Center Parcs responds after telling guests to ‘stay somewhere else’ for Queen’s funeral

Center Parcs has responded after facing a backlash over its decision to close for the Queen's funeral.

Her Majesty is to be laid to rest next Monday (19 September), with her son King Charles III declaring the day a bank holiday.

As a mark of respect for the late Queen Elizabeth II, the resort's bosses announced that its parks will be closed for the entire day so that staff can pay their respects.

Guests were informed that they must be off the premises by 10.00am on Monday and would not be allowed to return until the following morning (20 September).

The last-minute move sparked a backlash from holidaymakers, who said the decision was anything but respectful to customers; however, Center Parcs has now reviewed its decision.

In a statement shared with LADbible, the holiday firm said: "Like many businesses we have taken the decision to close all our UK villages on Monday 19th September.

"This decision was taken as a mark of respect and to allow as many of our colleagues as possible to be part of this historic moment. We have contacted all the guests due to arrive on Monday 19th September and offered them a number of different options. Our villages will be open to welcome guests on Tuesday 20th September.

"The vast majority of our guests are either due to arrive or depart on Monday 19th September. We have however, reviewed our position regarding the very small number of guests who are not due to depart on Monday and we will be allowing them to stay on our villages rather than having to leave and return on Tuesday.

"The villages will still remain closed on Monday and we will be offering a discount for the lack of facilities available on that day."

Center Parcs announced the closure earlier today (Tuesday, 13 September), advising guests due to arrive on Monday not to travel.

Following the announcement of the date of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, we have made the decision to close all our UK villages on Monday 19 September at 10am as a mark of respect and to allow as many of our colleagues as possible to be part of this historic moment. 1/2

— Center Parcs UK (@CenterParcsUK) September 13, 2022

Guests have taken to social media to get answers since the news was shared, with many slamming the decision.

One customer said: "Very angry about this – we are not travelling directly to you, so this has left us stranded half way up the country without accommodation for a night. 30 percent offered is nowhere near close enough to covering the extra costs."

Another wrote: "This is a disgraceful way to treat your customers. Just who do you think you're trying to 'respect' here?

"I can just about see putting the funeral on in the bar or something but this is ludicrous. All those holidays ruined."

While a third commented: "This is without a doubt the worst reaction I've seen from any organisation. Unreal."

Center Parcs tweeted to say all affected customers would receive an email from the company regarding their arrangements.