The coffin containing the Queen's body is currently at Balmoral but will soon begin its journey to the nation's capital ahead of her state funeral on Monday 19 September.

The funeral ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II will take place on September 19 at 11:00 in London, Buckingham Palace has announced.

This day has been declared a public holiday throughout the United Kingdom by King Charles III, who officially took office on the morning of September 10.

The Queen's body will be flown from Balmoral Castle to Edinburgh on Sunday, before being flown to London on Tuesday.

From Wednesday, her body will be in the British Parliament building, until the day of the funeral.

"We will carry out our duty in the coming days with a heavy heart, but with a readiness to provide a dignified farewell to one of the most defining figures of our time," said Edward Fitzalan-Howard, Duke of Norfolk.

The British Queen died on September 8 at the age of 96.

She has held the throne in the United Kingdom for 70 years, making her the country's longest-serving monarch.

Charles III officially became king today as, according to tradition, the Council of Accession met and formalized his position.