Guidance for Businesses Following The Death of HM Queen Elizabeth II

We were greatly saddened at yesterday’s news of the death of the Queen. As all the tributes have expressed, someone who performed her duties brilliantly and who has been a consistent presence in our national life since before most of us were born.

We must turn our attention to how productions might be affected. 

The Government have published the attached document, “The Demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: National Mourning Guidance- Guidance for the public and businesses on the period of National Mourning following the demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

It explains that a period of national mourning has started and will continue to the day of the State Funeral. It doesn’t give a date for that but it is likely to be the 18th or 19th September.

The document says “Mourning is very personal and we anticipate individuals, families, communities and organisations may want to mark Her Majesty’s demise in their own way. There is no expectation on the public or organisations to observer specific behaviour during the mourning period.”

There is nothing,  therefore to prevent shoots continuing. Of course a  client may decide  that they do not wish to. The death of the Queen could be marked by, for example, a period of silence at the shoot. 

No day, including the day of the State Funeral will be a public holiday but business can close or mark the occasion as they wish.