Tens of thousands of mourners have joined the queue to pass the monarch’s coffin as it lies in state, with queues doubling in length in just six hours. People have been passing the casket since Wednesday afternoon, many wiping their eyes with tissues as they bowed or bowed. Mourners queue through the night as coffins pass out – follow the latest updates Former Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip also paid their respects this morning. Watch the queen in state live stream By 10 a.m., the line was over three miles long, and by 1 p.m. it had reached about four miles. Andrew Halas, who has been queuing since 6am, said it was “a wonderful experience”. The 70-year-old told the PA news agency: “I’m not really a royal, but I felt I had to come and pay my respects to a very good man.” He added: “I haven’t seen the Queen or been with the Queen in any way shape or form, but I just feel that somehow, indelibly, she has created a connection with people of my generation. “It’s kind of like closure because she is, I think, an incredible person. The whole world knows about the Queen.” Amy Harris described the atmosphere at Westminster Hall as “breathtaking”. The 34-year-old, who traveled to London from Birmingham to join the queue, said: “When you can get in and have a bit of time to look at it and think… “The serenity of it – to be able to pay your respects in such a peaceful place, it’s very peaceful.” James Cross, 65, said: “It’s like the only person there is you. “You walk in and you hear a pin drop.” The Queen’s coffin is raised on a bier and draped in a Royal Standard while in Westminster Hall. It is guarded around the clock by units of the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division or the Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London. One of the guards collapsed overnight and nearby officials were seen rushing to his aid after he appeared to pass out. Read more about the Queen: Seven things to look out for as the Queen is in state People queued overnight in central London to see the Queen lie in state. The queue, which starts on Albert Embankment next to Lambeth Bridge before running down to the River Thames, is managed by officers, volunteers and administrators from the Metropolitan Police. People waiting in line have been given a colored and numbered wristband. The Queen’s coffin will remain on display for four days until 6.30am on Monday – the day of her funeral.
