As the period of national mourning for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II continues, York Minster today confirmed the arrangements for special services, signing the Books of Condolence and the national one minute’s silence in honour of the late Queen.

The Acting Dean of York, The Revd Canon Michael Smith said:  “Many thousands of people have visited the Minster since the death of Queen Elizabeth was announced last week. The historic significance of her reign, her constancy in our lives, and the grief and sadness of the Royal Family has evoked feelings of great sympathy, and remembrance of our own loved ones who have died.

“As the State Funeral approaches, we anticipate that many people will want to come to the Minster to give thanks for the life and mourn the death of this remarkable woman.”

For the remainder of the official period of mourning, the following services will take place at York Minster as we invite people from across Yorkshire and the North to commemorate the late Queen, sign the Books of Condolence and pray for King Charles III and the Royal Family.  All are welcome.

Daily services will take place at 7.30 and 7.50am and 12noon. There will be a special service of Choral Evensong each day at 5.30pm. Outside of service times, the Books of Condolence will be open for signing from 9.30am until 7.30pm when the Minster will close for the day (see details below).

Saturday 17 September

5.30pm – Commemorative Service of Evensong for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

This Evensong Service with special prayers and music will take place in the Nave to commemorate and give thanks for the life of the late Queen.

This service will also be livestreamed

Full details and the livestream can be found here 

Books of Condolence open for signing until 4.00pm, and then after the Evensong service from 6.20pm to 7.30pm.

Sunday 18 September

8am     –           Holy Communion

10am   –           Matins

11am   –           Choral Eucharist.

This service will be livestreamed.

Full details and the livestream can be found here 

Books of Condolence open for signing from 12.30 until 2.15pm and 6.30pm until 8pm.

4pm – Civic Service of Commemoration for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

Led by the Acting Dean of York, The Revd Canon Michael Smith, this is the City of York’s civic service honouring the life and service of the late Queen.  Councillors and Aldermen from City of York Council will process into the Minster ahead of the service.  There will be special music and prayers for the late Queen, the new King and the Royal Family.

This service will also be livestreamed

Full details and the livestream can be found here 

 8pm – National Moment of Reflection

At a few minutes before the hour, people queuing inside and outside the Minster will be invited by members of the cathedral’s clergy to prepare for the national one minute silence in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth.  The minute’s silence will commence as the Minster’s Great Peter Bell strikes the final chime on the hour.

Monday 19 September – The State Funeral

Daily services will take place at 7.30am and 7.50am, 12 noon and Evening Prayer at 5.30pm. Outside of each service the Book of Condolence will be open for the final day from 9.30am until 7.30pm.