Royal family in mourning for Queen: how long is royals’ mourning period, when does it end, what does it mean?

Millions of people from around the world tuned in to watch the Queen’s funeral.

Queen Elizabeth II, who is the longest serving monarch in British history, reigned for 70 years - the second longest of all time.

A bank holiday had been declared for the state funeral to give as many people as possible the chance to pay their respects.

But how long does the period of mourning last following the death of Queen Elizabeth?

How long does the national mourning period last?

The UK national period of mourning began following the announcement of the Queen’s death on Thursday 8 September.

The national mourning period saw a number of rituals take place and tens of thousands of people visited the Queen’s coffin during its lying-in-state in Edinburgh and London.

The UK national mourning period ran for 10 days in total and the Queen’s state funeral on Monday 19 September sparked the climax of the period of mourning.

Around 500 heads of state and foreign dignitaries attended the funeral which was conducted by The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE, Dean of Westminster.

How long is the royal mourning period?

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that a period of royal mourning will take place for a week after the Queen’s funeral.

A Buckingham Palace statement read: “It is his Majesty The King’s wish that a period of royal mourning will be observed from now until seven days after the Queen’s funeral.

Royal mourning will be observed by members of the royal family, royal household staff and representatives of the royal household on official duties, together with troops committed to ceremonial duties.”

What happens during the royal mourning period?

During the royal mourning period, members of the royal family will continue to carry out their duties and engagements which are appropriate to the circumstances, but will wear black as a mark of respect to the late monarch.

Flags will remain half masted at the royal residences until 8am on Tuesday 27 September - the morning after the final day of royal mourning.

When is King Charles’ coronation?

The UK is beginning to return to normal following the death of Queen Elizabeth and the next big historical event will be the coronation of King Charles III.

Although Charles became King immediately after his mothers death, there is yet to be an official date for his coronation.

There was a 16 month gap between Queen Elizabeth’s ascension to the throne in 1952 and her coronation in 1953. If Charles follows a similar pattern then his coronation will take place in early 2024.