Books of condolence to close after funeral
By Connor Steel
HAMPSHIRE RESIDENTS have been reminded that books of condolence will close on Tuesday (September 20) after the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was held throughout Monday; including those organised by both Fareham and Gosport Borough Councils following the Monarch’s passing announced eleven days ago.
Since the evening of September 8, thousands of people have written a message of condolences to the late Monarch and Royal Family across many sites in Hampshire. This includes Winchester Cathedral and Great Hall as organised by Hampshire County Council, with the Lord-Lieutenant sending a letter as reported here.
In Gosport Town Hall people have been able to sign a book of condolence on weekdays; whilst 3 additional books have been since been made available at Gosport Discovery Centre, Holy Trinity Church and St Faith’s Church, Lee on the Solent. And these have been signed by large numbers of residents who have further laid flowers at St Laurence’s Square (Town Centre), including members of the Globe team early last Wednesday.
Similarly Fareham Borough Council have invited residents to write messages in the Civic Offices or across sites such as Lockswood, Portchester and Stubbington libraries. Over the last eleven days these have seen many local politicians and residents visit, including MP Suella Braverman who signed the book on Sunday as she joined a service held at the Church of St Peter & St Paul in honour of the late Her Majesty the Queen.
But with the period of National National due to conclude at 8am on Tuesday, all physical condolence books are set to close at 5pm the same day (September 20). Online messages may however still be permitted on the relevant council websites for a limited time, whilst the Royal Family’s book of condolences remain open until seven days after the funeral in line with their official protocols following deaths of high-profile members.
In another move following Monday’s State Funeral, flags will return to full mast including all those in Gosport and Fareham on Tuesday morning. They were previously lowered in respect following the Monarch’s death and remained so throughout the mourning period, expect for the 24 hour period in the wake of King Charles III’s Proclamation that was undertaken at an official ceremony 2 days after Queen Elizabeth II’s sad passing.
PICTURED BY ALAMY: Flowers on the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as it arrives outside Windsor Castle for the Committal Service in St George’s Chapel, concluding the public State Funeral events.
