World
The world prepares to farewell Queen Elizabeth II
Thousands of people have queued in London to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II, ahead of her funeral
Over the weekend, lines extended along the Thames beyond Tower Bridge, as mourners came from far and wide.
Thousands of police, hundreds of troops and an army of officials made final preparations for the state funeral.
It will also be the biggest gathering of world leaders for years.
Joe Biden arrives
U.S. President Joe Biden and other dignitaries are in London for the funeral, to which around 2000 royals, heads of state and heads of government from around the globe have been invited.
From across the UK, and around the world, they came to say goodbye.
The queue stretching along the Thames, as far as the eye could see, so they could see their beloved monarch, one last time.
From the common man, to the sportsman, David Beckham joining the queues and shedding a tear by the coffin.
World leaders arrive
Britain’s airports were busy too, as thousands of foreign dignitaries arrived in London.
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden arrived, their motorcade speeding through London’s streets to Westminster Hall .. to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth.
They signed a condolence book at Lancaster House.
The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, was in tears as she visited Westminster Hall.
She them met with the Princess of Wales at Buckingham Palace.
Other distinguished Heads of States, including the President of France, Bulgaria, Singapore and Nigeria, plus Prime Ministers from across the commonwealth, entered Westminster Hall to pay their respects to the monarch.
They arrived at Buckingham Palace by bus for a diplomatic reception hosted by the new King.
Earlier, the queen’s eight grandchildren, led by heir to the throne Prince William, circled the coffin and stood with heads bowed during a silent vigil.
The miles-long queue was closed to new arrivals late Sunday so that everyone in line can file past the coffin before the funeral.
This is the first state funeral in London since Winston Churchill died in 1965. And with thousands of world leaders in attendance, it’s a necessary, but security nightmare for the British security services.
If you are planning to visit Buckingham Palace today, please note you will not be able to access the area in front of the main gate. Those wishing to pay their respects can visit the Floral Tribute Garden in Hyde Park. pic.twitter.com/TqB5VqgYwK
— The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) September 18, 2022
But this is a well rehearsed plan, and London has had years to prepare.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan says it one of the first things he was prepared for when he took the top job.
“If you think about the London marathon, the carnival, previous royal weddings, the Olympics – it’s all that in one.”
The size of the crowds turning out to farewell the queen is impossible to predict, but with unprecedented crowds lining for almost a day to view her coffin, police aren’t taking any chances.
An estimated 4 billion people are expected to watch the funeral on television, as the eyes of the world turn to London.
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