When a member of the Royal Family passes on, it marks a sorrowful moment not only for their loved ones but also for the United Kingdom, the nation they have faithfully represented over the years.
Those years of work are something the country remembers, and celebrates, in the days following the death of a member of the Royal Family.
Once a member of the UK Royals family has died, Buckingham Palace informs the Prime Minister, and a person called the Lord Chamberlain then works with the government to decide when to announce it.
The Lord Chamberlain is the King’s most senior adviser and the senior most officer in the royal household.
He oversees all court ceremonies and of the arrangements for all state ceremonies, such as state visits of foreign dignitaries, royal marriages, christenings, and funerals except that of the sovereign, which is the responsibility of the earl marshal.
Historically, the BBC has always been told about a royal death in an official statement, ahead of other media outlets.
Although major announcements have commonly gone out to a news agency such as the Press Association more recently, so the whole world can be informed simultaneously.
There are also many small details that apply to official royal offices, for example, they will use ‘mourning stationery’.
This mourning stationery is a letter or a calling card with a black edge that is used for all significant announcements and updates about arrangements.
Before a head of state passes on, formal plans are drawn up for the funeral, announcement and period of official mourning.
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How do we Find out if a Royal Family Member Has Died?
The Royal Family’s website changes to a black holding page with a short statement announcing the death, whilst the government website and social media channels display a black banner.
Flags are lowered half-mast and newsreaders wear black as the nation mourns the death of a senior royal.
If the death or period of mourning falls on St George’s Day, the English flag should be replaced by the Union flag.
St. George’s Day is a celebration of England’s patron saint, who is said to have slain a dragon and rescued a princess in the 3rd century AD. It is celebrated on April 23.
Members of Parliament will wear black armbands during the mourning period.
Other guidance issued by the National Association of Civic Officers (NACO) includes suggestions such as cancelling and rescheduling events, royal gun salutes, floral tributes and closure of royal’s residences.
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Ceremonies and State Funerals
From the moment a head of state passes, the country enters a period of mourning that lasts until the end of the day of the state funeral.
Although there is no expectation for the public or organizations to observe specific behaviors during this time, there are several practices conducted by businesses and institutions.
For the King or Queen, the funeral takes place 10 days after the day of death.
However, for other senior members of the Royal Family, the funeral will take place 8 days after the day of the death.
After lying in state, the coffin is moved via procession to Westminster Abbey for the state funeral, after which it is transported to Windsor.
The state hearse takes the coffin along the Long Walk to St George’s Chapel in Windsor Chapel, where a committal service takes place.
The coffin is then lowered into the Royal Vault.
