The Queen's funeral: Which shops in Jersey will close and where the event will be screened

An early morning rehearsal for the procession of Queen Elizabeth's coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westmister Hall, London, where it will lie in state until her funeral on Monday. Photo credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire. (34218585)

SCHOOLS and several large retailers are expected to close on Monday as the Island pays its respects to the Queen on the day of her funeral.

Large-television screenings of the event will be held in parish and public halls, and hospitality venues have been encouraged to stay open on the bank holiday so that Islanders can watch from licensed establishments.

At the time of writing there are no plans for a general closure of shops, although some businesses – such as Voisins, de Gruchy, the Co-op and Jersey Post – have confirmed they will not be opening on the day.

Sandpiper, one of the Island’s biggest retailers, was yet to make a decision as of yesterday afternoon.

While Waitrose stores in Jersey have said they are awaiting news from their UK head office as to whether they will be open, it has been confirmed that UK stores will be closed on Monday.

The Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq – who will be attending the funeral in his capacity as acting Lieutenant-Governor – said: ‘Given the rare occasion of the State funeral of Her Late Majesty it is entirely fitting that the States Assembly has approved a bank holiday so that we may pay our respects to our late Sovereign. I am mindful that, with such short notice, there will invariably be an impact on commerce in the Island and I ask organisations who may remain open to operate with respect for the occasion, for the duration of the State funeral when it begins at 11am.’

Eleven police officers are travelling to London to support the Metropolitan Police with security.

Additionally, all of Jersey Heritage’s visitor sites will be closed to the public as a mark of respect on Monday, and to enable the organisation’s staff to watch the event should they wish to.

Entry to Mont Orgueil Castle will remain free of charge to the public for the remainder of the national period of mourning, so that Islanders can continue viewing the holographic portraits of the Queen on display at the site. The Castle is open daily from 10am to 5pm but is scheduled to close, along with all of the other Jersey Heritage sites, next Monday.

The Queen’s State funeral is due to be held at Westminster Abbey, after which the coffin will be taken to Windsor for a committal. The service will be televised and a national two-minute silence is expected on the day.

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