Queen Elizabeth II: Mourners continue to flock to Hillsborough Castle to lay flowers

Crowds are continuing to flock to the Queen’s residence in Northern Ireland to leave flowers in tribute to her - and to reflect on her life in her castle’s magnificent gardens.

The huge volume of flowers left at the front gate of Hillsborough Castle has expanded by several feet since King Charles III visited the venue on Tuesday.

Yesterday, a steady stream of mourners continued to lay flowers and pause for a few moments of quiet reflection at the front gates, many of them reading heart-felt tributes laid by others.

Afterwards, many of them walked through the gates into the magnificent 100 acres of royal gardens to spend some time in quiet reflection on the 70 years of dedicated service the Queen gave to her country.

A table was set up for the public to filter past as they arrived at the castle, where plastic coverings were removed from any flowers being left.

Historic Royal Palaces, which manages the castle, said mourners were welcome to visit the majestic gardens free of charge.

“Hillsborough Castle Gardens will be open free of charge from Wednesday 14 to Sunday 18 September for anyone that wishes to take time to pause and reflect on the life of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II,” it said. “Entry is via the main entrance and car park which is off the A1 or through the pedestrian entrance in the village.

“Please note that parking in the village is severely restricted. Visitor facilities, including the on site café will be open.”

It confirmed that flowers may be left in a dedicated area outside the gates and that the castle and gardens remain a “dog free” site.

It added that flags at the Tower of London, Hillsborough Castle and Hampton Court Palace will be half-masted until after the Queen’s state funeral, on Monday 19 September, when the castle will be closed.

The floral tribute area at the village entrance to Hillsborough Castle is open from 8am to 8pm daily but will close at 8pm on Monday 19 September.

Items other than flowers, such as teddy bears, are not allowed to be laid, and notes will be removed and preserved.

It is understood that the flowers left will be gathered and composted to be used on the castle’s gardens.

Last week Royal Parks urged mourners not to leave marmalade sandwiches in Green Park in London in tribute to the Queen.

Following the comedy sketch between Paddington Bear and the Queen filmed for the Platinum Jubilee earlier this year, some mourners had left the beloved character’s favourite snack alongside floral tributes at Buckingham Palace and in neighbouring Green Park.

In the sketch, Paddington offers the Queen a marmalade sandwich out of his hat, saying: “I always keep one for emergencies”. “So do I, I keep mine in here,” she replied, and pulled one out of her handbag.

However, the Royal Parks organisation, which is in charge of the floral tribute garden set up in Green Park, near Buckingham Palace, warned against leaving marmalade sandwiches “because of the negative impact on the park’s wildlife”.

Floral tributes there will eventually be prepared for composting, which will then be used “on shrubberies and landscaping projects across the Royal Parks”, which include Hyde Park, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and others.