Stock Photo - The public mourning ceremony in honour of the late Czech pop music star Karel Gott started in the Zofin Palace on an island in the Prague centre at 08:00 today, on Friday, October 11, 2019. Hundreds of Gott's fans have been waiting on the embankment since last night to pay their last respects to their icon. The Zofin Palace is to close at 22:00. However, the opening hours may be prolonged until midnight in the case of a high interest. Besides, people can say their last good-bye to Gott in Prague's Kinsky Garden where another commemorative palace will be opened, after an agreement with Gott's family, from 10:00 to the midnight on Sunday. Gott, who was also popular abroad, mainly in Germany, died at home in his villa in Prague's Bertramka, on October 1, at the age of 80. He suffered from acute leukemia. The government declared Saturday a national day of mourning when the flags on the state offices and institutions would fly at half mast. Gott's coffin is placed on a stage in the Zofin Palace, decorated with a heart made of red roses, a treble clef of roses and the Czech flag. Gott's medal For Merit for his contribution to Czech culture that then president Vaclav Klaus awarded him in 2009 is also displayed on the stage. The coffin is surrounded with big white lit candles and soldiers are patrolling along the sides of the stage. Based on the government's decision, the ceremony is held with state honours. Gott's songs, including those in German, are being played in the hall, while the organisers have selected slow ones. (CTK Photo/Roman Vondrous)