CHURCHES will host special services this weekend to give thanks for the life and faith of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Worshippers will pray for the new King, Charles III, the Royal Family and the nation at this time of national mourning, during their regular Sunday services in Hampshire.

Many are also remaining open each day from now until Monday, for people to sign books of condolence, pray and reflect, or light a candle in Her Majesty's memory.

Special civic services will take place in Southampton, Fareham, and Gosport, and will be attended by Lord Lieutenants or Deputy Lord Lieutenants, MPs, Mayors, civic and community leaders.

They will be held on Sunday afternoon and evening, the day before the State Funeral of the Queen.

In Southampton, there will be a Civic Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at St Mary's Church.

The service will be led by Bishop Debbie Sellin, the Bishop of Southampton, and the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Jacqui Rayment.

The event will start at 3pm on Sunday at the church on Chapel Road.

On Monday, HM Queen Elizabeth II State Funeral will be live streamed at Saint Mary's.

The church is also open from 3pm to 5pm every day this week for anyone who would like to pay their respects.

In Eastleigh, a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Queen will be held at 5pm on Sunday in All Saints Church.

The church on Desborough Road will also be open 3pm to 6pm from Monday to Friday this week for quiet reflection.

The community is "warmly invited" to these events.

READ MORE: Remembering the Queen in Southampton and Hampshire

In Fareham, a civic service will take place at St Peter and St Paul's Church.

The Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Mr Mike Ford, is expected to attend, along with councillors.

The service in the church in Osborn Road will start from 3pm on Sunday.

It will be led by the area dean of Fareham, the Rev Ian Meredith, vicar of Portchester.

In Gosport, there will be a civic service of commemoration and thanksgiving at Holy Trinity Church in Trinity Green, from 6.30pm on Sunday.

Civic dignitaries from the town will attend, including the Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Jamie Hutchinson, councillors, and a representative of the Royal Navy.

The service will be led by Ven Peter Sutton, currently vicar of Greatham, Empshott, and Hawkley with Priors Dean near Petersfield, former Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight and former vicar of St Faith's, Lee-on-Solent.

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