Queen Elizabeth II

[Mick Norris]

It is very sad news, but whereas it makes sense to cancel the cycling because the Police may have other duties to attend to other than escorting the Tour of Britain through temporarily closed roads, I'm not sure that it makes sense to cancel most events, especially chess matches

[Andrew Zigmond]

There is official mourning guidance that has been issued by the government. It effectively says that there is no specific need to cancel events although organisers may wish to be mindful of their tone.

[Chris Goodall]

I'm a reluctant monarchist and pro-getting on with life, but looking at the Absolute State of social media today, I'm grateful for the work the royals do in preoccupying both the extreme republicans and the extreme royalists with a matter so completely symbolic. I feel that may even be the best argument in their favour.

[Keith Arkell]

It's a very sad and reflective time, of course, but it wont stop me heading to Swindon tomorrow morning, via friends in Bristol today, to compete in the Uk blitz Ch qualifier.

And to put this into perspective, on a more personal level, I found that the best way to handle my own mother's passing , 8 years ago, was to immerse myself in the event I had already entered - in that case the London Classic Open.

[MJMcCready]

No reason to modify your plans just because a woman you never met and well into her 90s passed away.

[Matt Mackenzie]

Or I dunno, maybe we could just get on with our lives

There is even a decent argument that "its what she would have wanted".

[Chris Goodall]

No reason to modify your plans just because a woman you never met and well into her 90s passed away.

Ah, I did in fact meet her. I shall modify my plans a small amount.

[Joey Stewart]

No reason to modify your plans just because a woman you never met and well into her 90s passed away.

It's a bit flippant to act like she was a meaningless stranger - nearly everyone alive in the country saw her image just about every day of their lives in some way or other. I think that she herself may well have not wanted a big fuss made over her death, but it is that very selfless stoic attitude that does deserve a measure of respect so I have no problem with anything getting cancelled for the next week or so.

[JustinHorton]

People who have made plans, shelled out a lot of money, or perhaps depend for part of their income on working at these events may of course have a different perspective

[David Williams]

As an example, cancelling Premier League games.

A headache for the clubs, an inconvenience to most of the fans, and a considerable cost to the many people who travel half way round the world as a once in a lifetime experience. I wonder how many people were actually already here for a game tomorrow, or en route, when the fixtures were cancelled. And from what I recall of the Royal family's reaction to the death of Princess Diana, a completely pointless gesture if it's for their benefit.

If they had announced that the games would go ahead, but anyone who did not wish to attend could have a full refund, I've a pretty good idea what would have happened. A massive media furore, and grounds full to capacity.

[Matt Mackenzie]

Not just the PL, I think, but all professional football (and *all* football in Wales)

[Chris Goodall]

People who [...] depend for part of their income on working at these events may of course have a different perspective

I trust you apply the same dispassionate Keynesianism to the thousands of jobs directly or indirectly sustained by the monarchy...

[Gerard Killoran]

George VI died on Wednesday 6 February 1952. Here's the Sunday Mirror's football results from the games played on Saturday 9th February 1952.

People were more grown up then.

Sunday Mirror _ Sunday 10 February 1952.png

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Well, the funeral (on Monday 19th September) is now officially a Bank Holiday (as proclaimed by the King).

For those interested in the formal language used:

https://www.royal.uk/his-majesty-king%E ... h-scotland
https://www.royal.uk/his-majesty-king%E ... eclaration

https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/nati ... ncil-full/

Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to his mercy our late Sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth II of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.

We, therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm, and members of the House of Commons, together with other members of Her late Majesty's Privy Council, and representatives of the realms and territories, aldermen, and citizens of London and others, do now hereby, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now, by the death of our late Sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege lord, Charles III, by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and of his other realms and territories, King, head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching God, by whom kings and queens do reign, to bless His Majesty with long and happy years to reign over us.

[Ian Thompson]

Well, the funeral (on Monday 19th September) is now officially a Bank Holiday (as proclaimed by the King).

... which does not necessarily entitle you to a day off work, but might entitle your employer to require you to take the day off as annual leave, both depending on what your employment contract says.