Can the public attend the Queen’s funeral in Westminster Abbey?
Can the public attend the Queen’s funeral in Westminster Abbey?
Can the public attend the Queen’s funeral in Westminster Abbey?
Can the public attend the Queen’s funeral in Westminster Abbey?

Queen Elizabeth II
Can the public attend to bid farewell? (Picture: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty)

Funeral arrangements are underway following Queen Elizabeth II’s death last week.

The late monarch died ‘peacefully’ aged 96 at her beloved Balmoral in Scotland, surrounded by family, on September 8.

Billions around the globe are expected to watch the Queen’s state funeral on TV on Monday, September 19 – but many based in London or the UK will want to visit the capital on the day to pay their respects.

So, can you actually attend the Queen’s funeral as a member of the public?

Here’s what we know so far.

Can the public attend The Queen’s funeral?

Members of the public won’t be able to go inside Westminster Abbey itself, where it will be held, as it will be reserved for up to 2,000 invited guests.

The guest list includes the Royal Family, people close to the Queen, and world leaders, among others.

Westminster Abbey
The Queen’s funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey (Picture: Getty)

The UK government has yet to share exact details of how people can pay their respects at the Queen’s funeral.

It is expected that there will be areas for the public to stand along the route from Westminster Hall, where the Queen is lying-in-state in the days before the funeral, to Westminster Abbey.

As with past royal funerals, crowds will gather along The Mall in Central London.

Rehearsal for The Queen's funeral
A rehearsal funeral procession was held late last night, passing through Parliament Square (Picture: Alex McBride/Getty Images)

The ceremony starts at 11am, so you’ll need to arrive early – with it likely that some will wait overnight on The Mall.

Once the funeral is complete, Her Majesty’s final journey from the Abbey to Wellington Arch (near Hyde Park Corner) begins, before travelling to Windsor, with a procession to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

It is expected there will be areas for the public to witness the procession in Windsor, though again there are no details yet.

In due course, guidance will be published on the government’s website here.

How to watch the Queen’s funeral on TV

If you’re unable to attend in person, the funeral will be shown on TV on most major channels.

That includes BBC One, Sky News, and ITV.


MORE : Queen’s coffin arrives at Westminster Hall to lie in state until her funeral


MORE : Where and when can I watch coverage of The Queen’s funeral?

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