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Friday, March 29, 2024

LIVE BLOG: Queen Elizabeth lowered into Royal Vault at St George’s Chapel

Queen Elizabeth’s coffin has been interred at St George’s Chapel.

The monarch has been lowered into the Royal Vault in the chapel on the Windsor Estate, where it will remain until 7.30pm on Monday, when a private burial will take place.

During the committal service, the Dean of Windsor received the Instruments of State – the Imperial State Crown, the Orb and the Sceptre which had been placed on top of the coffin – from the Queen’s Bargemaster and a Serjeant of Arms.

At the end of the service’s final hymn, ‘Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation’, King Charles stepped forward to place The Queen’s Company Camp Colour of the Grenadier Guards on top of his mother’s coffin and the Lord Chamberlain broke his wand of office and placed it on top.

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The Dean recited Psalm 103.

He said: “Like as a father pitieth his own children: even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him. For he knoweth whereof we are made: he remembereth that we are but dust. The days of man are but as grass: for he flourisheth as a flower of the field. For as soon as the wind goeth over it, it is gone: and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth for ever and ever upon them that fear him: and his righteousness upon children’s children.

“Go forth upon thy journey from this world, O Christian soul; In the name of God the Father Almighty who created thee; In the name of Jesus Christ who suffered for thee; In the name of the Holy Spirit who strengtheneth thee.

“In communion with the blessèd saints, and aided by Angels and Archangels, and all the armies of the heavenly host, may thy portion this day be in peace, and thy dwelling in the heavenly Jerusalem. Amen.” – Bang Showbiz

Queen Elizabeth’s coffin arrives in Windsor

Queen Elizabeth’s coffin has arrived in Windsor.

The convoy with the hearse carrying the late monarch’s coffin arrived at Shaw Farm Gate in Albert Road, Windsor, at 3.07pm on Monday and has joined the already-formed funeral procession.

The hearse – which is covered in flowers thrown by well-wishers lining the route from London to Windsor – and the rest of the procession will head up the Long Walk to Windsor Castle, where a committal service will then take place at St. George’s Chapel.

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Gun fire can be heard every minute, followed five seconds later by the chiming of the Sebastopol Bell.

After accompanying the hearse on its 90-minute journey, the queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, have now headed to Home Park to proceed to the Quadrangle.

Several minutes earlier, this Royal Standard was raised above Windsor Castle, indicating that King Charles has already arrived ahead of the next service.

St George’s Chapel is already filled with mourners ahead of the committal service.

At around 2.30pm, members of the public were asked not to try and get to the Long Walk as it had reached capacity. – Bang Showbiz

Queen Elizabeth’s coffin transferred to hearse for its final journey to Windsor

Queen Elizabeth’s coffin has been transferred to a hearse for its final journey to Windsor on Monday afternoon.

The monarch’s body was taken by gun carriage from her funeral at Westminster Abbey for a military procession through central London, and after arriving at Wellington Arch, the body was moved to the car, and a royal salute took place ahead of the playing of the National Anthem as the vehicle began its journey to Windsor ahead of the Committal Service at 4pm.

The queen’s children, led by King Charles, and grandsons Princes William and Harry walked in the procession, while a number of female royals – including Queen Consort Camilla, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex – travelled by car.

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As the procession passed the Cenotaph, the King and his siblings saluted the memorial to soldiers killed in the First and Second World Wars.

Crowds in Whitehall applauded the procession and shouted cheers of ‘Hip, Hip Hooray’ as it passed, while on Constitution Hill, the members of the public who had gathered to pay their respects waved flowers – Bang Showbiz

Queen Elizabeth’s coffin leaves Westminster Abbey

Queen Elizabeth’s coffin has left Westminster Abbey.

The monarch’s funeral service ended at around 12pm on Monday and a procession headed by a group including the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Reverend Robert Latham Minor Canon and Sacrist, the Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Precentor Paul Baumann then headed out of the historic building to take the casket back to the state funeral gun carriage ahead of its procession through central London and its journey to Windsor later in the afternoon.

The coffin was followed by members of the royal family, headed by King Charles and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla.

They were followed by Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Prince Andrew, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Next in line was Prince William, his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their two children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, ahead of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the Earl of Snowdon, Princess Anne’s son, Peter Phillips, and then the Duke of Gloucester.

Prince Michael of Kent and the Duke of Kent completed the royal procession.

The full procession will be made up of several groups – including the royal Candian Mounted Police, various armed forces detachments, and NHS workers – which each accompanied by a service band.

Guns will be fired in Hyde Park by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery every minute during the procession, and Big Ben will toll every minute. – Bang Showbiz

Queen Elizabeth’s funeral ends with poignant performance of ‘The Last Post’

Queen Elizabeth’s funeral came to an end with a poignant performance of ‘The Last Post’ and a rendition of the ‘National Anthem’.

The late monarch was remembered at a state funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday attended by leaders from around the world and royals, including King Charles and William, Prince of Wales – and the moving service was brought to an end with a haunting bugle call of ‘The Last Post’.

The congregation of 2 000 then sang the ‘National Anthem’ using the words ‘God Save The King’ in honour of the new monarch King Charles which was followed by The Queen’s Piper, Warrant Officer Class 1 (Pipe Major) Paul Burns playing ‘Sleep, Dearie, Sleep’.

Around 2 000 mourners gathered at the Abbey to pay their final respects to the UK’s longest-reigning monarch and readings were given by UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, Baroness Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and the sermon was offered by Most Rev. and Right Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.

Other speakers included Rev. Dr Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and his Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster.

Guests at the service included politicians and world leaders with US President Joe Biden in attendance along with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former UK leaders Boris Johnson and Sir Tony Blair.

After the funeral, the Queen’s coffin will be taken to Windsor for a committal service at St George’s Chapel at 4pm and she will then be buried alongside her late husband the Duke of Edinburgh – who passed away in April 2021 aged 99 – in a private ceremony at 7.30pm. – Bang Showbiz

Archbishop of Canterbury reflects on Queen Elizabeth’s ‘well-kept promise’ to serve

The Archbishop of Canterbury reflected on Queen Elizabeth’s “well-kept promise” to serve at her funeral on Monday.

Justin Welby delivered the sermon at the late monarch’s state funeral in London’s Westminster Abbey and discussed the “faith and hope” she kept with her throughout her life.

He said: “The pattern for many leaders is to be exalted in life and forgotten after death.

“The pattern for all who serve God – famous or obscure, respected or ignored – is that death is the door to glory. Her Late Majesty famously declared in a 21st birthday broadcast that her whole life would be dedicated to serving the Nation and Commonwealth. Rarely has such a promise been so well kept!

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“Few leaders receive the outpouring of love we have seen. Jesus – who in our reading does not tell his disciples how to follow, but who – said: “I am the way, the truth and the life”. Her Late Majesty’s example was not set through her position or her ambition, but through whom she followed. I know His Majesty shares the same faith and hope in Jesus Christ as his mother; the same sense of service and duty.

“In 1953 the Queen began her Coronation with silent prayer, just there at the High Altar. Her allegiance to God was given before any person gave allegiance to her. Her service to so many people in this nation, the Commonwealth and the world had its foundation in her following Christ – God himself – who said that he “came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

“People of loving service are rare in any walk of life. Leaders of loving service are still rarer. But in all cases those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and privileges are forgotten.”

The archbishop cited the queen’s “abundent life and loving service” for inspiring the outpouring of grief around the world following her death on 8 September. – Bang Showbiz

Queen Elizabeth’s coffin leaves Westminster Hall

Queen Elizabeth’s coffin has left Westminster Hall.

The body of the monarch – who died aged 96 on 8 September – has been lying in state since last Wednesday but it was taken by the state funeral gun carriage to Westminster Abbey for her funeral service at 10.44am on Monday, towed by 142 sailors from the Royal Navy.

The coffin was followed by the queen’s four children, King Charles, Princess Anne, and Princes Charles and Edward, and her grandchildren Prince Willam, the Duke of Sussex, and Peter Phillips walking on foot behind.

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They were followed behind by other senior male royals, including the queen’s cousin the Duke of Gloucester, her nephew the Earl of Snowdon and Anne’s husband Sir Tim Laurence.

The wreath on top of the queen’s coffin contains, at Charles’ request, flowers and foliage taken from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Highgrove. – Bang Showbiz

Public viewing areas for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral procession are closed

Public viewing areas for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral procession have closed after filling to capacity in the hours ahead of the event.

Officials announced shortly after 9am on Monday that viewing areas have been shut along the route which stretches from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch past The Mall and Buckingham Palace with new arrivals being denied admission and sent to Hyde Park instead where they can watch the procession on a big screen.

A statement posted on London’s City Hall Twitter account reads: “All procession viewing areas are now full. There is no entry to any new arrivals. Please follow the stewards and police. If you are in the area or about to arrive, use the dedicated walking route to Hyde Park to watch Her Majesty The Queen’s State funeral and procession.”

Mourners have been camping out along the route for hours with many staying there overnight to guarantee themselves the chance to watch the funeral procession.

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NHS worker Jessica Bawden, 53, was among those who got there early and she said: “I’m not a monarchist but I was very fond of the Queen and so was my mum and gran. They’re both not here anymore so I wanted to go for them.”

Hundreds of thousands are expected to line the streets to watch while more than 100 000 are expected to watch from Hyde Park. – Bang Showbiz

Mourners take their seats at Westminster Abbey

Mourners started taking their seats at Westminster Abbey three hours before Queen Elizabeth’s funeral is set to begin.

The King’s Guards trooped through the gates of the historic building then the doors were opened shortly after 8am and guests began filing in and sitting down prior to the start time of 11am with early attendees including UK Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi.

They will be among a congregation of around 2000 expected to attend the service alongside the royal family including King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales, who will be joined by their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The couple’s youngest child, four-year-old son Prince Louis, will not be attending.

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The opening of the Abbey’s doors came 90 minutes after the final members of the public filed past the Queen’s coffin lying in state at Westminster Hall ahead of the funeral.

Hundreds of thousands of people queued throughout the week to pay their final respects to the late monarch – who died on September 8 at the age of 96 following a 70 year reign – and the lying in state came to an end at 6.30am on Monday. – Bang Showbiz

Royal family releases new picture of Queen Elizabeth ahead of state funeral

The British royal family have released a previously unseen picture of the late Queen Elizabeth as the country prepares for her final farewell.

“The photo was taken to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee – the first British Monarch to reach this milestone,” the Royal Family wrote on its official Twitter account.

Thousands camp overnight to get best spots to view Queen Elizabeth’s funeral procession

By Andrew MacAskill

Thousands of people camped overnight in London to get the best spots for viewing Queen Elizabeth’s funeral procession on Monday. The best prepared had tents, sleeping bags, blow up beds and flasks of tea.

Others were sitting or sleeping on the ground in only their jackets. One couple were seen asleep just in their clothes, their arms interlocked for warmth, and, perhaps, for comfort.

Melanie Odey, 60, a teacher, was at the front of the barriers along the Mall outside Buckingham Palace. She had camped overnight in a tent with two daughters and grandchildren after arriving on Sunday afternoon at 4.30pm.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of history, to pay your respects,” she said with a pink scarf wrapped around her head. “The atmosphere is so unique. I had to come. It has definitely been worth it,” she said, adding that it was the least she could do to honour the late monarch.

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“She has always been a big part of my life. She has always been there guiding us. She cared so much about this country.”

Odey said people in the queue were friendly and shared stories until about 11pm when some tried to sleep.

People continued to arrive throughout the night arriving by taxi or the extra trains put on to accommodate the crowds. – Reuters

Mother and daughter last people to see Queen Elizabeth lying in state

A mother and daughter were the last people to join the queue to see Queen Elizabeth lying in state.

The late monarch – who died on September 8 at the age of 96 following a 70-year-reign – has been lying in state at Westminster Hall since Wednesday and mother and daughter Christine Rogers, 62, and Sarah Rogers, 29, were the last of the estimated 400 000 people to have been given access to the queue as entry closed at 10.41pm on Sunday.

A volunteer handed Christine the last wristbands as he said: “You are the last person to join the queue” and she replied: “Oh bless you!” as both cheers and cries could be heard from the hundreds of mourners behind her, who had missed out on the chance to file past Her Majesty’s coffin before the mother and duo were eventually applauded by the crowds.

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Over the course of the last few days, mourners have faced a waiting time of up to 30 hours and Chrstine – who travelled nearly 100 miles from Ipswich to join the queue at 10am on Sunday – admitted she “wouldn’t have dreamt” of becoming the last person to be granted entry.

Her daughter Sarah told The Sun newspaper: “It means a lot to get through the queue and pay our respects. She’s been a constant in my life and in my mum’s life so we felt like we needed to come and say goodbye. We went the wrong way at first but eventually we found the queue. It means a lot to get through the queue and pay our respects.” – Bang Showbiz

Entry to queue to see Queen Elizabeth lying in state permanently closed

Entry to the queue to see Queen Elizabeth lying in state has been permanently closed.

The late monarch – who passed away on September 8 at the age of 96 following a 70-year reign – has been lying-in-state at Westminster Hall since Wednesday and thousands of mourners had queued for up to 30 hours to pay their respects but the DCMS announced at 11pm on Sunday that no-one else will be able to join the line as the country prepares for her funeral on Monday.

A messaged shared by the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport stated: “The queue to attend the Lying-in-State of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has now closed. Live streams are available to watch online and on TV if you are not already in the queue.”

Earlier in the day, the organisation had warned that entry to the queue would close when it reached “full capacity” and just hours prior to that, those wishing to file past the coffin had been told not to “set off” from their homes.

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In a tweet, the DCMS said: ” HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN’S LYING-IN-STATE QUEUE UPDATE, 5:00PM, 18 Sep

“Queuing time is at least 9.5 hours Queue end is in Southwark Park”

Prior to the tweet sent out on Sunday afternoon, members of the public wishing to pay their respects to the monarch had initially been warned that they needed to be in the queue by 12:30am on Monday in order to make it into Westminster Hall before it closes at 6:30am. – Bang Showbiz

Biden expected to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth on Sunday – White House

U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to pay his respects to Britain’s late Queen Elizabeth on Sunday, the White House said on Saturday.

Leaders from all over the world are flying to London ahead of the state funeral in London on Monday.

The queen’s queue: people line up for 16 hours to see coffin

By Kate Holton and Michael Holden

People flocked to central London to join a queue to file past the coffin of Queen Elizabeth on Saturday, undeterred by a government warning to stay at home to avoid standing in line for hours to see the late monarch’s lying-in-state.

Tens of thousands of people have already filed past the coffin in a steady, solemn stream, queuing for hours through the dark and cold to pay their respects to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch – a testimony to the affection in which she was held.

By mid-morning, the culture ministry said the waiting time stood at up to 16 hours to reach Westminster Hall to take part.

Britain urges people not to travel to join queen’s queue

By Kate Holton and Michael Holden

The British government urged people on Saturday not to travel to join the queue to file past the coffin of Queen Elizabeth as the huge demand means people are having to stand in line for at least 24 hours to reach her lying-in-state.

Tens of thousands of people have already filed past the coffin in a steady, solemn stream, queuing for hours through the dark and cold to pay their respects to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch – a testimony to the affection in which she was held.

On Saturday the culture department said it would pause entry to the queue if demand became too high, adding at 1 a.m. (0000 GMT): “Please do not travel.”

The death of the queen on Sept. 8 at her summer estate in the Scottish highlands has sparked an outpouring of emotion across the country and 10 days of highly choreographed events.

A man has been arrested for grabbing Queen Elizabeth’s coffin.

Officers tackled the man to the floor after he rushed towards the coffin and tried to lift the Royal Standard, which was draped over the coffin of the late royal.

The shocking incident took place 10pm at Westminster Hall on Friday, when the man shoved mourners aside, including a seven-year-old girl, and rushed towards the coffin.

He was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.

One witness told MailOnline: “We saw him (the man) in the queue from the beginning of the queue and throughout the day, he was by himself.

“When we entered the room we were at the top of the stairs when we saw the incident. A lady screamed as it happened it was quite unnerving. Although he was detained and people kept calm and carried on.”

Another witness, Tracey Holland, whose seven-year-old niece, Darcy, was pushed aside by the man, said: “A person decided they were going to push my seven-year-old niece out the way, run up to the coffin, lift up the standard and try to do I don’t know what. She was grabbed out the way and the police had him within two seconds.

“(It was) terrible, absolutely terrible, so disrespectful and unbelievable – and this poor little seven-year-old child, this is her lasting memory of the Queen.” – Bang Showbiz

David Beckham sheds a tear as he files past coffin of Queen Elizabeth

David Beckham shed a tear as he filed past the coffin of Queen Elizabeth.

The 47-year-old football star had joined the queue in London to see the coffin of the late British monarch – who is lying in state at Westminster Hall following her death on September 8 at the age of 96 – at around 2am on Friday and was seen looking emotional as he paid his respects to her after a 13-hour wait.

He told ITV: “”Her Majesty meant so much in so many different ways. I can speak on my behalf of the amount of times I was able to meet her through my career.

“Every time we stood there and wore those Three Lions shirts and I had my armband and we sang God Save Our Queen – that was something that meant so much to us. Every time that we did it, it was something special.”

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The former England captain – who is married to ex-Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and has Brooklyn, Romeo, 19, and Cruz, 17 as well as 10-year-old daughter Harper with her – attended alone wearing a dark flat cap and explained that the “most special” moment with Her Late Majesty was when he was awarded an OBE for services to football back in 2003. – Bang Showbiz

Inside Westminster Hall – a moment of sombre reflection and a final glance back at the queen

By Kylie MacLellan

Stepping foot inside parliament’s imposing Westminster Hall, mourners coming to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth are struck by a powerful scene.

In complete silence, a sombre procession of young and old slowly file past the coffin of Britain’s longest serving monarch, who is laying in state in the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster ahead of her funeral on Monday.

At the centre lies the queen’s coffin, covered by the Royal Standard flag on top of a purple shrouded catafalque. The Imperial State Crown, glinting occasionally in the light, sits on a cushion on top, alongside a wreath of flowers.

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At its four corners, large candles flicker gently. Soldiers in full ceremonial uniform and police officers stand vigil as two lines of people make their way past on either side.

Wrapped in warm coats after queuing for as long as 10 hours outside through the night, members of the public descend the steps into the hall, the morning light streaming in through a huge stained glass window behind them.

The sound of hundreds of footsteps crossing the old stone floor is muffled by a wide beige carpet, temporarily laid along each side of the coffin.

On reaching the queen, most stop to bow their head in a moment of silent reflection, some make the sign of the cross. One man blows her a kiss. Old soldiers salute.

As they walk away, many wipe away tears. Some are visibly sobbing, overcome with emotion while others simply walk arm-in-arm with their friends or family, comforting each other. A few look up in awe at the medieval timber hammer-beam roof. – Reuters

London police say queen’s funeral poses biggest ever security test

By Andrew MacAskill and Sachin Ravikumar

London’s police force said the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth will be the biggest security operation it has ever undertaken as prime ministers, presidents and royals come together on Monday to pay their respects.

The queen’s funeral is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people to London’s streets, echoing other important events in Britain’s history, including her coronation in 1953, the funeral of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1965 and the death of Princess Diana in 1997.

Stuart Cundy, London’s Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner, said his force will be deploying the largest number of officers on the city’s streets and the largest protection operation for world leaders and monarchs.

US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron are among the most high-profile guests from overseas who have confirmed they will be attending.

Cundy said the massive policing operation would surpass other major policing events in London, including the 2012 Olympics and the celebrations for the queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

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“I can confirm that this will be the largest single policing event that the Met Police has ever undertaken,” Cundy told reporters. “The range of officers, police staff and all those supporting the operation is truly immense.” – Reuters

Queen Consort Camilla said to be in ‘quite a lot of pain’ after breaking toe

Queen Consort Camilla has been nursing a broken toe while carrying out ceremonial duties following the death of Queen Elizabeth.

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The 75-year-old royal is said to be in “quite a lot of pain” but has ignored her discomfort to be by the side of her husband, King Charles, as they toured the UK meeting well-wishers and carrying out official duties over the week since her mother-in-law passed away at the age of 96.

A source told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: “She is in quite a lot of pain but she is just getting on with it. It is unfortunate timing to say the least but she’s been an absolute trouper.”

It is believed Camilla – who retreated to her home in Wiltshire for a day of reflection on Thursday – sustained the injury before Elizabeth’s death but insisted on continuing with her duties.

A spokesperson for the king refused to comment.

They said: “Medical matters are private.” – Bang Showbiz

Countess of Wessex shares tender moment with little boy paying respects to queen

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex shared a sweet exchange with a boy paying respects to Queen Elizabeth II.

The 57-year-old royal hugged Josh, a young boy who offered her a teddy bear as they mourned the passing of the 96-year-old monarch – who passed away after more than 70 years on the throne – in St Anne’s Square in Manchester on Thursday.

His mother Sue told Sky News: “The first time she came down, Josh passed the bouquet over and then she came back over before she went in the car and gave Josh another hug. And she laid the flowers over there.

“It was quite emotional to be honest. I’m trying to hold it in. I just thought it was the best thing. I wasn’t expecting Sophie to come over.”

Another woman spoke about how Sophie – who is married to the Queen’s youngest son Prince Edward, 58, with whom she has daughter Lady Louise, 18, and James, Viscount Severn, 14 – took the time to express her gratitude to their farewell to Her Majesty.

Another mourner detailed how Sophie had informed her it was the love extruded by the public that had propped up her family following the loss of the Queen. – Bang Showbiz

Entry to queue to see Queen Elizabeth lying in state has been closed

Entry to the queue to see Queen Elizabeth lying in state has been closed for at least six hours.

Members of the public wanting to pay their respects to the late monarch – who died on 8 September aged 96 – at Westminster Hall were told by government officials shortly before 10am on Friday that they cannot join the line at the moment, with a further update expected later in the afternoon.

A messaged shared by the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport stated: “HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN’S LYING-IN-STATE QUEUE UPDATE, 09:50 AM, 16 Sept

“Southwark Park has reached capacity. Entry will be paused for at least 6 hours. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

“Please do not attempt to join the queue until it re-opens.

“Check back for further updates.”

The closure came less than an hour before the department warned they may be forced to close the queue.

They had previously written: “HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN’S LYING-IN-STATE QUEUE UPDATE, 09:08AM, 16 Sept

“Southwark Park is extremely busy. Entry to the queue will be paused if it reaches capacity

“If you are planning to join, please consider waiting until numbers have reduced.” – Bang Showbiz

Mourners currently face 11-hour wait to see Queen Elizabeth lying in state

Members of the public wishing to pay their respects to the monarch – who died on 8 September aged 96 – have been warned they need to be in the queue by 12.30am on Monday in order to make it into Westminster Hall in London before it closes at 6.30am, hours before her funeral is due to take place.

At 7am on Friday, the queue was over four miles (about 6km) long and those at the back faced waiting 11-hours to make it to the front of the line, but at one point hours earlier, the queue had swelled to five miles, stretching as far back as Southwark Park in Bermondsey, with a queuing time of 14 hours.

Well-wishers were admitted to the queue on Monday before being allowed into Westminster Hall on Wednesday at 5pm, and in the early hours of Thursday morning, officials made the decision to form two columns either side of the queen’s coffin, so more people can pay their respects at once and the process moves more quickly.

Sisters Rebecca and Sarah Welham travelled from Sevenoaks, Kent, to join the queue at around 4am on Friday, along with Rebecca’s five-year-old daughter Sophia.

Rebecca told the Daily Telegraph about her daughter: “She went to bed last night and then 4am this morning I got her up.

“I was ready to go, so I literally had to get her up and then go straight out the door.

“She is quite excited, if I can use that word, to see the queen.

“She understands what has happened and she wants to be part of it.” – Bang Showbiz

In unexpected move, Prince Harry will be permitted to sport military dress at queen’s vigil

Queen Elizabeth II’s eight grandchildren will take part in a vigil to mark her life.

The 96-year-old monarch – who died at Balmoral last week aged 96 – is to have her life and reign commemorated at a special ceremony attended by all her grandchildren; Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Zara Tindall, Peter Philips, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn at Westminster Hall on Saturday.

The cousins are expected to stand in silence next to Her Majesty’s coffin as they lead remembrance to their grandmother at the Vigil of the Princes.

This comes after Queen Elizabeth II’s children, King Charles III, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew and Prince Edward lead a special vigil at Edinburgh’s St Giles Cathedral on Sunday, a move they will repeat on Friday.

In an unexpected move, Prince Harry – who was in the army for ten years – will be permitted to sport military dress at the vigil but it is unclear which one he will don as he no longer holds any military position after he left royal duties behind to live in California with his wife the Duchess of Sussex and their two children, Archie, three, and Lilibet, 15 months. – Bang Showbiz

King Charles and siblings to hold vigil by late queen’s coffin

By Michael Holden and Alistair Smout

King Charles will be joined by his siblings to mount a silent vigil at the coffin of his late mother Queen Elizabeth on Friday as thousands of mourners stand in line for miles to pay their last respects to the monarch during her lying-in-state.

Charles, his sister Princess Anne, and brothers Princes Andrew and Edward will join the ceremonial guard for the 15-minute vigil at Westminster Hall in central London where their 96-year-old mother’s coffin has rested since Wednesday evening.

Already tens of thousands of people from all walks of life from Britain and around the world have patiently queued for hours for the opportunity to pass by the coffin, with the line stretching back almost 5 miles (8km).

Officials expect about 750 000 people to view the coffin before the lying-in-state ends at 6.30 a.m. (0530 GMT) on Monday, the day of Elizabeth’s state funeral.

Before the 7.30 p.m. (1830 GMT) vigil, Charles and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, will travel to Wales. – Reuters

House of Commons upholds ban on letting MPs skip queue to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth

The House of Commons has upheld a ban on letting MPs skip the queue to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II.

Politicians will not be able to jump in the miles long line – which is an estimated 12 hour wait – to offer their respects to the 96-year-old monarch who is currently lying in state in Westminster Hall after she died at Balmoral on September 8 prior to her state funeral on Monday.

A statement from the legislative chamber said: “Unfortunately, based on the projected numbers we are expecting to join the queue over the coming days, it is not possible to open up access further without the risk of impacting access for queueing members of the public.

They emphasised the “absolute priority” was to make it possible for as “as many” people could witness the Queen’s coffin for themselves, which has been visited by a number of political figures such as Prime Minister Liz Truss, the Labour leader Keir Starmer and former Prime Ministers Theresa May, Gordon Brown and Boris Johnson.

“The absolute priority has been to ensure as many members of the public as possible are able to pay their respects, many of whom have travelled from across the country and queued, often over nine or 10 hours.

“We do not in any way wish to jeopardise their ability to pass through Westminster Hall by introducing additional pressures on numbers.” – Bang Showbiz

Prince William says walking behind queen’s coffin brought back memories

Prince William has told well-wishers that walking behind his grandmother’s coffin had been challenging and had brought back memories, alluding to the day 25 years earlier when, as a boy, he followed his mother’s casket on the way to her funeral.

William, the heir to the throne, walked behind his father King Charles and side by side with his younger brother Prince Harry during Wednesday’s solemn procession taking the late Queen Elizabeth from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.

“The walk yesterday was challenging,” William told members of the public who were sympathising with him over his loss while he viewed flowers laid outside the royal Sandringham Estate in eastern England to honour the queen.

“Brought back a few memories,” he could be heard saying in video footage of the exchange on Thursday.

William and Harry, then aged 15 and 12, followed their mother Princess Diana’s coffin through central London in the glare of the world’s media after she was killed in a car crash in Paris aged 36 in 1997, a defining image of their lives. – Reuters

Queen Elizabeth to be buried with Prince Philip in private service

Queen Elizabeth will be buried with her husband Prince Philip in a private service on Monday evening.

The 96-year-old monarch passed away on September 8 and her body is currently lying in state at Westminster Hall and full details about the arrangements for her funeral have now been released.

Her state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey in London at 11am on Monday, with a committal service taking place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor at 4pm and she will then be buried with the Duke of Edinburgh – who passed away in April 2021 aged 99 – in a private ceremony at 7.30pm.

Buckingham Palace have also confirmed the late queen’s four children, King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, will mount a vigil over her coffin at 7.30pm on Friday. – Bang Showbiz

Video of Royal guard fainting at Queen Elizabeth’s coffin goes viral

A video has gone viral on social media that shows one of the Royal guards standing next to Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin fainting and falling right to the floor.

A video shared by 9News Sydney’s Twitter account showed a guard clad in a black uniform first stumbling from his position and then moments later falling flat on the ground.

As seen in the video, three other guards came to his rescue and helped him get emergency aid.

The guard’s collapse comes as hundreds of thousands of mourners thronged the streets of London to pay homage to the late Queen.

Queen Elizabeth’s coffin draped in the Royal Standard is now lying in state in London’s Westminster Hall where it will remain for four days until her funeral on Monday. – ANI

What could have caused Queen Elizabeth’s death? Experts jump in with their theories

The 96-year-old British queen “died peacefully” at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, the tight-lipped Buckingham Palace said without giving full disclosure of what could have really transpired.

Luckily, a few health experts have torn into potential factors that could have contributed to her demise over the years.

Loneliness, heartache, blood clot and heart failure are the main potential causes of the Queen’s health decline and subsequent death.

Events leading to the Queen’s passing were heightened by her last public photo taken during the swearing-in of Britain’s new Prime Minister on September 6 – a week before her death.

She appeared to have had a bruised right hand which later became an internet sensation after it had many social media users talking.

What many may have not analysed from the photo is the potential sign of what could have caused her death.

Health experts claim that hand bruises in old age are usually evidence of peripheral vascular diseases.

This is a blood circulation problem that causes blood vessels to narrow or block and cause blood clots.

Peripheral vascular diseases usually cause heart failures as blood supply to the body reduces and results in multi-organ failure. – iHarare

First mourners overwhelmed with emotion to see Queen Elizabeth lying in state

The first mourners to see Queen Elizabeth lying in state were overwhelmed with emotion.

Londoner Vanessa Nathakumaran – who started queuing on Monday morning – was the first to visit Westminster Hall to see the coffin of the late monarch on Wednesday when members of the public were allowed to pay their respects following her death aged 96 on 8 September.

Nathakumaran, 45, told The Guardian newspaper: “It was an emotional experience. I was fighting back tears as I approached the coffin and I managed to dignify myself.

“I wanted to do something so I said prayers for the Queen, thanked her for her great service and wished her peace and rest.

“I’m from London so I felt like I was leading the crowd as I was the first in the queue. It’s a unique and an historic moment and I wanted to pay my respects so it was well worth waiting for.”

She was followed in the queue by Anne Daley, 65, from Cardiff, who admitted it was a “shattering and incredibly upsetting experience”.

She added: “It was total silence, you felt like singing Ave Maria, it was that kind of atmosphere. It was just for seconds but the wait was totally worth it.” – Bang Showbiz

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan ‘furious’ that their children won’t receive HRH titles

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex are said to be “furious” that their children will not get HRH titles.

The royal couple – who tied the knot back in 2018 and have Archie, three, and Lillibet, 15 months, together – have reportedly “insisted” on their children being granted royal titles in the days since Queen Elizabeth died and while the pair are expected to become Prince and Princess, they will not be granted the title of His/Her Royal Highness by King Charles.

A source said: “Harry and Meghan were worried about the security issue and being prince and princess brings them the right to have certain levels of royal security. There have been a lot of talks over the past week. They have been insistent that Archie and Lilibet are prince and princess. They have been relentless since the Queen died. But they have been left furious that Archie and Lilibet cannot take the title HRH.”

The Duke of Duchess of Sussex stepped down from their royal duties back in January 2021 and relocated to Los Angeles with their children and the source went on to explain that because they are no longer classed as “working royals”, Archie and Lillibet will not be able to use the same title as the Prince and Princess of Wales’ children.

The insider told The Sun newspaper: “That is the agreement — they can be prince and princess but not HRH because they are not working royals.” – Bang Showbiz

Royal superfan camped out for more than 48 hours to see Queen Elizabeth

The first of the estimated one million mourners expected to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth as she lies in state was a royal superfan who had camped out for more than 48 hours.

Vanessa Nathakumaran, 56, an administrative assistant from Harrow in north west London, said she had to fight to control her emotions when she saw Her Majesty’s casket.

She told MailOnline on Wednesday after 5pm, when the public were allowed to start filing past the monarch’s coffin in Westminster Hall: “I was trying not to cry. I wanted to pay my respects in a dignified way but it was so hard. There were such mixed emotions. It was a privilege to be here but it was so sad and solemn. It was a moment that will live with me forever.

“It was the most memorable and unique moment of my life. It was so quiet and peaceful and seeing her coffin it really came home to me that she is really gone. I curtsied when I went past and my eye was drawn to the crown on top of the coffin. I feel down wined and shattered.”

Nathakumaran added she was also at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997.

She said about waiting much longer to see the Queen’s coffin: “I camped out for two days sleeping on a bench and in the pouring rain but it was worth it. I wanted to be part of the experience and pay my respects.” – Bang Showbiz

500 world leaders and dignitaries invited to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral

Around 500 world leaders and dignitaries have been invited to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral on Monday.

The service at Westminster Abbey in London will be Britain’s biggest international event in decades, and high-profile figures from around the world will soon descend on the UK capital for the funeral.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and their Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau, have all confirmed their attendance for the service.

US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron will also travel to the UK to attend the funeral.

Royals from across Europe – including King Felipe of Spain and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium – and Japan’s Emperor Naruhito are expected to attend the funeral, too.

However, Xi Jinping – the President of China – is unlikely travel to the UK, having not left his homeland in the last two years amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Former US President Donald Trump will also miss the service due to a limit on numbers, according to The Sun newspaper. – Bang Showbiz

William and Harry walk together behind a loved one’s coffin, again

By Estelle Shirbon

Princes William and Harry walked side by side behind their grandmother Queen Elizabeth’s coffin on Wednesday, a scene reminiscent of when, as boys 25 years ago, they followed their mother Princess Diana’s casket in the glare of global media.

The brothers, whose relationship has become strained in recent years, were taking part in a solemn procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where the queen’s body will lie in state for four days until her funeral on Monday.

Their father King Charles was just in front of them with the late queen’s other children. Charles’s wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, William’s wife Kate, Princess of Wales, and Harry’s wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, travelled to the hall by car.

In 1997, after Diana was killed aged 36 in a car crash in Paris, William and Harry, aged 15 and 12, walked through central London in her funeral cortege, one of the defining images of their lives. – Reuters

Thousands of people are queueing up to visit the coffin of Queen Elizabeth in London

The monarch died at the age of 96 last Thursday following a 70-year-reign and more than 2000 mourners have lined up in London for the opportunity to pay their respect, with a wait time of up to 30 hours.

According to The Telegraph, a source party to Wednesday’s Cabinet Office briefing has revealed that people waiting in line to see the Queen have gone from 200 to 2000 in two hours.

The queue to view the coffin is currently snaking along the River Thames, having started at 5pm on Tuesday, with mourners being issued wristbands for entry and forbidden from taking pictures or using mobile phones within the building.

Following her “peaceful” passing at her Balmoral estate, Her Late Majesty was driven around the streets of Scotland before being flown back to London accompanied by her daughter Anne, Princess Royal.

For four full days, members of the public will be able to pay respect to the late monarch ahead of the Queen’s state funeral – a bank holiday in the UK –which is due to take place on Monday September 19.

According to TfL commissioner Andy Byford, organsers are expecting that up to three-quarters of a million people will join the queue and “well over” a million people will visit the capital during the mourning period as he labelled the event as the “biggest challenge” the transport network has ever faced. – Bang Showbiz

Princes William, Harry to accompany late Queen’s coffin in funeral procession

Princes William and Harry will accompany the coffin of late Queen Elizabeth II on foot to the Palace of Westminster on Wednesday, British media reported.

The princes will walk together behind the queen’s coffin as it makes its way to the Palace of Westminster, while their wives Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle will follow the procession by car, same as Queen Consort Camilla, the Sun said.

In addition, Prince William and Prince Harry are expected to appear together at the queen’s farewell ceremony on September 19, the report said.

King Charles III, alongside his brothers Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, as well as Princess Anne, will lead the funeral procession, which will start at 2:22 p.m. local time (13:22 GMT) on foot from the Buckingham Palace.

Senior staff of the royal court, some of whom have served Elizabeth II for decades, will also join the procession, according to the Telegraph newspaper. – Sputnik News

Clarence House staff warned their jobs could be at risk

Staff at Clarence House have been warned that their jobs are at risk following the death of Queen Elizabeth.

The 96-year-old monarch passed away peacefully at her Balmoral estate last Thursday following a 70-year reign and now that her son King Charles has ascended to the throne, redundancies at the home shared by himself and wife Queen Consort Camilla are now “unavoidable” because of their change in roles.

A letter from the King’s top aide Sir Clive Alderton, obtained by The Guardian, read: “The change in role for our principals will also mean change for our household … The portfolio of work previously undertaken in this household supporting the former Prince of Wales’s personal interests, former activities, and household operations will no longer be carried out, and the household … at Clarence House will be closed down. It is therefore expected that the need for the posts principally based at Clarence House, whose work supports these areas will no longer be needed.”

“I appreciate that this is unsettling news and I wanted to let you know of the support that is available at this point.”

While it has not been confirmed whether the King and Queen Consort – who have lived at Clarence House since they married in 2005 – will move into Her Late Majesty’s former residence of Buckingham Palace in London, a spokesperson for the royal family explained that they are “urgently” trying to find other roles for their “loyal staff.” – Bang Showbiz

King Charles to walk behind Queen Elizabeth’s coffin to Westminster Hall

King Charles will walk behind Queen Elizabeth’s coffin with Prince William and Prince Harry on the way to Westminster Hall.

The 73-year-old monarch – who acceded to the throne when his mother died last Thursday at her Balmoral estate aged 96 following a 70-year reign – will be joined on foot by his sons as Her Majesty’s coffin is taken to from her home at Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall in London, where she will lie in state until Monday.

According to reports, the King will leave the palace at 14:22 BST and is expected to arrive at Westminster Hall at 15:00 BST for a 20-minute service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The King will also be joined by siblings Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and Anne, Princess Royal, while his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales- who has been married to the Prince of Wales since 2011 – will travel by car, as will Prince Edward’s wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, and Price Harry’s wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.

Princess Anne accompanied the late monarch’s coffin as she was transported from St Giles’ Cathedral to Edinburgh Airport on Tuesday afternoon as the Queen left the Scottish city for the final time. – Bang Showbiz

Senior royals receive Queen Elizabeth’s casket in small, private gathering at Buckingham Palace

The family are also understood to have been joined by Princess Anne, who travelled from Edinburgh to London with the Queen’s coffin, as well as Prince Edward, Sir Tim Laurence, Sophie Wessex, Peter Philips, James, Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor.

The Sussexes and Waleses have already reunited to meet mourners and view the sea of floral tributes left for Her Majesty at Windsor Castle, after years of rumoured rifts between the couples. – Bang Showbiz

Britons back new King Charles, so long as he keeps quiet

By Michael Holden and Andrew MacAskill

King Charles has enjoyed a surge in support since he succeeded Queen Elizabeth as Britain’s new monarch, a poll has shown, but some of those mourning his late mother warn he must follow her example and keep his views to himself.

A YouGov survey for the Times newspaper found backing for Charles, 73, had dramatically risen since he became king when compared with polls earlier this year. There was a similar increase in backing for his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort.

Now 63% think he will be a good king, a rise of 24 percentage points since March, while 15% believe he will do a bad job, compared with 31% six months ago, the poll published on Tuesday found.

The findings echoed the views of Britons Reuters spoke to who had come out to mourn Queen Elizabeth.

“I have every expectation that he will do extremely well,” said Patrick Thompson, 61, who was among the thousands who queued to see the late queen’s coffin at Edinburgh’s St Giles Cathedral.

“But he will have to adapt and stay quiet about his political views. He was ahead of his time on things like climate. But he will have to be much more careful now in what he says.” – Reuters

Queen Elizabeth’s coffin to be flown to London

By Andrew MacAskill and Lindsay Dunsmuir

Queen Elizabeth’s coffin will be flown to London on Tuesday at the end of 24 hours of lying at rest in Edinburgh’s historic cathedral, where her son King Charles and his three siblings held a silent vigil.

Charles was joined by his sister Anne and brothers Andrew and Edward for the 10 minute vigil on Monday at St Giles’ Cathedral, where they stood, heads bowed, at the four sides of the coffin while members of the public filed past to pay their respects.

While a bagpipe lament had been the only sound as kilted soldiers bore the casket earlier in the day, the four royals left the vigil in darkness to the sound of applause from mourners lining the street.

“I was awed by the fact that I was in the cathedral with Queen Elizabeth, who I have looked up to all my life,” said Marie Claire Cross, 55. “It was awesome in the true sense of the word and it was so sad.”

Frances Thain, 63, said she had been surprised to see the four children of the late queen as she entered the cathedral. “I was just overwhelmed because there were so much to take in,” she said. – Reuters

Heckler arrested for shouting at Prince Andrew, ‘you’re a sick old man’

Prince Andrew has been heckled by a member of the crowd as he marches with the Queen’s coffin to St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, the Metro reported.

King Charles leads family in royal procession behind Queen Elizabeth’s coffin

King Charles led his family in a royal procession behind Queen Elizabeth’s coffin in Edinburgh on Monday.

The 73-year-old monarch was reunited with his siblings – Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward – in the Scottish capital, where the queen’s coffin was taken from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to nearby St Giles’ Cathedral.

The queen’s children all walked in a line behind the hearse, before attending a service of thanksgiving alongside people from all areas of Scottish society.

Camilla, Queen Consort and Sophie, Countess of Wessex followed the siblings in cars.

During the service, Reverend Calum MacLeod spoke of the queen’s deep-rooted love for Scotland.

He said: “We gather to bid Scotland’s farewell to our late monarch, whose life of service to the nation and the world we celebrate. And whose love for Scotland was legendary.”

All of the siblings wore their military uniform for the occasion, except Prince Andrew, who is no longer a working member of the royal family.

Large crowds lined the streets of Edinburgh during the procession, and members of the public will now be allowed to view the coffin to pay their respects to the queen for 24 hours, before it’s taken to London. – Bang Showbiz

Britain to hold minute of silence for Queen Elizabeth on Sunday

Britain will on September 18 hold a national moment of reflection – a one minute silence – Prime Minister Liz Truss’s spokesperson said on Monday following the death of Queen Elizabeth last week.

The minute’s silence will be held at 8pm on Sunday, ahead of the late queen’s funeral on Monday. – Reuters

King Charles vows to ‘faithfully’ follow his mother’s example of selfless duty

King Charles has vowed to “faithfully” follow the late Queen Elizabeth’s “example of selfless duty”.

The 73-year-old monarch was accompanied by his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, when he visited Westminster Hall on Monday to hear Addresses of Condolence from the House of Lords and the House of Commons in response to the death of his beloved mother last Thursday.

In his speech, Charles quoted Shakespeare and reflected on the “weight of history” around them, including the “tangible connections” to his late mother.

He said: “My Lords and Members of the House of Commons.

“I am deeply grateful for the Addresses of Condolence by the House of Lords and the House of Commons, which so touchingly encompass what our late Sovereign, my beloved mother The Queen, meant to us all. As Shakespeare says of the earlier Queen Elizabeth, she was “a pattern to all Princes living”.

“As I stand before you today, I cannot help but feel the weight of history which surrounds us and which reminds us of the vital Parliamentary traditions to which Members of both Houses dedicate yourselves, with such personal commitment for the betterment of us all.

“Parliament is the living and breathing instrument of our democracy. That your traditions are ancient we see in the construction of this great Hall and the reminders of Mediaeval predecessors of the Office to which I have been called. And the tangible connections to my darling late mother we see all around us; from the Fountain in New Palace Yard which commemorates The late Queen’s Silver Jubilee to the Sundial in Old Palace Yard for the Golden Jubilee, the magnificent Stained Glass Window before me for the Diamond Jubilee and, so poignantly and yet to be formally unveiled, your most generous gift to Her late Majesty to mark the unprecedented Platinum Jubilee which we celebrated only three months ago, with such joyful hearts.

“The great bell of Big Ben – one of the most powerful symbols of our nation throughout the world and housed within the Elizabeth Tower also named for my mother’s Diamond Jubilee – will mark the passage of The late Queen’s progress from Buckingham Palace to this Parliament on Wednesday.”

Mourners face 30-hour queuing time to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth

Mourners have been warned they face queuing “overnight” to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth.

The 96-year-old monarch died at her Scottish estate Balmoral last Thursday and from 5pm on Wednesday, her body will lie in state in Westminster Hall, where members of the public will be able to file past the coffin 24 hours a day until the morning of her funeral on 19 September, but they face having to wait up to 30 hours to do so.

Guidance issued by the government said: “Please note that there will be a queue, which is expected to be very long. You will need to stand for many hours, possibly overnight, with very little opportunity to sit down as the queue will be continuously moving.”

They also advised members of the public to consider the length of the queue – which is predicted to reach up to five miles long – “before you decide to attend or bring children” and warned there may be road closures and delays to public transport.

King Charles to lead family in procession

King Charles will lead the royal family in a procession behind Queen Elizabeth’s coffin in Edinburgh on Monday.

The body of the queen – who died on Thursday at the age of 96 – will be taken from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral, where her family will join a congregation at a service of thanksgiving for her life, and the new monarch is set to embark on the journey on foot.

Members of the public will be able to view the queen’s coffin to pay their respects for 24 hours before it is taken to London for a period of lying in state ahead of her funeral on September 19.

Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor’s titles not changed yet

The children of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the duchess of Sussex, are able to use HRH titles if they wish now that their grandfather, King Charles, is monarch.

But a royal spokesperson said they were awaiting confirmation about how the children would be known.

Archie, 3, and 15-month-old Lilibet, who are sixth and seventh in line to the throne respectively, are noted as “Master and Miss”.

Prince Charles becomes king, William gets Prince of Wales title … and Prince Andrew gets the dogs

On Sunday, a spokesperson for Prince Andrew said he and Sarah would take on Queen Elizabeth’s pets, Muick and Sandy.

The dogs were a gift from Prince Andrew during lockdown to keep the queen entertained while her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, was in hospital and she was staying in Windsor.

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