The king and his eldest son made the impromptu walk, shaking hands and sharing words of condolence as they took a brief break from their schedules ahead of the Queen’s funeral on Monday. Hundreds of people queuing in Lambeth, south London, cheered and clapped as Charles and William appeared. Many snapped photos and pressed against the metal barriers, eager to exchange a word with the king and crown prince as they shook hands with those closest to them. Funeral rehearsals held in the early hours – follow the latest updates Watch live stream of the Queen in state Many also shouted “God Save the King” and “God Save the Prince of Wales” and “we love you William” as each passed. A woman holding a large Paddington Bear soft toy greeted the King, while some of his security staff asked well-wishers to “put the phones down please guys… enjoy reality” as the new monarch approached a sea from phones he endured to film the moment. Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales asked if some of those queuing were warm enough, telling them he hoped the queue would go quickly and joking with a well-wisher, “you have very warm hands”. Another announced they had traveled from the Czech Republic, to which the Prince of Wales said: “Unbelievable. [the Queen] I never would have believed that, honestly. It’s amazing.” Image: Paddington Bear was there to meet the King and Prince of Wales too William outlasted his father, teasing the crowd: “My father is faster than me.” Looking ahead to the future, a woman told him, “You will be a brilliant king one day.” Before the walk, King Charles had thanked emergency service staff for their work during the period of mourning, meeting London’s Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley. He was also briefed by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jane Connors and Commander Karen Findlay, who are leading police operations across London before and during the Queen’s funeral. Home Secretary Suella Braverman and London Mayor Sadiq Khan were also present. Image: King Charles III talks to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley In what was clearly a very emotional time for the new king, he was also busy traveling around the UK, visiting all four corners of the union – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The day after his mother’s death, on Thursday 8 September, he met the new Prime Minister Liz Truss, before addressing the nation in a televised address. He then attended the Accession Council, hosted a reception for UK High Commissioners and traveled to Scotland where he met First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. He later traveled to Hillsborough Castle – the monarch’s official residence in Northern Ireland – and attended a memorial service for the Queen at St Anne’s Cathedral. He continued to lead the Queen’s coffin procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall on Wednesday, along with his siblings Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Prince Andrew. On Thursday, the king took a day off from public duties but was said to have been busy behind closed doors, taking phone calls from many world leaders expressing their sympathy. Image: King Charles greets the crowds in Cardiff On Friday, King Charles visited Wales, the final leg of a tour of the United Kingdom to recognize his status as the new monarch and head of state and greet the public. 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. The king returned to London that evening, to hold a vigil by his mother’s coffin in Westminster Hall with his three brothers, all dressed in military uniform. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 3:03 The four senior members of the royal family stood guard at the four corners of the catafalque, taking turns to watch over the monarch’s coffin. Read more: Queen’s funeral plans: Everything you need to know Who will be at the Queen’s funeral (and who won’t) The Queen’s eight grandchildren will hold a vigil on Saturday night. In a break from royal protocol, both Harry and Prince Andrew’s uncle have been allowed to wear military uniform when they take their turn, royal officials said. Celebrities spotted paying their respects include former England football captain David Beckham, who spent 12 hours queuing to see the Queen lie in state, and Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield who walked past the Queen’s coffin . Image: Watch and watch the Queen’s funeral on TV, web and apps on Monday from 9am
