Coffin of PC Palmer rests in chapel
30 March 2017 (updated on 31 March 2017)
The coffin of PC Palmer, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty preserving the security of Parliament, is resting in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft in the Palace of Westminster, with the consent of the Queen, prior to his funeral in Southwark Cathedral on Monday 10 April at 2pm.
PC Palmer’s coffin was brought to the Palace of Westminster, under escort by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Special Escort Group, where it was greeted by a guard of honour, formed by officers from his team at the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.
A private service was held in the Chapel, attended by close members of PC Palmer’s family. The service was led by Reverend Prebendary Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons, and Reverend Prebendary Jonathan Osborne, Senior Chaplain to the Metropolitan Police Service.
Following the service, and until the coffin departs for the funeral at Southwark Cathedral, officers from Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command are forming a catafalque honour guard to watch over PC Palmer’s coffin, alongside Reverend Predendary Rose Hudson-Wilkinson.
During this period, in accordance with the family’s wishes, police colleagues and parliamentary pass holders who worked alongside PC Palmer will have the opportunity to pay their respects.
The Chapel will not be open to the public or to other visitors. If you wish to submit a message of condolence via email, please send it to condolence@parliament.uk.
Further information
- Commons Hansard: Speaker’s statement on the Westminster incident
- Commons Hansard: Prime Minister’s statement on the Westminster incident
- Lords Hansard: Statements from the Leader of the House of Lords, party and group leaders and the Lord Speaker on the Westminster incident
- Baroness Thatcher’s coffin rests in chapel overnight
- MPs pay tribute to Tony Benn
- Chapel of St Mary Undercroft