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Pause & reflect

Brits to hold a minute’s silence on Sunday night to honour the late Queen Elizabeth

A ONE minute’s silence will be held across the nation on Sunday in honour of Queen Elizabeth.

At 8pm members of the public will pause to remember the late monarch and reflect on the incredible legacy she left behind.

Brits will hold a minute's silence for the Queen at 8pm on Sunday night
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Brits will hold a minute's silence for the Queen at 8pm on Sunday nightCredit: Reuters
Earlier today King Charles and the Queen Consort attended Parliament where the monarch addressed MPs and peers
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Earlier today King Charles and the Queen Consort attended Parliament where the monarch addressed MPs and peersCredit: AP
News of the minute’s silence comes as Charles III addressed Parliament today while the nation mourns
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News of the minute’s silence comes as Charles III addressed Parliament today while the nation mournsCredit: Getty

Downing Street said the nation was invited to join the “shared moment of national reflection” at home, on their doorstep with neighbours, or at community events.

And those living abroad are urged to join too and “come together” with others mourning all over the world.

A minute of silence was held for the late Prince Philip's funeral last year.

Liz Truss' spokesperson said yesterday: "We encourage local community groups, clubs and other organisations to mark this moment of reflection. 

"And if you are overseas, people are encouraged to mark the silence at their local time.

"The shared national moment of reflection is an opportunity for everyone across the UK to mark the death of Her Majesty."

News of the minute’s silence comes as Charles III addressed Parliament today for the first time as King.

The monarch pledged to follow his beloved mother's selfless duty as he gave a speech to around MPs and Peers.

King Charles said: "We gather today in remembrance of the remarkable span of The Queen’s dedicated service to her nations and peoples. 

"While very young, Her late Majesty pledged herself to serve her country and her people and to maintain the precious principles of constitutional government which lie at the heart of our nation.  This vow she kept with unsurpassed devotion.

Read More on the Queen's Death

"She set an example of selfless duty which, with God’s help and your counsels, I am resolved faithfully to follow."

Around 900 Parliamentarians gathered in Parliament's Westminster Hall to hear the King's address.

PM Liz Truss, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and former PM Boris Johnson were among those in attendance.


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Westminster Hall, which was constructed in 1097 under William II, has hosted speeches by esteemed dignitaries including Nelson Mandela and the Pope.

This afternoon the King will travel to Edinburgh, where a Ceremony of the Keys will take place at the Palace of Holyrood House.

Following the Ceremony of the Keys, the King will join the procession of the Queen's coffin to St Giles' Cathedral.

Then, the King and the Queen Consort, accompanied by other royal family members, will attend a service of prayer and reflection for the life of the Queen at St Giles' Cathedral.

The King will receive the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, followed by the presiding officer, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Earlier today, Prince Harry released a statement paying tribute to the "everlasting grace" and "infectious smile" of his granny.

The Prince said: "I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings - from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren."

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Harry offered an olive branch to his dad as he takes up his new role as monarch.

The Duke of Sussex said: "We now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III".

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