Queen Elizabeth II State Funeral: what shops in Newcastle will close ahead of the Her Majesty’s State Funeral?

It has been confirmed that the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday, 19 September.

King Charles III has said that the day will be a bank holiday, with many employers set to give their staff the day off.

In a statement, the government said the holiday "will be a unique national moment, and we would encourage employers to respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take time off."

Many shops will alter their hours, and some may close all day. It is also expected that schools will also be shut too.

What time is Queen Elizabeth’s funeral?

The funeral is set to get underway at 11am.

Which supermarkets will close in Newcastle for the Queen’s funeral?

Waitrose

The vast majority of Waitrose stores around the UK will close.

However, a number of small shops will remain open one the funeral route, ready to serve a large number of people expected to line the route.

Sainsbury’s

The supermarket chain Sainsbury’s, along with their Argos outlets will be closed on 19 September.

This also includes groceries online.

Convenience stores and petrol stations will be open from 5pm - 10pm on 19 September, for essential items.

In a statement, they said that "our convenience stores and petrol filling stations will be open from 5pm-10pm to allow our customers to pick up essential items, while select stores in central London will open to serve those attending the funeral in person."

Tesco

Tesco Expresses will be open from 5pm on Monday, but their superstores will be closed on the day of the funeral.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK CEO, said: “We want to express our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, as well as our gratitude to Her Majesty The Queen for her unwavering service.

“On Monday 19 September, in order for our colleagues to pay their respects, our large stores will be closed all day and our Express stores will remain closed until 5pm.”

Aldi

In a statement shared on Aldi’s official twitter page, they said:  “As a mark of respect, all Aldi stores across the UK will close on Monday 19 September to allow our store colleagues to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen.”

Lidl

Lidl has also confirmed all of their stores will be closed on the day of the funeral.

Morrisons

Morrisons has taken a slightly different approach, and will be closed from 10am - 2pm on the day of the funeral, reopening for business as usual for the remainder of the day.

M&S

M&S, like Waitrose, are set to close the majority of their stores with some limited exceptions in London and Windsor.

In a statement, Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, said: “It is right that we make changes to our operational arrangements on the day of the funeral to ensure our colleagues across our stores and distribution network can participate, whilst supporting customers as they show their respects too.

“That’s why on Monday 19 September we will cease customer delivery services and close M&S owned stores in the UK for the entire day, with some limited exceptions in London and Windsor, which will close for the duration of the service.”

All Asda stores will be closed until 5pm, and all stores will also be closed by midnight on Sunday, 18 September.