WORCESTER’S historic Cathedral will remain open until 7pm every night until the day of the Queen’s funeral to allow residents to pay their respects.
The Cathedral has joined the UK and nations around the world in a period of mourning following the death of Her Majesty on Thursday (September 8).
A condolence book is available in the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral, where members of the public are invited to express their sympathy or write about their memories of the Queen.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 3722004MMR1 copyright Bullivant Media
There will also be the opportunity to light candles provided by the Cathedral, and members of the public are invited to leave unwrapped flowers on the steps of the Lady Chapel or at the War Memorial.
The Royal Family will be included in prayers each day at the morning eucharist, the evening service, and at services during the day.
The St George flag will fly at half-mast from the Cathedral Tower until Tuesday (September 20) while the book of condolence will be open until 5pm on the same day.
The Cathedral bells will be rung fully-muffled prior to the Eucharist from 10.30am today (Monday). This is only ever performed for the death of a monarch.
Today will also see the Bourdon Bell toll for 30 minutes prior to the funeral at 11am, then a half-muffled peal will follow the funeral, as a memorial to Her Late Majesty.
The Masonic Service which was due to take place on Sunday, September 11 was cancelled and the first evening of the SCIENCE event on Tuesday (September 20), has been cancelled to allow time for set up following the funeral
The Dean of Worcester, Peter Atkinson, said: “We are all deeply saddened by the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, monarch for the whole of the lives of most of us.
“We give thanks to God for her life of selfless and unstinting service, to which she dedicated herself at her Coronation.
“We give thanks too for her inspiring Christian witness. We pray for the Royal Family in their time of grief, and especially for our new King and Queen.
“As at so many times in the history of our city and county down the centuries, we welcome all people to come to Worcester Cathedral to give thanks, to mourn, to remember, to reflect, and to pray for God’s blessing on the new reign.”
