The following is a communication from the Chairman’s Office, West Sussex County Council, to local authorities and parish councils following the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Thanks to colleagues for implementing their protocols for Operation Forth Bridge, following the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh on Friday. I can now confirm more details for local authorities. You will probably have seen that the funeral has been arranged for Saturday 17 April. This means that the official period of mourning will finish on Sunday 18 April at 8am. I hope that the following advice is helpful:
• The funeral will be broadcast, including a minute’s silence at 3pm on 17 April. You may wish to encourage your communities to mark this at home. The Palace is giving a strong lead on adhering to guidelines about the public health restrictions to avoid gatherings.
• Flags being flown at half-mast should return to full mast at 8am on Sunday 18 April if practicable. If your buildings are not staffed on a Sunday, it is acceptable for this to be done on Monday 19 April instead, as soon as possible in the morning.
• It is expected that the Palace’s online book of condolence will be closed at 8am on Sunday 18 April. You are invited to do likewise if you have an online book of condolence, or as soon as practicable on the Monday.
Yours sincerely,
Charles Gauntlett
Chairman’s Office, West Sussex County Council
