The Queen’s coffin arrived at the Palace of Westminster after a mournful procession from Buckingham Palace. The procession saw the Queen’s coffin leave the palace at 2.22pm. The crowds lining the streets occasionally erupt into spontaneous applause or cheers. The coffin, which was followed by the King with his three siblings – Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, arrived at Westminster Hall shortly after 3pm. Princes William and Harry were also present. The Queen’s enthronement begins at 5 p.m.
read more
Live updates
Show latest updates 1663166504
Joe Biden talks to King
US President Joe Biden spoke to the King to convey “the great admiration of the American people for the Queen”. A White House statement said: “President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with King Charles III to express his condolences on the death of Queen Elizabeth II. “The President fondly recalled the Queen’s kindness and hospitality, including when she hosted him and the First Lady at Windsor Castle last June. “It also conveyed the great admiration of the American people for the Queen, whose dignity and stability deepened the enduring friendship and special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. “President Biden has expressed his desire to continue a close relationship with the King.” US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden / AFP via Getty Images1663166300
King leaves Westminster Hall as the service ends
The King and Queen Consort left Westminster Hall after a short service as the Queen’s coffin lay in state. The royal couple left the building side by side, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex holding hands. At 5pm members of the public who have been queuing for hours, sometimes days, will be able to pay their respects to the Queen. 1663165560
Royals watch as the procession continues
The royals look towards the coffin / Getty Images The King and senior members of the royal family greeted the coffin as it was carried by a party – eight soldiers from the Queen’s Company 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards – into the Hall. Queuing to watch were the Queen’s elderly cousins, Prince Michael of Kent and the Duke of Kent. Next to the Duke of Kent were the Duchess of Sussex, the Countess of Wessex, the Princess of Wales and then the Queen Consort. Dozens of extended royals stood in two rows at the side of Westminster Hall, including Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice and their husbands Zara and Mike Tindall, Lady Louise Windsor Viscount Severn, Lord Freddie Windsor and Princess Michael of Kent. Meghan appeared to take a deep breath as the Queen’s coffin passed in front of her. 1663165318
Pictures; March is coming to an end
The flag-draped coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is carried in procession in a gun carriage of The King’s Troop Horse Artillery from Buckingham Palace to Westminster / Getty Images Mounted by the Queen’s Company, the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II into Westminster Hall / POOL/AFP via Getty Images The procession with the coffin of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth arrives at Westminster Hall / REUTERS King Charles III, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Camilla, Queen Consort, Sir Timothy Lawrence, Mr. Peter Phillips, Sophie, Countess of Wessex , Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Beatrix and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent are seen inside the Palace of Westminster for Queen Elizabeth II’s State Lying / Getty Images1663164847
The service at Westminster Hall will begin
The Queen’s coffin has been placed in the vault at Westminster Hall to lie in state until Monday morning. Justin Welby, the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, gives prayers and a short homily. 1663164701
The Duchess of Sussex is led behind the coffin
The Duchess of Sussex is led behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II / POOL/AFP via Getty Images1663164497
Watch: Royals walk behind the coffin
King, William, Harry, Anne, Edward, Philip Walk Behind the Queen Elizabeth’s Coffin 1663164570
Guards carry the coffin into Westminster Hall
Soldiers, now without their helmets, carry the coffin inside as the kings follow. The coffin was carried into the estate through the Carriage Gates and passed through New Palace Yard, which features a fountain in its center to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Reminders of the Queen’s long reign appear all around New Palace Yard. In addition to the central fountain stand two lampposts marking the Queen’s platinum jubilee and the grounds are overlooked by the Elizabeth Tower in one corner, which was previously called the Clock Tower but was renamed for the Diamond Jubilee. 1663164360
March is coming to an end
The coffin has arrived at Westminster Hall and is carried inside on the shoulders of the guards. 1663164210
March is approaching the Parliament Square
Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin, draped in the Royal Standard with the imperial crown of state placed on top, is carried in a gun carriage of the King’s Royal Cavalry Artillery / AP Crowds lined Parliament Street eagerly awaiting the procession to pass. The people could be seen standing on an elevated part of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs building. The windows and balconies along the street were also filled with spectators.
