Nation to fall silent

Public to unite in a ‘shared moment of reflection’ on Sunday at 8pm

A MINUTE’S silence will be held across the country on Sunday in memory of the Queen, Downing Street has announced.

Britons are being invited to share in a ‘national moment of reflection’ either privately at home, with neighbours in the street, or at community events and vigils.

It means people may choose to gather on their doorsteps as they did during the early days of the pandemic to clap in support of those working in the NHS.

The silence, at 8pm on the eve of the state funeral, will be an opportunity to come together to ‘mourn and reflect on the life and legacy’ of the Queen, the Prime Minister’s spokesman said.

Those living overseas are also being encouraged to take part at their local time.

The spokesman added: ‘ The silence 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.

‘We encourage local community groups, clubs and other organisations to mark this moment of reflection. The shared national moment of reflection is an opportunity for everyone across the UK to mark the death of Her Majesty.’

Theatres in London and across the country will fall silent on Monday as performances are cancelled as a mark of respect. Hamilton and The Phantom of the Opera were among the biggest West End productions to announce cancellations yesterday. Other shows closing include Matilda The Musical, Moulin Rouge and Mary Poppins, and Les Miserables at Norwich Theatre Royal.

Classical concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and Cambridge’s Corn Exchange have also been halted.