Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh opened it together. Here’s how it will work… Flags are to be lowered and newscasters will wear black to read the announcements in mourning. (In 2002, the BBC’s Peter Sissonswas criticized for wearing a red tie when he announced the death of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.) Members of Parliament will also wear black armbands. The National Association of Civic Officers (NACO) also suggests cancelling and rescheduling events and having designated flower-laying areas for the public. The Queen is expected to enter a period of mourning, and her state affairs and appearances are paused. It is likely to last for eight days, although a further period of royal mourning could last another 30 days, with duties also suspended. No laws will be made during that period as well.