Flags on all public buildings will be flown at half mast until midnight on April 9, the day of the Queen Mother's funeral, Downing Street said yesterday.

Following discussions with the Royal Family, the Government has issued guidance for the public observance of the national mourning period.

A Press notice by No10 said neither the Royal Family nor the Government expected sporting fixtures in the run-up to the funeral to be postponed or cancelled - although ultimately it was a matter for the organisers.

It did, however, suggest that for major fixtures, the players wear black armbands and that the event was preceded by a period of silence in memory of the Queen Mother.

Similarly, it suggested that theatres, cinemas and other places of public entertainment may wish to mark the Queen Mother's death in some way, such as the playing of the National Anthem or observing a period of silence.

Given the timing of the funeral, at 11.30 on a Tuesday morning, it is not expected that any large-scale sporting or other public events will be scheduled to take place at the same time.

However, the Press notice said that in the event of a clash, the organisers may wish to consider if the event could be cancelled or postponed at least for the duration of the funeral procession and service.

The notice also sets out details of the recall of Parliament, at 11.30am on Wednesday, and the lying-in-state at Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster.

The public will be able to pay their respects from 2pm to 6pm on Friday April 5, and then from 8am to 6pm each day from Saturday, April 6, to Monday, April 8.

In addition books of condolence are available at St James's Palace, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and, from today, at Windsor Castle