Northern Ireland

Businesses in nationalist town told 'campaign' could be set up unless they close for Queen Elizabeth's funeral

Queen Elizabeth's funeral will take place next Monday
Queen Elizabeth's funeral will take place next Monday Queen Elizabeth's funeral will take place next Monday

KING Charles will visit the north today where he will attend a a memorial service for the late queen.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin will also be at the service at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast alongside President Michael D Higgins.

Charles and Camilla, the queen consort, will also travel to Hillsborough Castle today. A significant security operation is under way in the Co Down village ahead of the royal visit.

Businesses in a mainly nationalist Co Derry town, meanwhile, have been told a "campaign" could be set up unless they close for Queen Elizabeth's funeral next Monday.

It is understood that businesses in Dungiven have been contacted by a prominent member of the community over recent days.

The British government has declared next Monday a bank holiday and some commercial operations are expected to close. However, many in the nationalist and republican community are not expected to follow the royal funeral closely.

It is understood that one business was told that a "campaign" could be set up if it did not close.

Sinn Féin councillor Sean McGlinchey said strong cross community relationships have been established in the area in recent years.

"I have been involved in cross community work for 14 years, we have built up good community relations in Dungiven," he said.

"People are entitled to respect the queen in whatever way they want but to phone businesses and ask them to close is another thing. It's very disrespectful to the wider community of Dungiven."