In line to view the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II thousands of people spent London’s coldest night in months huddled, and authorities warned Saturday that arriving mourners face a 16-hour wait.
A tide of people wanting to say goodbye streamed to Parliament’s Westminster Hall, where the queen’s coffin was lying in state, draped in her Royal Standard and capped with a diamond-studded crown.
Since the public was first admitted to the hall on Wednesday the numbers have grown steadily, stretching at least 5 miles (8 kilometres) from the hall with a queue that snakes around Southwark Park.
To greet people waiting to file past Elizabeth’s coffin King Charles III and his eldest son Prince William made an unannounced visit on Saturday, Honouring their patience. In the miles-long queue near Lambeth Bridge the two senior royals shook hands and thanked the mourners.
Since he became king on Sept. 8 Charles has made several impromptu walkabouts, in an attempt to meet as many of his subjects as possible. To get close to the king, people in the crowds offered their condolences and pushed against barriers.
Overnight, to people in line as the temperature fell to 6 degrees Celsius (43 degrees Fahrenheit) volunteers distributed blankets and cups of tea. Mourners described the warmth of a shared experience, despite the weather.
For the queen’s desire to be part of a historic moment people had myriad reasons for coming, from affection. Simon Hopkins, likened it to “a pilgrimage, who travelled from his home in central England.”
By the tide of emotion the royal family was “overwhelmed that has engulfed us and the sheer number of people who have gone out of their way to express their own love, admiration and respect (for) our dear mama, before the vigil, Edward said”
At the head of the coffin and Harry at the foot William, who after his grandmother’s death is now the heir to the throne, will stand. Both princes will be in uniform, who are military veterans.
However, both William and Harry wear their military uniforms at the Westminster Hall vigil the king has requested.
To see the queen, people queuing have been of all ages and come from all walks of life. Many bowed before the coffin or made a sign of the cross. Their medals shining in the spotlights, offered sharp salutes, several veterans.
Some people wept. Others blew kisses. Even if it lasted only a few moments, many hugged one another as they stepped away, proud to have spent hours in line to offer a tribute.
But the viewing has not been without incident. On Friday night Police arrested a man after what it called a “disturbance”. To approach the coffin parliamentary authorities said someone got out of the queue and tried.
Her 7-year-old niece Darcy Holland was pushed out of the way by a man who tried to “run up to the coffin, lift up the standard and try to do I don’t know what, Tracey Holland told Sky News.” In “two seconds” she said police detained the man.
A man was detained for a suspected public-order offense, The Metropolitan Police force said.
Until early Monday morning the lying-in-state continues, to nearby Westminster Abbey for a state funeral when the queen’s coffin will be borne, the finale of 10 days of national mourning for Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. In Scotland on Sept. 8 Elizabeth, 96, died at her Balmoral Estate after 70 years on the throne.
From all around the world hundreds of heads of state, royals and political leaders are flying to London to attend the funeral, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
With incoming prime ministers Charles is holding audiences Saturday, governor generals of the realms and military leaders.
Through the historic heart of London on a horse-drawn gun carriage the late queen’s coffin will be transported, after the service at the abbey.
To Windsor it will then be taken in a hearse, where the queen will be interred alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, who died last year.
For the final procession hundreds of troops from the British army, air force and navy took part in an early-morning rehearsal Saturday.
The thumping of drums echoed as marching bands walked ahead of a hearse, the Long Walk, as troops lined a picturesque path leading to Windsor Castle.
The force has ever handled London police say that the funeral will be the largest single policing event, surpassing even the 2012 Summer Olympics and the Platinum Jubilee in June celebrating the queen’s 70-year reign.
Source:- https://coinworldlive.com/on-line-for-queen-man-arrested-after-disturbance/
