Queen lying-in-state London: Westminster Hall list of banned items - what can you bring for queuing?

People have been told to expect long queues with ‘very little opportunity to sit down’
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Members of the public are preparing to pay their respects to The Queen, who will lie in state at Westminster Hall.

Strict guidelines will be in place, with a list of banned items and a code of conduct announced by the government.

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Westminster Hall will open to members of the public from 5pm GMT on Wednesday 14 September.

People have been told to expect long queues with “very little opportunity to sit down.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the Queen lying-in-state in London.

Queen Elizabeth II inside Westminster Hall, at the Palace of Westminster (Pic: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Queen Elizabeth II inside Westminster Hall, at the Palace of Westminster (Pic: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II inside Westminster Hall, at the Palace of Westminster (Pic: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

When will The Queen be lying-in-state?

The Queen will travel by procession to Westminster Hall on Wednesday 14 September, accompanied by the King, Queen Consort and members of the Royal Family.

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Along the route, there will be gun salutes and Big Ben will toll when the coffin arrives at 3pm.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will perform a ceremony in tribute to The Queen.

The late monarch will then remain in Westminster Hall, lying-in-state so members of the public can pay their respects.

When can members of the public visit?

Westminster Hall will open to members of the public from 5pm GMT on Wednesday 14 September.

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It will remain open for four days, closing at 6.30am on the day of The Queen’s state funeral on Monday 19 September.

Floral tributes to The Queen in Green Park, London (Pic: Getty Images)Floral tributes to The Queen in Green Park, London (Pic: Getty Images)
Floral tributes to The Queen in Green Park, London (Pic: Getty Images)

Will the queues be long?

Members of the public have been told to expect long queues with the possibility of an overnight wait to pay tribute to The Queen.

The queue will be continuously moving, so there will be no opportunity to sit down and no toilet facilities available in Parliament.

People have been told to consider these factors before bringing children.

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The government’s official guidance advises: “You will need to stand for many hours, possibly overnight, with very little opportunity to sit down, as the queue will keep moving.”

Before entering Westminster Hall, there will be an airport-style security check, with strict rules on what you can and cannot bring in.

What items am I allowed to bring?

Members of the public must follow the guidelines for visiting Westminster Hall, as outlined by the Government.

Visitors are only allowed to bring one small bag per person that is no bigger than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm and has one simple zip opening, to make security checks faster.

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If you have a larger bag, this will need to be left in the Hall’s bag drop facility, but there will be limited capacity and space is not guaranteed.

Items that you are allowed to bring include:

  • Suitable clothing for the weather
  • Food and drinks to consume in the queue (food and drinks must be consumed or disposed of before you enter the security search point outside the Palace of Westminster)
  • Mobile phone charger
  • Essential medication or equipment that you need to keep with you

What items are banned?

Security at Westminster Hall will be tight and there are a number of items the Government have banned.

Items that are prohibited will be removed not returned, whilst anyone bringing illegal items to Westminster Hall, will be referred to the police.

Here is the full list of banned items:

  • Bags larger than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm in size
  • Flasks or water bottles
  • Food and liquid of any kind
  • Flowers or other tribute items (including candles, soft toys and photographs)
  • Sharp items
  • Personal defence equipment or any object that could be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety
  • Paint sprays, padlocks, chains, climbing gear, and dangerous or hazardous items.
  • Fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, whistles, laser devices
  • Banners, placards, flags, advertising or marketing messages
  • Coolers, hampers, sleeping bags, blankets, folding chairs and camping equipment
  • Non-foldable pushchairs
  • Any other items as directed by security staff or police

Whilst inside the Palace of Westminster, those paying their respects should remain silent.

They are additionally not allowed to:

  • Film, photograph, or use mobile phones or other handheld devices in the security search area and the Palace of Westminster.
  • Bring or erect gazebos or tents
  • Light barbecues or fires
  • Attempt to queue on behalf of others or ask others to queue on your behalf
  • Leave personal items unattended in the queue

What is the code of conduct?

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There is also a strict code of conduct on how you should dress and behave when paying your respects at Westminster Hall.

The code of conducts says visitors should:

  • Dress appropriately for the occasion to pay your respects at the Lying-in-State
  • Turn your phone off (or to silent mode) before entering the security search area
  • Dispose of litter using the litter bins provided
  • Keep noise to a minimum, and respect people who live in residential areas near the queue
  • Follow the instructions of stewards, marshals and the police at all times

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