A minute’s silence will be held across the country at 8pm next Sunday to remember the Queen’s life, Downing Street has announced.
It will be “a national moment of reflection” on her “life and legacy” which can be observed “privately at home on your own or with friends and neighbours,” the prime minister’s spokesman said.
The event will come the evening before the Queen’s funeral, when world leaders will descend on London for what could be a logistical nightmare for the capital’s authorities.
However, contrary to reports, the US president Joe Biden can be driven to the ceremony in Westminster Abbey if he chooses and will not be required to travel on a bus.
A leaked document suggesting visiting dignitaries would be expected to travel together, to ease congestion, is merely “guidance”, the spokesman said.
Asked if Mr Biden and other leaders concerned about their security could choose how to travel to the funeral, the spokesman replied: “Yes. Arrangements for different leaders will vary.”
No 10 also made clear that people retained their right to protest against the monarchy, should they choose, after examples of arrests of vocal republicans.
The spokesman said individual cases are “an operational matter” for the police, but said: “The fundamental right to protests remains a keystone of our democracy.”