Queen funeral latest: Public prepare to pay their respects with queue more than 2 miles long
The Queue #TheQueue
Members of the public have begun to pay their respects to the Queen at the Palace of Westminer with the queue almost 3 miles long.
The late monarch’s coffin was brought from Buckingham Palace in a moving procession. Crowds lining the streets occasionally burst into spontaneous applause or cheers.
The coffin, which had been 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 in attendance.
The Queen’s lying in state began at 5pm, continuing until 6.30am on Monday – the day of the Queen’s funeral.
People pay their respects to the Queen
17:11 , Miriam Burrell
Many nodded at the Queen’s coffin and bowed as they slowly and silently filed past in Westminster Hall.
Some took off their hats and stood, taking in the moment. Others were seen crying.
First people enter Westminster Hall
17:07 , Miriam Burrell
The first members of the public have entered Westminster Hall at the Houses of Parliament to pay their respects to the Queen.
They are the first of thousands who are waiting in a queue that is almost three miles long, stretching across the Southbank to Tower Bridge.
The Queen will lie in state until 6.30am on Monday morning, the day of her state funeral.
Pictured: Thousands queue for Queen’s lying in state
16:52 , Miriam Burrell
(PA)
(AP)
(Getty Images)
From the archives: Queue for King George V
16:36 , Miriam Burrell
A photograph of the long queue of pilgrims to Westminster Hall to pay homage to King George V has been released.
The line was some two miles long in London on January 2 in 1936.
(AP)
Queue stretching to London Bridge
16:32 , Miriam Burrell
The queue to see the Queen lying in state has stretched 2.5 miles to London Bridge.
More than 4,000 people are waiting, with many prepared to wait all night to pay their respects.
In less than 30 minutes people at the front of the line will enter Westminster Hall.
(PA)
TfL faces biggest challenge in its history, boss says
16:25 , Miriam Burrell
Story continues
Transport for London (TfL) is facing the “biggest event and challenge” in its history, its boss Andy Byford says.
More than one million people are expected to travel to London to pay their respects to the Queen.
More than 19,000 people started or finished journeys at Hyde Park Corner station on Tuesday, which was double the total on the same day last week.
Green Park has been made an exit only station to prevent overcrowding.
Across the Tube network as a whole, TfL recorded 2.99 million journeys on Tuesday, up 8 per cent compared with a week earlier.
Will everyone in queue see the Queen’s lying in state?
16:15 , Miriam Burrell
Thousands of people have taken their spots in the queue for the Queen’s lying in state as the public prepares to pay its last respects.
The line has the capacity to stretch back 10 miles, with no guarantee that everyone who joins it will get to file past the late monarch’s coffin in Westminster Hall.
To help avoid disappointment, it is understood that entry to the back of the queue may be closed early, although it is too early to estimate when that moment might come.
Numbers will be monitored towards the end of the lying in state period, which must be completed by 6.30am on September 19, to ensure as near as possible that those already waiting are able complete their visit.
Entry to the line will also be paused for a time if the queuing infrastructure – stretching 6.9 miles from Victoria Tower Gardens to Southwark Park, with a further three miles within the park itself – reaches capacity.
There will be more than 1,000 volunteers, stewards, marshals and police officers on hand at any one time as people brave the wait on the banks of the Thames.
Watch: Procession accompanies Queen’s coffin into Palace of Westminster
16:11 , Miriam Burrell
Pictured: Service at Westminster Hall
16:09 , Miriam Burrell
After the Queen’s coffin arrived at Westminster Hall just after 3pm, a short service of prayer and reflection was attended by the King and Queen Consort, his siblings, children and other members of the Royal Family.
Members of the public will file into Westminster Hall from 5pm.
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Lying in state guidance
16:00 , Miriam Burrell
For those hoping to see the Queen’s coffin at Westminster Hall, guidance has been released on how to join the queue, the route of the queue and what to bring.
The queue is already around 2.4 miles long, stretching all the way to Southwark Bridge.
More information can be found here.
(PA)
Live queue tracker
15:54 , Miriam Burrell
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has published a live stream of the length of the queue to see the Queen’s coffin.
A YouTube video shows live updates on the end point of the queue, which is currently near Southwark Bridge.
What happens now?
15:48 , Miriam Burrell
The Queen’s coffin will be lying in state at Westminster Hall until Monday morning, the day of her state funeral.
The lying in state opens to the public at 5pm on Wednesday and will be accessible 24 hours a day.
Tens of thousands are expected to wait in the queue before walking past the coffin, which is raised on a catafalque and draped in the Royal Standard, with the Orb and Sceptre placed on top.
It will be guarded at all hours by units from the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.
(AP)
Joe Biden speaks with King
15:41 , Miriam Burrell
US President Joe Biden has spoken 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 offer his condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
“The President recalled fondly the Queen’s kindness and hospitality, including when she hosted him and the First Lady at Windsor Castle last June.
“He also conveyed the great admiration of the American people for the Queen, whose dignity and constancy deepened the enduring friendship and special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
“President Biden conveyed his wish to continue a close relationship with the King.”
US President Joe Biden and wife Jill Biden (AFP via Getty Images)
King leaves Westminster Hall as service ends
15:38 , Miriam Burrell
The King and Queen Consort have left Westminster Hall following a short service as the Queen’s coffin was laid to rest.
Royal couples left the building side by side, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex holding hands.
At 5pm members of the public who have been queueing for hours, some days, will be able to pay their respects to the Queen.
Royals watch on as procession continues
15:26 , Will Mata
Royals look towards the coffin (Getty Images)
The King and the senior royals saluted the coffin as it was carried by a bearer party – eight soldiers from Queen’s Company 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards – into the Hall.
Lined up to watch were the Queen’s elderly cousins Prince Michael of Kent and the Duke of Kent.
Next to the Duke of Kent was the Duchess of Sussex, the Countess of Wessex, the Princess of Wales and then the Queen Consort.
Dozens of wider members of the royal family 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.
Pictures; March nears its conclusion
15:21 , Will Mata
Queen Elizabeth II’s flag-draped coffin is taken in procession on a Gun Carriage of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery from Buckingham Palace to Westminster (Getty Images)
Pallbearers from The Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II into Westminster Hall (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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 Laurence, Mr Peter Phillips, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Beatrice and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent are seen inside the Palace of Westminster for the Lying-in State of Queen Elizabeth II (Getty Images)
Westminster Hall service set to begin
15:14 , Will Mata
The Queen’s coffin has been placed on the catafalque in Westminster Hall to lie in state until Monday morning.
Justin Welby, the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, is leading prayers and a short sermon.
The Duchess of Sussex is driven behind the coffin
15:11 , Will Mata
The Duchess of Sussex is driven behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Watch: Royals walk behind coffin
15:08 , Will Mata
Guards carry coffin inside Westminster Hall
15:07 , Will Mata
Soldiers, now wihout their helmets, are carrying the coffin inside as royals follow on.
The coffin was brought into the estate via the Carriage Gates entrance and passed through New Palace Yard, which features at its centre a fountain to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
Reminders of the Queen’s long reign feature all around New Palace Yard.
In addition to the centre-piece fountain, two lampposts stand marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the outdoor area is overlooked by the Elizabeth Tower in one corner, which was previously called Clock Tower but was renamed for the Diamond Jubilee.
March reaches conclusion
15:06 , Will Mata
The coffin has now reached Westminster Hall and is being carried inside on the shoulders of guards.
March approaches Parliament Square
15:03 , Will Mata
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown placed on top, is carried on a horse-drawn gun carriage of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery (AP)
Crowds on Parliament Street were eagerly waiting for the procession to walk past.
People could be seen standing on a raised part of the His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’ building.
The windows and balconies along the street were also filled with onlookers.
The march continues
15:01 , Will Mata
The guards and royals continue along Whitehall
Prince Edward, from right, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, Prince William, Princess Anne and King Charles III follow the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II (AP)
March reaches Whitehall and passes the Cenotaph
14:58 , Will Mata
King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Prince William, Prince Harry and Peter Phillips march forward (AP)
Procession in Westminster
14:56 , Will Mata
The procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament (REUTERS)
Crowds wipe away tears during procession
14:53 , Will Mata
The Duke of Wales, The Duke of Sussex, King Charles III, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex walk behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II (PA)
A number of people could be seen wiping away tears as the Queen’s coffin made its way down The Mall.
Members of the public held up their phones to film and take pictures of proceedings, with a number standing on their tip-toes to catch a glimpse of the procession.
Meanwhile, other Royals take car to Westminster
14:51 , Will Mata
The Queen Consort, the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Sussex and the Countess of Wessex have departed from Buckingham Palace by car for Westminster.
They travelled in a cortege with police escort vehicles past the Grand Entrance at around 2.45pm.
Parade moves past King George VI and the Queen Mother statues
14:49 , Will Mata
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown placed on top, is carried on a horse-drawn gun carriage of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery (PA)
The procession poignantly passed the statue of the Queen’s parents King George VI and the Queen Mother which overlooks The Mall.
The Imperial State Crown, worn by the Queen on the way back to Buckingham Palace after her Coronation, glittered in the daylight as the crowds held aloft their phones to capture the scenes.
March moves into Horse Guards Parade
14:47 , Will Mata
King Charles III and Princess Anne, the Princess Royal (AFP via Getty Images)
Royals moving in time to funeral music
14:44 , Will Mata
Guards march as part of the procession for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral (Getty Images)
The royals moved in time to the imposing funeral marches, in step with one another and the troops.
William stared straight ahead as he processed directly behind his father the King, in keeping with his place as the new heir to the throne.
Charles, in his Field Marshal uniform, held onto the end of his Field Marshal Baton, which was presented to him by his mother when he became Field Marshal in 2012.
Big Ben is tolling at one-minute intervals as the procession makes its way to the Palace of Westminster.
14:41 , Will Mata
The Elizabeth Tower also known as Big Ben (via REUTERS)
The procession moves along the Mall
14:40 , Will Mata
The procession moves along the Mall (Getty Images)
The procession: Pictures
14:38 , Will Mata
Britain’s King Charles III, Princess Anne , Prince Andrew and Prince Edward follow the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II (AP)
Britain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales walk behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Grenadier Guards flank the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II (AP)
Crown and Royal Standard
14:36 , Will Mata
The Queen’s coffin was draped with the Royal Standard and adorned with the glittering, priceless Imperial State Crown on a purple velvet cushion and a wreath of white flowers for the procession to the lying in state.
The flowers were white roses, spray white roses, white dahlias and foliage, including pine from the gardens at Balmoral and pittosporum, lavender and rosemary from the gardens at Windsor.
The coffin was borne on a Gun Carriage of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery – poignantly used for the coffins of the late Queen’s mother and father.
Known as the George Gun Carriage, it carried King George VI from Sandringham Church to Wolferton Station after his death in 1952 and was used in the funeral of the Queen Mother in 2002.
The crown above the coffin (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Procession to Westminster Hall begins
14:34 , Will Mata
The music of the march
14:32 , Will Mata
The Royal Marines Band Service are seen during the procession for the Lying-in State of Queen (via REUTERS)
Music played an important role during the procession carrying the Queen’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall where she will lie in state.
During the procession, the band of the Scots Guards and the band of the Grenadier Guards performed a number of different marches.
– Beethoven’s Funeral March No 1
The stately, mournful piece was played at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in April 2021, as well as the procession to the lying in state of the Queen Mother and the funeral of King Edward VII.
Despite being credited to Beethoven, the march is now widely believed to have been composed by German conductor and musician Johann Heinrich Walch, who lived between 1776 and 1855.
– Beethoven’s Funeral Marches No 2 and 3
These two pieces pieces are far more mournful and placid. Funeral March No 3 was played by the band of the Grenadier Guards at Philip’s ceremonial royal funeral at Windsor Castle.
– Mendelssohn’s Funeral March
Queen Victoria is said to have described German composer Mendelssohn, one of the most celebrated figures of the early Romantic period, as both “the greatest musical genius since Mozart” and “the most amiable man” – and his music remains common at British state and ceremonial occasions.
His funeral march is a grandiose piece that builds towards a dramatic climax.
– Chopin’s Funeral March
The Polish composer and piano virtuoso’s funeral march consists of the third movement of his Piano Sonata No 2.
Performed alone, the movement remains one of his most popular compositions and was performed at the graveside during his own burial in Paris in 1849.
It has also been played at the funerals of John F Kennedy, Sir Winston Churchill and Baroness Thatcher.
Procession begins its way down the Mall
14:29 , Will Mata
Guards march ahead of the procession of the Gun Carriage which will carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall in London (via REUTERS)
The coffin has left Buckingham Palace
14:27 , Will Mata
The Queen’s coffin has left Buckingham Palace in a procession including the King and other members of the royal family en route to Westminster Hall to lie in state until Monday morning.
Members of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery leave Wellington Barracks ahead of the ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall (Getty Images)
2.22pm – Procession begins
14:24 , Will Mata
The crowd have waited for hours or even days. Now they might catch sight of royals as they march towards Westminster Hall alongside the Queen’s coffin.
Ready to go
14:22 , Will Mata
The band has started playing ahead of the procession
The Coffin Carrying Queen Elizabeth II Is Transferred From Buckingham Palace To The Palace Of Westminster (Getty Images)
Met chairman, ‘police operation is very challenging’
14:18 , Will Mata
Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, described the policing operation as “very challenging”.
He told BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme: “It’s very challenging, it’s the biggest thing we’ve had to put in place for a public area and bear in mind this is completely public where everyone will be standing and gathering. So, it’s a real challenge for us purely because of the numbers.
“We’re not daunted by the operation at all … it’s been in place … for many, many years, but it’s the unknown, it’s the numbers. We’ve had estimates from a million to five million. We’ve got to see how that unfolds, my colleagues will be up to the challenge, do not be concerned by that, and we will deal with everything that’s put in front of us and the plans are in place for massive numbers.”
On security, he added: “There is huge training, my colleagues are trained probably the best in the world in terms of what they’d do and there are a lot of things in place where action can be taken to prevent a terrorist attack or any other sort of attack towards members of the royal family.”
On people holding up pieces of paper, he said: “No issues whatsoever, that’s part of our democracy, that’s what we are.”
The order of proceedings
14:16 , Will Mata
– The procession will begin at 2.22pm. The Queen’s coffin will be driven from Buckingham Palace – making the journey to Westminster Hall. King Charles, the Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex will walk behind it alongside other senior royals.
– It will travel along Queen’s Gardens, The Mall, Horse Guards and Horse Guards Arch, Whitehall, Parliament Street, Parliament Square and New Palace Yard. It will reach Westminster Hall around 3pm.
– Guns will be fired in Hyde Park and Big Ben will chime during the procession,
– The coffin will be placed on a platform – where it will remain until the funeral on Monday.
– From 5pm on Wednesday until 6.30am on Monday, the public will be able to walk past the coffin to pay their respects.
Pictured: Queen consort arrives
14:10 , Will Mata
The Queen Consort has arrived at Buckingham Palace.
Dressed in black and wearing a hat, Camilla appeared solemn as she passed thousands of well-wishers.
Queen Consort Camilla (REUTERS)
Pictures: London is ready
14:05 , Will Mata
Not long now…
Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby meeting members of the public in the queue on the South Bank near to Lambeth Bridge (PA)
Life Guards, and Blues and Royals (top R) units of the Household Cavalry (top) and Household Division Foot Guards (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Police officers ahead of the ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall (PA)
Members of the public wait along The Mall prior to the procession which will carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall in London (AP)
Other leaders not invited
13:49 , Will Mata
No representatives from Syria, Venezuela or Afghanistan have been invited to the Queen’s funeral, while North Korea and Nicaragua have been invited only at ambassadorial level, a Whitehall source has said.
Russia, Belarus and Myanmar leaders have also not been invited.
‘Please be aware that central London is likely to be the busiest it has ever been’
13:44 , Will Mata
Richmond Park MP Sarah Olney has tweeted some advice.
All ceremonial viewing areas now full
13:42 , Will Mata
All ceremonial viewing areas for the procession of the Queen’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall are full, London’s City Hall said.
The procession gets going in around 40 minutes.
Pictured: Guards ready for procession
13:40 , Will Mata
Members of the Household Cavalry march along the route prior to the procession which will carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall (AP)
No blanket postponing of funerals on Monday
13:30 , Will Mata
A funeral directors trade body has said there is no blanket postponing of funerals due to be held next Monday in light of the Queen’s state funeral and bank holiday.
The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), which represents more than 4,100 UK funeral homes, said some services will go ahead on September 19 but others will be postponed.
The NAFD believes the “vast majority of family wishes are being honoured”, based on conversations with members across the UK.
It said: “Although work is still ongoing, some funerals will go ahead, others are moving to a different date – led by the needs and wishes of the bereaved families involved.
“Most funeral services booked for September 19 will have been arranged many weeks ago, so funeral directors and cemeteries/crematoria are working with families to find the best approach for each one.”
The NAFD said it is up to each crematorium or cemetery operator to decide whether to remain open or to close, based on their local circumstances.
Funeral directors are “balancing the needs” of families who are waiting for a funeral, funeral home employees who wish to observe the Queen’s state funeral, and staff who may have additional caring responsibilities as a result of closures elsewhere.
The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management said decisions should be led by the needs of bereaved families.
It said it received guidance in an email from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on Monday saying disruption to services such as weddings and funerals should be minimised where possible.
It said: “We would advise that booked funerals should either stand, or be rearranged, depending on the families’ choice.”
The Local Government Association said: “Government guidance says that, where possible, local register offices should remain open to the public and disruption to services such as weddings and funerals should be minimised.
“Councils are having to take into account a number of factors before making any decisions about what services and events continue on the bank holiday.”
No10 responds to EU legal action
13:28 , Will Mata
Downing Street has vowed to respond to the European Union’s legal action over the Northern Ireland Protocol ahead of the deadline that falls during the mourning period for the Queen.
The bloc had demanded a response to its raft of infringement proceedings over the UK’s failure to comply with the post-Brexit rules before the end of Thursday.
The EU was expected to relax the deadline, as it fell within the mourning period during which politics as normal is paused in Britain.
But No 10 said it would be responding before the deadline regardless.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We recognise that date and we will be setting out our position ahead of that date.”
What the response will be was unclear, but it is expected to set out the UK’s thinking that no operational changes on how the protocol works are required.
A long, long wait to honour ‘best ever monarch’
13:25 , Will Mata
David Carlson has been waiting since Tuesday morning (Evening Standard Rachael Burford)
“The Queen is the greatest monarch the world has ever seen and I could not pass up a chance to honour her life,” said David Carlson.
The 75-year-old army veteran, from Wandsworth, was among the thousands queuing on Wednesday morning to visit the Queen’s coffin as it lies in state.
He arrived on the banks of the Thames yesterday at 10.30am and braved the wind and rain overnight in the hope of being one of the first into Westminster Hall where the monarch will lie for four days until her state funeral on Monday.
Read his full story here.
Blue skies over London
13:23 , Will Mata
The Queen’s coffin will be transported from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. (Getty Images)
Mourners gathering in London to attend the procession of the Queen’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall should have a dry afternoon after a cloudy morning.
Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said “early rain will clear to the south” by Wednesday afternoon, with the skies in central London “becoming brighter with some sunny spells”.
She added that it would still feel humid, with a maximum temperature of 23C.
The Met Office forecaster said it would be dry overnight with some clear spells, with a minimum temperature of 13C.
Millions of mourners are expected to make their way to London this week to pay their respects to the Queen at her lying in state at Westminster Hall.
Ms Shuttleworth said that from Thursday there would be “a lot of dry weather with sunny spells each day”.
However, she added that it would feel cooler than lately by day and night in the capital.
The Queen’s coffin arrived at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening, where it was met by the King, his siblings and both his sons.
Beth and Bluebell are the new dogs of Buckingham Palace
13:21 , Will Mata
The corgis that belonged to the Queen will now live with the Duke of York.
The King and Queen Consort have their own dogs – which will be moving in with them to Buckingham Palace.
Read more here.
Charles and Camilla pose for a photo with their dogs Beth and Bluebell (AP)
How to pay your respects to the Queen – from the procession, to lying-in-state, to the funeral
13:18 , Will Mata
Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin (LYNN HILTON)
Members of the public can attend the procession in person at the ceremonial-viewing areas
All the details are here.
London road and Tube closures ahead of Queen’s lying-in-state
13:13 , Will Mata
Her Majesty The Queen’s lying-in-state at the Palace of Westminster opens to the public from 5pm on Wednesday, September 14, until it closes at 6.30am on Monday, September 19, for the state funeral.
It will be open 24 hours a day.
As part of the policing operation known as Operation London Bridge, certain roads will be closed to all vehicles, and travel might be impacted.
For all the travel details, see our dedicated page here.
Why does The Queen’s procession to Westminster Hall start at exactly 2.22pm?
13:09 , Will Mata
It is a strange time, but there is a reason why the procession begins at 2.22pm!
Find out more, here.
Petition calling for annual ‘Queen Elizabeth Day’ bank holiday passes 100,000 signatures
13:07 , Will Mata
A petition calling for a permanent ‘Queen Elizabeth’ bank holiday has reached more than 100,000 signatures.
The campaign, on petitions site Change.org, proposes that September 8, the day of the Queen’s death, should become an annual bank holiday in celebration of Her Majesty’s life.
For more details, click here.
Round-up: London comes to a standstill to pay its final respects
13:04 , Will Mata
Police officers take up positions as street workers clear away rubbish along The Mall (PA)
Huge crowds lined the route from Buckingham Palace to Parliament from early on Wednesday to pay their final respects to Queen Elizabeth II.
Click here to see the article which will lead Wednesday’s Evening Standard.
Clarence House: Where is the royal residence and who lives there?
13:00 , Will Mata
Clarence House staff have been told that their jobs are at risk following the Queen’s death and King Charles III accession to the throne.
Staff members were told that some redundancies at Clarence House were “unavoidable” now that Charles and Camilla have become King and Queen Consort, respectively, as reported by The Guardian.
Many staff members reportedly believed that they would be absorbed into the King’s new household.
For more about the house and its functions, click here.
Where will the Queen be buried, and will she join her husband?
12:58 , Will Mata
Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, which is the resting place of her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, as well as Princess Margaret.
Her husband, Prince Philip, is also buried in the Royal Vault in the King George VI memorial chapel, alongside King George III, IV, and V, but will be interred to join the Queen in the memorial chapel.
The memorial is located within St George’s Chapel, at Windsor Castle, and its construction was completed in 1969 and named after the monarch’s father.
For the full article, click here.
Pictures: Crowds gather along the Mall
12:54 , Will Mata
A woman holds a union flag ahead of the Queen coffin transit (REUTERS)
Crowds of around ten deep are expected to line the Mall (REUTERS)
Military personnel clean a gun carriage as they make their final preparations at Wellington Barracks, central London, ahead of the ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II (PA)
Crowds gather at the Mall (REUTERS)
‘No proof of disability’ needed
12:46 , Will Mata
Crowds gather on the Mall ahead of procession (REUTERS)
No proof of disability will be required to use the accessible queue for the Queen’s lying in state, it is understood.
Marshals will be on hand to make sure people are in the correct line.
They – together with stewards – will also be told to proactively look out for anyone struggling, and take a pragmatic approach to assist them.
Nurse: King Charles ‘charming’ with ‘lovely’ handshake
12:43 , Will Mata
A nurse has paid tribute to King Charles (Getty Images)
A nurse has reflected on meeting the “extremely charming” King Charles twice and sharing a “lovely” handshake and smile with him.
The King has spoken to many people laying tributes for his late mother at various points since her death last Thursday, and one woman has recalled meeting Charles when he was a prince.
Michelle Beaver, who lives in Liverpool and works as a cardiology nurse, told the PA news agency that she met Charles twice in 2019 and that the moments left her with a “warm feeling” and induced plenty of laughter.
She first encountered Charles in February that year at the Marie Curie Hospice in Liverpool, where she has volunteered at and fundraised for the past 10 years, often through trekking overseas.
“I was going in one day because I used to do surveys with all the patients and just sit and chat with them and on one occasion staff members said to me: ‘pop back this afternoon, I can’t tell you why’,” the 50-year-old said.
“I thought it was a bit strange, but I popped back that afternoon and prince Charles was visiting because it was the 60th anniversary of the hospice being opened in Liverpool.
“I was standing on the ward with the nurses and he came along to say hello to us all.”
Queen coffin procession: In numbers
12:35 , Will Mata
There will be 779 professional stewards per shift, assisted by 100 civil service volunteer marshals, 40 adult scouts, and 30 members of the first aid nursing yeomanry, as well as Metropolitan Police officers.
There is further queue support from 10 members of the Red Cross, 30 multifaith pastors – co-ordinated by Lambeth Palace – and six Samaritans per shift.
There will also be two British Sign Language interpreters in the accessible queue.
Overall, there are 140 Red Cross volunteers from every nation in the UK, 120 from the Scouts, 170 from the Salvation Army, 180 from the Samaritans, 600 from St John Ambulance, and then the wider deployment of military personnel helping with the overall ceremonial events.
There are more than 500 Portaloos along the route.
There will be more than 1,000 volunteers, stewards, marshals and police officers on hand at any one time as people queue for the Queen’s lying in state, it is understood.
Scottish independence move ‘unlikely’
12:33 , Will Mata
The death of the Queen and subsequent commemorations are unlikely to move the needle on Scottish independence, one of the UK’s most trusted pollsters has said.
Queen Elizabeth II died last week at Balmoral, triggering what was called Operation Unicorn – a series of commemorations and events put in place if the monarch died in Scotland.
The Queen’s coffin was brought to Edinburgh on Saturday, then lying in state at St Giles’ Cathedral.
BBC to stream Queen’s lying in state
12:14 , Josh Salisbury
The BBC will stream the Queen lying in state, for people who want to pay their respects virtually, the broadcaster has said.
The global stream for those unable to queue in London will be launched from 5pm, when Her Majesty’s lying in state begins.
It will be available on the BBC home page, the BBC News website and app, the iPlayer, BBC Parliament and Red Button, said the BBC.
UK’s biggest pub group to stay open for Queen’s funeral
11:48 , Josh Salisbury
The UK’s biggest pub group has said it plans to keep venues open next Monday and show footage of the Queen’s funeral.
It comes as the vast majority of retailers have said they will shut their doors during the day as a mark of respect for the Queen.
However, Stonegate, which runs around 4,500 pubs and bars, said its managed venues will remain open to allow punters to celebrate the life of the Queen.
The Walkabout and Slug & Lettuce owner said those running its leased and tenanted pubs will decide separately whether to open their doors on the day, which will be a public bank holiday.
Pictured: Horses on Mall as crowds thicken
11:24 , Will Mata
The Blues and Royals cavalry regiment line up (PA)
POLL: Will you be attending the Queen’s lying-in-state in London?
11:17 , Will Mata
The results are in…
91 per cent of the 409 who voted said they will not be attending the lying-in-state.
Heathrow Airport: Flights to be axed during the Queen’s funeral on Monday
11:15 , Will Mata
Heathrow Airport flights are expected to be axed during the Queen’s funeral on Monday.
Heathrow said: “Passengers will be notified by their airlines directly of any changes to flights.
“We anticipate changes to the Heathrow operation on Monday September 19, when Her Majesty’s funeral is due to take place, and will communicate those in more detail over coming days.
“We apologise for the disruption these changes cause, as we work to limit the impact on the upcoming events.”
The Civil Aviation Authority has also imposed a restriction on airspace over central London which bans aircraft – including drones – flying below 2,500ft between September 9-19.
Crowds gather along the Mall – pictures
11:10 , Will Mata
Crowds gather along The Mall ahead of the ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall (via REUTERS)
Police are a presence along the street (via REUTERS)
Groups are awaiting the start of the procession (via REUTERS)
A military horse on The Mall (via REUTERS)
Procession viewing areas open to the public along the route
11:07 , Will Mata
It has just gone 11am, which means procession viewing areas will now open to the public along the route.
The procession will begin at 2.22pm.
Pictured: King arrives at palace in front of crowds
11:02 , Will Mata
King Charles’ convoy arrives at Buckingham Palace (AFP via Getty Images)
Crown actress ‘honoured’ to play Her Majesty
11:00 , Will Mata
Claire Foy has told the BBC she was “very honoured to have been a teeny, tiny, small part of,” the Queen’s story with her performance in Netflix series The Crown.
Claire Foy (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Archive)
First wristbands handed out in queue
10:57 , Will Mata
Yellow wristbands are being given out to the first 2,000 people on Albert Embankment.
They will need the bands to see the Queen lying in state.
National Moment of Reflection: What time is the minute’s silence on Sunday, in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth?
10:52 , Will Mata
On Sunday, a minute’s silence will be observed across the United Kingdom, in memory of Queen Elizabeth II, Downing Street has announced.
All the details are here.
More pictures: The King arrives at Buckingham Palace
10:49 , Will Mata
King Charles III waves to crowds at Buckingham Palace (REUTERS)
King Charles enters Buckingham Palace
10:46 , Will Mata
The King has arrived at the Palace.
King Charles arrives at Buckingham Palace (REUTERS)
More reactions from crowd members
10:45 , Will Mata
Crowds begin to gather along the Mall (PA)
Stella Single, from Coventry, said she could “feel the difference” in tone from other royal events as the thousands-strong crowd outside Buckingham Palace remained “sombre”.
“It’s very quiet, whereas usually it’s quite loud,” she said. “I can really feel the difference in the sound.
“My mum was a monarchist as well and I feel like I’ve lost a bit of her as well. I can’t stop crying.”
William Single, 19, said he got up at 5am to travel from Coventry in order to secure a spot outside Buckingham Palace to pay tribute to the Queen.
“I’m here because she served for 70 years and worked every day of her life, and I just want to say thank you,” he said.
Big crowds expected
10:40 , Will Mata
Hundreds of thousands are expected to be in London for the occasion, from Wednesday to Monday.
(PA)
Pictured: Public take positions ahead of procession
10:32 , Will Mata
Crowds begin to line the streets of Westminster (PA)
Pictured: Crowds gather ahead of procession
10:30 , Will Mata
People take pictures of The Mall, ahead of a procession (REUTERS)
Pictured: Crowds gather ahead of procession
10:29 , Will Mata
Members of the public ahead of the ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall (PA)
The next few days
10:27 , Will Mata
September 14-18
The Queen will be lying in state. Members of the public are invited to pay respects by the coffin from 5pm on Wednesday to 6.30am on Monday.
September 16-17
The King and the Queen Consort will visit Wales.
September 18
Foreign heads of state will begin arriving for the funeral.
September 19
Funeral for Queen Elizabeth II.
Longer read: The historical significance of lying-in-state and what it meant to the late Queen
10:02 , Will Mata
The Queen is now herself lying in state – having been introduced to the custom as a nine-year-old (LYNN HILTON)
The late Elizabeth II was a nervous nine-year-old when she was taken to Westminster Hall to pay her respects to her beloved grandfather George V. Here, Matthew Dennison, her biographer, recalls a poignant moment and reflects on what the tradition means now.
The full Evening Standard article is here.
‘Disappointment’ as Prince Harry is banned from wearing military uniform while Prince Andrew given exception
09:56 , Will Mata
Prince Andrew wore his military regalia for events such as the trooping of the colour (PA Archive)
Prince Harry has been barred from bearing military regalia while paying respects for the Queen, while his defrocked uncle Prince Andrew has been allowed to at the final state vigil.
Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday that only senior working royals who hold military ranks will be permitted to don their uniforms, with the exception of the two non-working senior royals.
The Duke of York has been granted special permission as a “special mark of respect” for his mother at the Vigil of the Princes, where none of the Queen’s grandchildren will be attending.
From the archive
09:38 , Sarah Harvey
The long, never ending queue of pilgrims to Westminster Hall to pay homage to King George V, was still some two miles long in London, on Jan. 26, 1936.
(AP)
Heathrow flights delayed so as to not fly over procession
09:25 , Will Mata
Heathrow Airport flights will be delayed so they do not disturb the Queen’s coffin procession on Wednesday.
The west London airport said in a statement that “out of respect” for the mourning period it will be making “appropriate alterations to our operation”.
These include flights being disrupted between 1.50pm and 3.40pm on Wednesday to “ensure silence over central London as the ceremonial procession moves from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall”.
The airport added: “Passengers will be notified by their airlines directly of any changes to flights.
“We anticipate further changes to the Heathrow operation on Monday September 19, when Her Majesty’s funeral is due to take place, and will communicate those in more detail over coming days.
“We apologise for the disruption these changes cause, as we work to limit the impact on the upcoming events.”
Vote now – will you be attending?
09:22 , Will Mata
Who is in line for the throne?
09:18 , Will Mata
Now Charles is King, how does that shake up the succession? The Royal Family has released its new list of titles and order.
1. The Prince of Wales
2. Prince George of Wales
3. Princess Charlotte of Wales
4. Prince Louis of Wales
5. The Duke of Sussex
6. Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor
7. Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor
8. The Duke of York
The duke and his daughters, Eugenie and Beatrice (PA Archive)
9. Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
10. Miss Sienna Mapelli Mozzi
11. Princess Eugenie, Mrs. Jack Brooksbank
12. Master August Brooksbank
13. The Earl of Wessex
14. Viscount Severn
The Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, Viscount Severn and the Earl of Wessex attend the Easter Service at St George’s Chapel (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Wire)
15. The Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor
16. The Princess Royal
17. Mr. Peter Phillips
18. Miss Savannah Phillips
19. Miss Isla Phillips
20. Mrs. Michael Tindall
21. Miss Mia Tindall
22. Miss Lena Tindall
23. Master Lucas Tindall
Pictured: Queues at Lambeth Bridge
09:12 , Will Mata
Members of the public join the queue on the South Bank near to Lambeth Bridge (PA)
Queen was ‘a legend’ says European Commission president
09:11 , Will Mata
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the Queen was a “legend” who “spoke not only to the heart of her nation but to the soul of the whole world”.
In a major speech in Strasbourg, Ms von der Leyen said: “As we look around at the state of the world today, it can often feel like there is a fading away of what once seemed so permanent.
“In some ways the passing of Queen Elizabeth II last week reminded us all of that.
“She is a legend. She was a constant throughout turbulent and transforming events in the last 70 years, stoic and steadfast in her service.
“But, more than everything, she always found the right words for every moment in time.”
From the archive: Leaders attend Queen Mother’s tribute in 2002
09:08 , Will Mata
Britain’s Prime Minister Tony Blair, front right, leader of the Liberal Democrats Charles Kennedy, front second right, Iain Duncan-Smith, the leader of the Conservative Party and Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, front left, file past officers from the Household Cavalry standing in vigil at the coffin of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother as it lies in state in Westminster Hall (AP)
Queen’s state funeral operation ‘bigger than 2012 Olympics’, says London transport boss
08:36 , Will Mata
Mourners lining the streets of London to see the Queen’s coffin are facing the strong possibility of heavy rain on Wednesday morning (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)
Transport chiefs face a challenge “bigger than the Olympics” with “millions” of people expected to travel to central London for the Queen’s Laying-in-State and funeral.
Transport for London commissioner Andy Byford said the organisation wanted to pay tribute to the Queen by running the best possible service despite the unprecedented pressures – and to thank her for unveiling the Elizabeth line, which turned out to be one of her last engagements.
Read the full article here.
First time in London for mourner
08:34 , Will Mata
Joyce Dawson, 54, from Middlesbrough, has never visited London before, but said she was “inspired” to travel down for the Queen’s lying in state after seeing the first people in the queue being interviewed on the TV news on Tuesday evening.
She told the PA news agency: “I texted my daughter and said ‘We have to go to London tonight’, so we’re here.
“It was a spur-of-the-moment thing.”
She and her daughter Shelby, 26, who has also never been to the capital before, got on the midnight coach from Middlesbrough and joined the queue at about 8am.
Joyce added: “It’s just nice to be a part of this. It’s exciting, I’m dead excited, I’m like a little kid.”
Amateur football clubs face wrath of FA
08:33 , Will Mata
The Football Association will deal with two amateur football teams who played a match last weekend when forbidden in “the strongest possible terms” – it has been reported.
Sheffield International and Byron House FC have been called out for “disrespectful and despicable” behaviour – with the FA having postponed all games after the Queen’s death.
The teams played a friendly as they could not put on a league match.
The Sheffield and District Fair Play League (SDFPL) said an investigation will commence.
Who were the prime ministers appointed by the Queen?
08:10 , Will Mata
The Queen on duty as she welcomes Liz Truss during an audience at Balmoral (PA Wire)
Only a few days before her death, Queen Elizabeth II met Liz Truss – who became the fifteenth prime minister to serve under her.
The others have been:
Winston Churchill: 1951-55. “All the film people in the world, if they had scoured the globe, could not have found anyone so suited to the par,” he said. The pair went onto enjoy a close relationship.
Anthony Eden: 1955-57. The first appointed by the Queen, who was crowned in 1952.
Harold Macmillan: 1957-63. Described the Queen as having the “heart and stomach of a man.”
Alec Douglas-Home: 1963-64.
Harold Wilson, 1964-1970, then 1974-76. The first Labour prime minister of the reign.
James Callaghan, 1976-1979.
Margaret Thatcher, 1979-1990.
John Major, 1990-1997. Once said: “One can say to the queen absolutely anything. Even thoughts you perhaps don’t want to share with your Cabinet.”
Tony Blair, 1997-2007. Mr Blair was the first prime minister to have been born during the Queen’s reign — a fact that the monarch brought up at their first meeting.
Gordon Brown, 2007-2010.
David Cameron, 2010-2016. A contemporary of Prince Edward – who went to school with Mr Cameron.
Theresa May, 2016-2019.
Boris Johnson, 2019 to 2022.
Train directions for September 19
07:56 , Will Mata
National Rail has provided some advice for passengers travelling on the day of the Queen’s funeral – September 19.
“On the day of the funeral, off-peak restrictions will not apply and off-peak tickets can be used throughout the day. You should check before you travel on the day as London and Windsor are expected to be very busy,” a statement read.
“We are working with our partners to review arrangements to get people to view the funeral where possible and where there is capacity. “
ICYMI: Tribute from Princess Anne
07:48 , Will Mata
The Princess Royal shared her thoughts with a post on Instagram on Tuesday.
I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life. It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys. Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting.
We will all share unique memories. I offer my thanks to each and every one who share our sense of loss.
We may have been reminded how much of her presence and contribution to our national identity we took for granted. I am also so grateful for the support and understanding offered to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the added responsibilities of The Monarch.
To my mother, The Queen, thank you.
Pictured: Britain mourns Queen Elizabeth
07:45 , Will Mata
People gather on the day the coffin of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth is transported from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament for her lying in state (REUTERS)
Click here to read the full blog on The Evening Standard’s website