Canada Is Now In A National Mourning Period & Here's What That Means For The Next 7 Days

Flags at half-mast

Since Thursday, when the mourning period began, flags at all federal government buildings in Canada have been lowered to half-mast.

It will remain this way until the day of the queen's funeral, which is set to take place on Monday, September 19 at 11 a.m. BST.

The same applies to Canada's diplomatic buildings abroad, too.

What's more, several landmarks like Parliament Hill and the Senate buildings will be illuminated with a royal blue hue from sunset to midnight during the mourning period.

The House of Commons

According to the Manual of Official Procedure of the Government of Canada, the House of Commons should be adjourned after a monarch's death out of respect.

However, on this occasion, the House has already been adjourned for summer. While not too much will change, the reopening of Parliament will be delayed by one day – to September 20 – to accommodate the queen's funeral.

In the past, MPs have taken new oaths when a new monarch has replaced another, although this is not a legal requirement. Last week, it was confirmed that MPs will not need to renew their oath of allegiance, as it's "automatically extended to our new sovereign."

Wearing black

Some Canadians may choose to wear black over the coming days as a mark of respect for the queen following her death.

For example, in Alberta, officials say, "wearing a black armband during the mourning period is a sign of respect and a way to officially mourn the passage of a person of state importance. It can be worn by everyone on the left arm, above the elbow."

"It is also customary to wear clothing of more subdued colours (no bright or light colours). If you wear a necktie, it should be solid black," reads the government advice.

Portraits, paintings or other images of the queen may be draped with black ribbon. The same may apply to flags displayed indoors.

Book of condolences

On Thursday, the Department of Canadian Heritage opened up an online book of condolences.

Throughout the mourning period, Canadians will be able to share their memories of the queen and send their condolences to the royal family.

There are also in-person condolence book options for those who wish to write a physical message, set up in most cities across Canada.

The funeral

The queen's funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19, at 11 a.m. BST.

King Charles III and other senior members of the royal family will likely be part of the procession that takes her coffin from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey.

Among the expected guests are U.K. politicians and prime ministers from all over the Commonwealth. Justin Trudeau is set to attend.

The queen is expected to be buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel.

In the U.K., a statutory holiday has been granted for the day of the funeral to allow the public to mourn and watch the proceedings.

Canada has not yet confirmed whether or not Monday will be a stat holiday, with the decision ultimately being up to the federal government.

Canada's commemorative service

Canada's official national mourning period will end on Sunday, September 18, with a commemorative service to mark Queen Elizabeth II's passing.

Set to be held at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa, the ceremony will feature a memorial parade and a gun salute beforehand.

It will end with a fly-past over Parliament Hill and Christ Church Cathedral by Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18s in the missing man formation.

Invited guests will include "government officials, dignitaries and representatives of organizations with whom Her Majesty had a close connection such as charities and military regiments."

Canadians will be able to watch the service as it will be broadcast live and be available on multiple media platforms.