No formals, no alcohol, no speeches: Queens’ College announces mourning procedure

The college will be draped in black and all external events will be cancelled for the period of national mourning

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Queens’ College has announced to students that key events will go ahead however, there will be no formals, alcohol served at dinner or speeches made during the period of national mourning following the death of the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II was a patroness of Queens’ College from 2003 onwards, and visited the college at regular intervals throughout her life, most recently in 2019.

The College expressed deep sadness at the announcement of her death and has now implemented an events policy for the duration of the period of national mourning.

In an email to students on the 9th of September, President-elect, Dr Mohamed A. El-Erian, announced “activities which are germane to the purposes and objectives of the College will continue as planned”, such as graduation, matriculation and residential academic courses.

However, adjustments to catered events will be made. During the period of national mourning there will be no formals, no alcohol served at dinners and no speeches. Staff serving food will be required to wear a black armband.

In addition, Queens’ has cancelled “discretionary College events”, including alumni events and any external events. External residential events may take place but will be subject to the same restrictions on catering. The College shop will also remained closed.

In an earlier email to students, the President announced that the college will be dressed in black drapes and ribbons. Portraits of the late Queen have been placed in the Chapel, Porter’s Lodge and Old Hall, alongside a Condolence Book for students and staff to pay their respects.

An email from college reverend, Tim Harling, added that a special chapel service will be held today and on the day of the funeral. A choral memorial service will also be held at some point in Michaelmas term.

The President’s 9th of September email also added that college will soon begin the consultation process to determine who should succeed the Queen as Patroness of College.

Queen Elizabeth II succeeded to her role of Patroness upon the death of the Queen Mother in 2002.

Feature Image credit to Ella Sheddick. Other images credited to Guanting Di