National Mourning Period in Family Matters
Written by Charlotte Hajduk, Trainee Solicitor
After a historic 70 years on the throne, on Thursday 8 September 2022 her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96. A period of national morning is now under way.
The official date of her Majesty’s State Funeral will be Monday 19 September 2022, marking the final day of the period of National Mourning. This allows the nation the opportunity to pay their respects to Her Majesty and commemorate Her reign. With the date now being confirmed as a national Bank Holiday, it is at the discretion of individual institutions whether they close or stay open, as with other Bank Holidays.
For those involved Court Proceedings, all Courts, Tribunals and HMCTS offices will remain open through the period of National Mourning, except for the day of the funeral or any subsequent days identified as a National Day of Mourning. Court cases due to take place on Monday 19 September will be re-listed where appropriate to clear the day for the funeral. Of course, where there are matters of urgent business, such as overnight custody cases, the urgent hearings may still proceed with consultation of the judiciary. Such hearings will be listed around the time of the funeral where possible, with the current guidance advising the state funeral will take place at 11am.
If you are attending a court hearing listed in the mourning period, you are not required to wear black. You can choose to wear dark coloured business attire during the mourning period but are not required to do so. This too is the suggested attire for the Judiciary and members of court staff who have been advised to dress in a manner respectful of the occasion.
For schools, the funeral should be treated as any other bank holiday, in that they are not expected to remain open on the Bank Holiday. Prior to this, normal school attendance is expected throughout the National Mourning period.
The Geldards Family Team can assist you with any queries you may have about the impact of the National Mourning Period on your case and any related Family Matters.
National Mourning Guidance for Wales: The demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: National Mourning guidance | GOV.WALES
National Mourning Guidance for England: The Demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: National Mourning Guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)