Retailers shut up shop for Royal funeral
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Britain’s largest grocery retailers Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Lidl have confirmed they will close stores on the day of the Queen’s funeral, joining national retailers including John Lewis, Waitrose, Primark and B&Q.
Both Tesco and Sainsbury’s will close their larger stores for the day but their smaller convenience and petrol forecourt stores will open from 5pm on the day.
Tesco has also cancelled online orders on the day of the funeral.
Tesco UK CEO Jason Tarry said: “We want to express our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, as well as our gratitude to Her Majesty The Queen for her unwavering service.
“On Monday, September 19, in order for our colleagues to pay their respects, our large stores will be closed all day and our Express stores will remain closed until 5pm.”
Primark has also confirmed that all of its high street stores will be closed.
The retailer also confirmed it would close its depots and head office in the UK too.
It is thought that other retailers will follow suit, with Poundland, Homebase and Apple stores set to close on the day.
Royal Mail has said it will be pausing deliveries for the day, and supermarkets are likely to be closed.
King Charles III approved the day of his mother’s funeral as a bank holiday during his proclamation ceremony on Saturday.
The Queen’s funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday September 19.
Royal Mail has confirmed it will suspend its services on the day of the funeral.
Simon Thompson, Royal Mail chief executive, said: “We are proud that over the coming days Royal Mail will play an important role delivering messages of condolence from all around the world to the royal family.”
A spokesman for ScotRail said it was too early to say if services will be impacted but they will keep customers updated via social media.
No official word has been confirmed as yet from Aberdeenshire Council on the closure of schools, though this is also expected.
A National One-Minute Silence will be held at 8pm on Sunday 18.
Downing Street have said that it can be marked "privately at home on your own or with friends and neighbours, out on your doorstep or street with neighbours, or at any locally-arranged community events and vigils".
