Tributes have been pouring in since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II was announced, and now the country prepares for a period of mourning. But what happens today to mark the first full day of the mourning period?
What time is the gun salute today?
At 1pm today a 96-round gun salute will pay tribute to the Queen’s reign and long life – with one salute for each year she lived. The gun salute will take place simultaneously at Edinburgh Castle. Each round will take place ten seconds apart, so the whole thing will see the guns firing in London for over fifteen minutes.
The Royal Gun Salutes are used as a sign of respect or welcome upon various important Royal occasions. In this instance, they’re a mournful method of paying respect to Britain’s longest reigning monarch.
What happens next?
Later in the day, His Majesty King Charles III is due to give a speech to the nation. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II body is on its way to Edinburgh from Balmoral where the public will be invited to visit the coffin and pay their respects on Monday (September 12).