MQueen Elizabeth II died at the age 96 last Wednesday. Wenians who want to remember her will have the opportunity to start their tributes on Wednesday, as she is in state. Today’s final journey will take her casket from Buckingham Palace, to Westminster Palace, and then on Monday, September 19, it will be taken to Westminster Abbey for her funeral.
The royal procession marks one of the last in a series of solemn ceremonies that have taken place since the Queen’s death. The procession will begin at Buckingham Palace at 2.22 pm local time. It will continue half a mile along the flag-lined Mall and through Horse Guards Parade before reaching the Palace of Westminster. After the procession, the Archbishop will lead a brief service. Then Westminster Hall will open for public viewing 24 hours a day until the time of her funeral.
Continue reading: What We Know So Far About Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral
The last time Britain had someone lie in state—a formal tradition in which a closed coffin is placed in view so that members of the public can pay their respects—was for Queen Elizabeth II’s mother, who was also called Queen Elizabeth, in 2001. Visitors were required to go through security at airports and allowed one bag. It’s estimated that some 200,000 people paid their respects to the Queen Mother when she lay in state. British officials expect Queen Elizabeth II to be in the vicinity of 1 million.
People who are mourning the Queen have been warned they may be forced to wait up to 30 hours to get through a long line. Although volunteers, first-aid stations, and toilets will be dotted along the route, government guidance warns that mourners “will need to stand for many hours, possibly overnight, with very little opportunity to sit down, as the queue will keep moving.”
London already feels the influx of newcomers. roadIn the vicinity of the parade, subway closings were announced. Transport for London (which operates London Underground) has already warned of the problems it is facing due to overcrowding. biggest challenge in its history. British officials have advised commuters not to visit the capital.
Many Britons remain unaffected, some even joining the queue several days before to take part in this once-in-a lifetime event.
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