David Mulcahy, vice president of the Craft Guild, has contacted all those involved to explain: "Given the national importance and impact of the state funeral on Monday 19th September, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the competition final and awards evening on the same day.
“We share your disappointment given the level of planning and preparation by competitors, sponsors, judges, guest chefs, host venues and of course invited guests.
“However, it is important to us to respect the national days of mourning ahead and to run the competitions at a later date, and more appropriate time.
“For 50 years the National Chef of the Year and more recently Young National Chef of the Year have been evolving and rising to the many challenges we continue to face.
“We have no doubt that the final and awards celebration will be held as soon as is possible to mark this historic milestone within culinary competition at the highest level.
“We will be in touch to update all involved next week once we know more.
In the meantime, we will take this respectful pause in recognition of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passing and in support of The Craft Guild of Chefs Patron, HRH The Countess of Wessex.”