People of all ages and walks of life paid their respects to the late Queen, joining a well-organized line that stretched along the south bank of the Thames and then over the river to the Westminster Hall of Parliament. But by mid-morning, the line was very long – a testament to the public’s respect and affection for the Queen, who died in Scotland on September 8 aged 96 after a 70-year reign. Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSign up “Entrance will be interrupted for at least 6 hours,” Britain’s culture department said. “Please do not attempt to join the queue until it reopens.” He warned of waiting times of up to 12 hours. Around 750,000 people in total are expected to pass by the Queen’s coffin. On Friday night, King Charles, who visited Wales on Friday, and his sister Princess Anne and brothers Princes Andrew and Edward will hold a silent vigil around the coffin, joining the ceremonial guard for a period of 15 minutes. “I have no feeling in my knees or my legs,” said Hyacinth Appah, a mourner from London who was in the queue. “But it was fine. Most of the people were great and we had a great time.” Another London mourner, Naomi Brown, said she waited almost 11 hours after queuing on Thursday night after work. “I just thought, I’m not going to do it again. I have so much respect for the Queen, not once does she falter,” Brown, 29, told Reuters as she approached the front of the Queue. “He was such a good symbol for our country. It’s like we’ve lost a family member.” The coffin stands in the ancient Hall of Westminster on a purple bier, draped with the Royal Standard and with the ornate imperial crown of state placed on top. Soldiers in ceremonial uniform and other dignitaries stand vigil around it as people file past to pay their respects after their long wait. Many shed tears and others saluted or bowed their heads. London police announced on Friday that the state funeral will be the biggest security operation they have ever undertaken, as prime ministers, presidents and royalty gather to pay their respects. US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron are among the foreign guests confirmed to attend.
VISIT TO WALES
King Charles, who ascended to the throne on the death of his mother, was meanwhile visiting Wales, the final leg of a UK tour to recognize his status as the new monarch and head of state and greet the grieving public for the loss of Elizabeth. Charles and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, attended a service at Cardiff’s Llandaff Cathedral before greeting cheering well-wishers outside. He was also visiting the Welsh Parliament and meeting Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford and other politicians. Wales holds particular significance for the new king, who for five decades prior to last week’s accession held the title of Prince of Wales. “His passion and affection for Wales was clear,” his spokesman said. “He has shown a lifelong commitment to the people of the country.” The Queen’s eight grandchildren, including the new Prince of Wales, Prince William, and his brother Prince Harry will hold a vigil at the coffin on Saturday evening, a royal family spokesman said. In a tweak to protocol, both Harry and Prince Andrew’s uncle will be allowed to wear military uniform when they take their turn, royal officials said. Both are war veterans, Andrew having served as a Royal Navy helicopter pilot in the Falklands War and Harry serving two tours with the British Army in Afghanistan. But they have so far appeared in processions in morning dress as they lost their honorary military titles when they stepped down from public royal duties. William visited troops from New Zealand, Canada and Australia stationed in Britain on Friday to take part in events surrounding the state funeral. He was accompanied by his wife Kate, the new Princess of Wales. The title was previously held by William’s mother, Diana, who was killed in a car crash in 1997. Read more Diana’s death also sparked a national outpouring of grief, and William spoke on Thursday of how last week’s official events revived memories of Diana’s funeral procession. On Wednesday, William, along with Charles and Harry, walked in a procession behind a carriage carrying the Queen’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, a scene reminiscent of when, as boys, 25 years ago years, the princes had followed Diana’s coffin. “Yesterday’s walk was challenging … it brought back some memories,” William said as he and Kate spoke to well-wishers and looked out at the sea of floral tributes outside the royal residence of Sandringham in eastern England.
SILENT SKIES
The state funeral is likely to be one of the grandest ceremonies ever held in the British capital, with thousands of military personnel taking part. Earl Marshal Edward Fitzgerald-Howard, the Duke of Norfolk, who is in charge of state affairs, said he hoped the funeral would “bring people together around the world”. London’s Heathrow Airport has announced it will cancel 15% of its flight schedule on Monday to reduce noise over the city and ensure the skies are quiet during two minutes of silence at the end of the funeral. read more Monday has been declared a national holiday. Many shops and supermarkets will be closed and a number of other economic activities will stop. Thousands of people face canceled doctor’s appointments or procedures under the state health service. Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSign up Additional reporting by Alistair Smout and Farouq Suleiman. Written by Angus MacSwan, Edited by Kate Holton and Alison Williams Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
