Queen Elizabeth II Lying-in-state: What is tonight’s Vigil of the Princes, how to watch and who will be there

The King will be joined by brothers Andrew and Edward, and sister Anne for the Vigil of the Princes
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The Queen’s Lying-in-state period has today entered day three, with thousands of people still set to pay their respects.

Her children, including King Charles III are to stand a vigil on September 16 over the coffin, with people from all over the world tuning in to watch.

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The demand for people to enter Westminster Hall has been unprecedented, leading people being denied entry to the queue.

Thousands of people have paid their respects to the Queen as she lies in state at Westminster Hall (Photo: Getty Images)Thousands of people have paid their respects to the Queen as she lies in state at Westminster Hall (Photo: Getty Images)
Thousands of people have paid their respects to the Queen as she lies in state at Westminster Hall (Photo: Getty Images)

In the early hours of Wednesday, September 14, a royal guard fainted, leading to the BBC quickly suspending their live stream.

Her Majesty will remain in Westminster Hall until Monday morning, the day of her state funeral.

Her son, King Charles III declared that the day would be a bank holiday, to allow members of the public to pay their respects.

When is the vigil?

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The vigil will take place on Friday, September 16 from 7.30pm at Westminster Hall.

Who will be attending the vigil?

King Charles III will be in attendance along with his siblings, the Princess Royal, Duke of York and Earl of Wessex.

They will spend 15 minutes in complete silence at the four corners of the catafalque, the wooden framework bearing the late Queen’s coffin.

It is currently unknown if Her Majesty’s grandchildren will conduct their own vigil before the state funeral on Monday, September 19.

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Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward carried out a similar mark of respect to their grandmother, The Queen Mother, at her lying-in-state in 2002.

Since Her Majesty died at Balmoral on Thursday, 8 September, the Duke of York has been in civilian clothing, but will wear his Royal Navy uniform for the Vigil of the Princes.

Prince Andrew was stripped of all his military titles and was forced to step back from official royal duties due to his association with convicted peadophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The Palace ruled that only active royals of military rank could wear their army attire, but an exception has been made on this occasion for Andrew, who served in the Falklands.

How can I watch it?

People who wish to watch the vigil as it unfolds can tune in to BBC One at 7.30pm.