London – Thousands of police, hundreds of military and officers made final preparations for Sunday’s state funeral Queen Elizabeth II — A spectacular display of national mourning, also the largest gathering of world leaders in years.
US President Joe Biden and other dignitaries are arriving in London. funeralhas invited around 500 royals, heads of state and governments from around the world.
Thousands of people lined up round the clock to pass the Queen’s coffin. in a state Brave the chilly temperatures overnight and wait up to 17 hours in Westminster Hall, the Houses of Parliament.the queen’s eight grandchildren led by the heir to the throne prince williamcircled the coffin and stood with its head bowed during the silent wake on Saturday night.
miles of queues It is expected to be closed to new arrivals later on Sunday so that everyone in line can be past the coffins and in line by Monday morning. queen’s funeral.
Among the foreign leaders in London was New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
“What I take away from this period is the beauty of the public reaction, the kindness, patience and camaraderie seen from the members of the public, which to me have been the most moving tribute. The public reaction of the British people. was,” she said.
People across Britain will pause for a nationwide silence on Sunday evening to mourn the Queen, who died on September 8 at the age of 96 after reigning for 70 years. Monday is declared a public holiday, and funerals are broadcast to large television audiences and screened to large numbers of people in parks and public spaces across the country.
Thousands of police officers from all over the country will be on duty as part of the largest one-day police operation in London history.
Crowds also gathered near Windsor Castle on Sunday as the Queen was enshrined in a private family ceremony Monday night.
Anna Pettigrew, a 55-year-old teacher, said: “I think it’s amazing. It was very moving. I think it was a very fitting tribute to the wonderful Queen.”
Camilla, new queenpaid tribute to the Queen in a video message, saying the monarch “carved out her own role” as a “lone woman” on the male-dominated world stage.
“I will always remember her smile. I will never forget that smile,” said Camila, who is married. Charles III.
Crowds continued to flock to Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament. It was there that the Queen’s coffin was laid, dressed in her royal standard and crowned with diamonds. The number of mourners has risen steadily since the public first entered on Wednesday, with a procession of at least 8 kilometers (5 miles) along the River Thames and as far as Southwark Park, southeast of the city. it is continuing.
In honor of their perseverance, Charles and William made an unannounced visit on Saturday to greet those in line, shake hands and thank mourners lined up near Lambeth Bridge.
Prince Charles’ sons, Princes William and Harry, were joined by Princess Anne’s children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips. Prince Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Prince Edward’s two children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.
William bowed to the coffin’s head and Harry stood at his feet with his head bowed. The mourners passed in silence.
“You could tell they were serious about their grandmother, the Queen,” said Ian Mockett, a civil engineer from Oxford in the south of England. “Considering what has happened in the last few years, it was nice to see them together as a set of grandchildren.”
Before the all-nighter, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie released a statement praising their “beloved grandma.”
“We, like many, thought you would be here forever. And we all miss you. You are our patriarch and I You were our guide and the loving hand behind our backs that guided us through this world. You taught us so much and we will cherish those lessons and memories forever. .
The Queen’s four children – Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward – held a similar vigil around the coffin on Friday.
The silence in the hall was briefly broken on Friday when a man rushed into the coffin.London police said on Sunday that Muhammad Khan, a 28-year-old London man, was “alarmed, harassed or caused distress”. He said he was charged with intentional conduct. He will appear in court on Monday.
The lying state continues until early Monday morning, when the Queen’s coffin is loaded onto a gun carriage pulled by a 142 Royal Navy rating and moved to nearby Westminster Abbey for her burial. Monarch.
After monastery services on Monday, the late Queen’s coffin will be hauled through London’s historic center in a state artillery car. She will then be taken in her hearse to Windsor where she will be buried with her late husband, Prince Philip, who died last year.
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https://www.ksat.com/entertainment/2022/09/18/world-leaders-head-to-london-for-queen-elizabeth-ii-funeral/ World leaders head to London for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral