THE incoming Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Revd Andrew Tremlett, has been licensed as Dean Designate as an emergency measure so that he can conduct a special service of prayer and reflection in memory of the late Queen in the cathedral this evening.

Dean Tremlett, the former Dean of Durham, moved to London some weeks ago, but was not due to be installed until Sunday 25 September. He swore allegiance to the King on Friday morning.

St Paul’s Cathedral is currently closed, but will reopen for private prayer and usual services tomorrow.

Members of the public are invited to attend the service: 2000 seats are available to the public on the basis of first come, first served. People who wish to attend need to visit the City of London tourism office in Carter Lane to collect a wristband.

The service will be broadcast live on BBC1. The order of service is to be published on the cathedral website shortly beforehand.

Other cathedrals around the country are also preparing to be focal points for a nation in mourning. The public are invited to light candles, reflect quietly, and join in special services in the days to come.

The Association of English Cathedrals said in a statement that most cathedrals would be holding a special evensong on Friday in memory of the late Queen. Details are available on individual cathedral websites.

The chair of the Association, the Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, described Queen Elizabeth II as “a beacon of hope, faith and unity” throughout the world.

“Our Queen has also been a great support to the cathedrals of this land and the Commonwealth,” she said. In the UK, each cathedral had been “part of her rich story as she has travelled the length and breadth of this nation during her long and happy reign. So too, we have been strengthened and supported by her prayers.”

She concluded: “We have prayed God’s blessing upon the Queen every day of her reign; we do so again now and we pray for her family at this sad time.”