’s across politics,” he said. “So I thought it was an incredible moment.”

BREAKING: New Zealand will not pursue becoming a republic after Queen’s death

Monday 12 September 2022 08:40 , Thomas Kingsley

New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern says her government will not pursue becoming a republic following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

It comes as the nation announced it will mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II with a public holiday on 26 September.

“As New Zealand’s Queen and much-loved sovereign for over 70 years, it is appropriate that we mark her life of dedicated public service with a state memorial service and a one-off public holiday,” Ms Ardern said. She also said she would be leaving this week for Britain to attend Elizabeth’s funeral.

What will happen today?

Monday 12 September 2022 08:23 , Thomas Kingsley

King Charles III and the Queen Consort will attend Parliament this morning in his first visit as monarch. Both Houses of Parliament will express condolences to the new monarch.

The King and Camilla will then fly to Edinburgh where the new monarch will lead a royal procession at 2.25pm behind the Queen’s coffin from Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral.

A service to celebrate the Queen’s life will then be held at 3pm before members of the public will be able to view the coffin which will lie in state for 24 hours from 4pm.

The King will then travel to the Palace of Holyroodhouse where he will have an audience with Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

He and the Queen’s Consort will then attend Scottish Parliament where members will deliver a motion of condolence at 5.30pm before an evening vigil is held for members of the Royal Family at St Giles.

King Charles to make his first visit to Parliament as monarch

Monday 12 September 2022 08:10 , Thomas Kingsley

King Charles III and the Queen Consort are to visit Westminster Hall in London where both Houses of Parliament will express condolences to the new monarch.

Accompanied by Camilla, Queen Consort, he will hear addresses from the Lord Speaker, Lord McFall, and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, offering condolences on behalf of their respective houses. The King will then reply to the addresses.

New Zealand issue public holiday to mark Queen’s death

Monday 12 September 2022 08:02 , Thomas Kingsley

New Zealand has announced it will mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II with a public holiday on 26 September.

The nation will also hold a state memorial service in the capital, Wellington, on the same day.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern said Elizabeth was an extraordinary person and many people would appreciate the opportunity to mark her death and celebrate her life.

“As New Zealand’s Queen and much-loved sovereign for over 70 years, it is appropriate that we mark her life of dedicated public service with a state memorial service and a one-off public holiday,” Ms Ardern said. She also said she would be leaving this week for Britain to attend Elizabeth’s funeral.

‘Expect to queue overnight’: Rules on attending the Queen’s lying-in-state at Westminster Hall

Monday 12 September 2022 07:45 , Thomas Kingsley

Details have been released on how mourners can attend the Queen’s lying in state at Westminster Hall in London later this week.

Before this, King Charles III will lead the royal family in a procession behind the Queen’s coffin today in Edinburgh to allow the public to pay their respects.

The Queen will be taken from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to nearby St Giles’ Cathedral where her family, and a congregation drawn from all areas of Scottish society, will attend a service of thanksgiving for her life.

The Queen's coffin will be moved from St Giles' Cathedral to Edinburgh airport, and then by plane to RAF Northolt. The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, will accompany her.

From Wednesday, 14 September the Queen’s coffin will lie in state in Westminster Hall allowing members of the public to pay their respects. The Queen’s coffin will rest on a raised platform, called a catafalque. The four corners of the coffin will be guarded 24 hours a day by soldiers from units that serve the Royal Household.

The public will be able to file past the coffin 24 hours a day from 5pm on Wednesday until 6.30am on the day of the funeral - Monday, 19 September.

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. Mourners have been told to prepare to queue overnight.

‘The Queen loved Scotland,’ Douglas Ross says

Monday 12 September 2022 07:30 , Thomas Kingsley

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross said “the Queen loved Scotland and Scotland loved the Queen”.

He said the strength of the connection between Scotland and the royal family was evident as people lined up to pay their respects as the Queen's cortege passed through the nation on Sunday.

Asked if the connection is still there with the new King, Mr Ross told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “Yes, and I think particularly with the Accession Council making the point that the new King swore his allegiance to uphold and protect the Church of Scotland, the fact that the royal family are here today and there'll be a service of thanksgiving at St Giles’, and then in the Scottish Parliament we will also be paying tribute to the late Queen and also pledging our allegiance and support to the new King and providing that support.”

He added: “The Queen loved Scotland and Scotland loved the Queen and I think we showed that yesterday.

“I think we'll see that again today with the service of thanksgiving and I think it is a fitting tribute to the late Queen that Scotland is able to play this role at this early part in the national mourning.”

Mourners warned of miles-long queue and 12-hour waits to see Queen

Monday 12 September 2022 07:15 , Stuti Mishra

Mourners coming to London from across the country to pay their respects to the Queen as she lies in state have been warned there are likely to be exceptionally long queues and wait times.

The Queen’s coffin will lie in state in Westminster Hall from Wednesday until the day of her funeral next Monday.

Initially, it was estimated that 40,000 people a day would turn up to pay their respects but now Whitehall chiefs in charge of logistics for the historic five-night vigil have said that they are expecting millions of people a day.

Maroosha Muzaffar has more:

Mourners could face 3-mile queues and 12-hour wait to see Queen lying in state

How will travel be affected during time of national mourning?

Monday 12 September 2022 07:00 , Stuti Mishra

The death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles III have no parallel in modern times for the UK, writes Simon Calder.

In terms of travel, the next week will see some disruption across a wide range of services – but as a mark of respect to Her Majesty, national rail strikes this week have been called off.

Travellers who wish to alter their plans because of the funeral are also concerned about their options.

These are the key questions and answers:

How will travel be affected during the time of national mourning for the Queen?

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website