For more than 70 years, Her Majesty the Queen provided leadership and inspiration across the world. For the public relations profession, the awarding of a Royal Charter, signed by Her Majesty in 2005, provided a significant moment of recognition that still underpins the professional and ethical standards of our work and the work of our members.

The CIPR reflects a diverse population drawn from different parts of our international community, and we will each respond to the news of the Queen passing based on our own experiences and beliefs.

Many PR professionals have found themselves with increased responsibility to communicate appropriately during this difficult time. To support members we have collated a range of advice and guidance and included details of how the CIPR will communicate at this time.

 

National Mourning

The Queen’s state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September at 11 a.m. There is a period of National Mourning that will finish at the end of the day of the funeral. To allow staff and members to pay their respects, the CIPR will be closed on this day and will re-open on Tuesday 20 September.
 

Communications advice during the period of National Mourning

The UK Government has published the following guidance - The demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: National Mourning Guidance. It includes information on business operations and public services as well as guidance on running events during this period.
 

CIPR Communications during the period of National Mourning 

The CIPR has a Royal Charter signed by Her Majesty in 2005. On learning of the death of The Queen we shared our condolences with this statement, have created a black border on our website, and our President, Rachel Roberts, wrote to the Queen's Private Secretary last week confirming plans to pay tribute to Her Majesty at our forthcoming Annual Conference. You can read the letter here.

 
During the period of National Mourning, the CIPR will continue to communicate time-sensitive matters including Group AGMs and our forthcoming election.
 

Further information and advice