09/09/2022
On September 8, 2022 the world was informed of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
As a certified travel agent, I want to take the opportunity to share some closures that will take place across the UK. Whether you are a client or not, perhaps this information will be useful for you or someone you know who is traveling. Travel agents not only plan travel using insider intel, we assist with unexpected changes, ensure efficient travel and work to keep your well-deserved travel as memorable as possible.
Details are still emerging on the timeline for “Operation London Bridge” the official procedure in the event of the Queen’s death and period of mourning.
Royal sites particularly will play a key part in ceremonial procedures. Already we are receiving details of some of the Royal Palaces closing today and therefore impacting on sightseeing services. Major disruption on the roads at the time of the lying in state in Edinburgh & London as well as the state funeral itself in London followed by the procession to Windsor when HM The Queen will be laid to rest in St George Chapel at Windsor Castle are to be expected.
The exact date of the State Funeral has not been announced at the time of writing but is widely expected to be Monday the 19th of September.
If you or someone you know is traveling at this time and through the coming 10 to 15 days, they should expect the vast majority of sites to be closed on the day of the funeral as this will be a national holiday throughout all of the United Kingdom.
As of today we have been informed of the following closure to popular sites.
Closed September 9th through at least until 15th
Windsor Castle
Buckingham Palace State Rooms
Royal Mews
Queens Gallery (London & Edinburgh)
Palace of Holyrood
Tower of London
Closed September 9th and the day of the State Funeral (to be confirmed)
Tower of London
Hampton Court
Kensington Palace
Hillsborough Castle
Closed September 9th with dates beyond September 15th
St. Pauls Cathedral: September 9th until at least 14th of September with further closures TBA
Westminster Abbey: September 9th through the 28th
Edinburgh Castle: Currently closed until further notice
If you or someone you know needs assistance, client or not, please feel free to contact me. I am always here to help.