Government guidance on National Mourning for businesses

This Monday’s Insights (September 12) feature brings you the Government guidance on National Mourning – applicable to the event industry following the loss of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Headlines

The Government has issued ‘Guidance for the public and businesses on the period of National Mourning following the demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.’

A period of National Mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II began in the day of her passing. It will continue until the end of the day of the State Funeral, which takes place on Monday, September 19. The day of the funeral is also now set to be a Bank Holiday.

The Royal Family will undertake a separate period of Royal Mourning, subject to the wishes of The King. 

The guidance on National Mourning states that organisations are under no obligation to suspend business during this period, but does state:

‘Depending on the nature and location of their business and the tone of planned events, 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. Public services will continue as usual, although there may be some changes to service availability. Further guidance on any potential considerations relating to the day of the State Funeral will be issued if needed.’

We’ve pulled the following sections from the guidance, which seem most relevant to our industry:

Travel Information 

Throughout the period of National Mourning, particularly on days with ceremonial events and in the build up to the State Funeral, public transport in key locations will be very busy. Journeys may take longer than usual. Further information will be announced by network operators. Please check your journey before you travel to ensure all services are running as expected. 

Commemorative Events

Many community organisations, including places of worship, Local Authorities and charities, will arrange events commemorating the life and service of Her Majesty. This may include holding services of reflection (or similar), and opportunities for those with no religious beliefs to pay their respects. Local Authorities will support the coordination of local events so please check with them or your local place of worship for further details. 

Major Events, Entertainment, and Sports

There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period. 

This is at the discretion of individual organisations. As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations. 

If sporting fixtures or events are due to take place the day of the State Funeral, organisations may want to adjust event timings. This would be to avoid clashing with the service and associated processions. 

In keeping with the tone of National Mourning, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence. And/or, they may wish to play the National Anthem at the start of events or sporting fixtures. Players may wish to wear black armbands. 

Public museums and galleries

Public museums, galleries or similar venues are under no obligation to close during the National Mourning period. Organisations may choose to close on the day of the State Funeral. However there is no obligation to do so and this is at the discretion of individual organisations. As with other organisations, these institutions may wish to display or share images of previous Royal visits, particularly if they are one of Her Majesty’s patronages.

Read the full guidance here, covering further areas including Books of Condolence, Floral Tributes, and more.