The Queen’s coffin arrives in Edinburgh watched by Andrew, Anne, Edward and Sophie to rest in the Throne Room of the Palace of Holyroodhouse as tens of thousands of mourners line the streets of Scottish capital
- Queen Elizabeth II ‘s coffin is arriving in Edinburgh to lie in rest at the Palace of Holyroodhouse overnight
- The royal procession led by the hearse carrying the Queen’s oak coffin crossed the Forth at around 4pm
- Emotional well-wishers have lined the roads between the Highlands estate and the Scottish capital
- The late Queen’s coffin will be moved to St Giles’ Cathedral tomorrow for a vigil begining at 7.20pm
- Her son King Charles III was proclaimed as head of state by officials on the Royal Mile at midday
- Follow MailOnline’s live coverage of the Queen’s journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh here
- Full coverage: Click here to see all our coverage of the Queen’s passing
Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin is arriving in Edinburgh to lie in rest at the Palace of Holyroodhouse overnight, as tens of thousands of mourners stood for hours in the streets of the Scottish capital to pay their respects to the late monarch as she left her beloved Balmoral Castle for the last time.
The royal procession led by the hearse carrying the Queen’s oak coffin – draped in the Royal Standard for Scotland with a wreath of Balmoral flowers on top – crossed the River Forth via the Queensferry Crossing at around 4pm, nearly six hours after starting its 180-mile journey to Edinburgh.
As the convoy travelled down the Royal Mile, the crowd fell silent in respect. Moments later, a round of applause and cheers broke out.
The hearse bearing the Queen’s coffin then travelled down the Royal Mile, arriving at the Palace, just before 4.30pm where it was received by Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex. The Queen’s cortege received a guard of honour by the King’s Bodyguard for Scotland as it entered the palace, where it will stay overnight before being moved to St Giles’ Cathedral tomorrow – where earlier a large crowd gathered to witness the proclamation of King Charles III.
A single motorbike police outrider led the way as the hearse – followed by six vehicles, including the late Queen’s daughter the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence – travelled at a stately pace through the Aberdeenshire countryside. At one point, as the cortege travelled through Dundee, a lone long-stemmed flower could be seen on the hearse windscreen and in a rural part of the route farmers paid homage to the monarch with tractors lined up in a field.
Hundreds lined the main street of Ballater, the picturesque Victorian village closest to the Balmoral estate, where locals considered her a neighbour, as the Queen’s coffin was driven slowly through. Her Majesty and her family were often seen in the village in Royal Deeside, which she had visited since childhood and where the Royal Family have space to be themselves.
The hearse passed Glenmuick Church, where the Rev David Barr rang the church bells 70 times after the Queen’s death was announced.
Flowers were thrown into the hearse’s path by well-wishers on both sides of the road in Ballater, which was sombre and silent. The hearse slowed to a fast walking pace and mourners could clearly see the royal standard-draped coffin and the wreath featuring flowers from the Balmoral estate, including sweet peas – one of the Queen’s favourite flowers – dahlias, phlox, white heather and pine fir.
Earlier, the Queen’s oak coffin was carried to the hearse by six Balmoral estate gamekeepers tasked with the symbolic gesture. It had been at rest in the Balmoral ballroom so the monarch’s estate workers could say their goodbyes.
In other developments today:
- An emotional King Charles was greeted by well-wishers as he arrived at Buckingham Palace where he will meet with representatives from the Commonwealth;
- Prince William vowed to serve Wales with ‘humility’ – after he paid tribute to his ‘extraordinary Grannie’ in a heartbreaking statement yesterday;
- The Prince and Princess of Wales yesterday reunited with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for a historic walkabout at Windsor;
- Church services took place around the UK today to remember Her Majesty on first Sunday after her death;
- The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told his congregation that this was an ‘unexpectedly extraordinary Sunday’ as he paid tribute to the later monarch;
- The Sussexes’ children Archie and Lilibet continued to be listed as ‘Master’ and ‘Miss’ on the new order of succession;
- First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, paid tribute to the late Queen in a tweet;
- Former Prime Minister David Cameron described how he had to apologise to Her Majesty after revealing details of private phone call. He also revealed that he help Charles prepare for becoming King by holding ‘practice’ audiences.
The Queen’s coffin is lifted out of the hearse and carried inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
The Duke of York (left), the Countess of Wessex (second left), and the Earl of Wessex (centre) hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland, completes its journey from Balmoral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
The hearse carrying the late Queen’s coffin arriving at the Palace of Holyroodhouse this afternoon
Queen Elizabeth II ‘s coffin is arriving in Edinburgh to lie in state at the Palace of Holyroodhouse overnight
The hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland, passing over the Queensferry Crossing as it continues its journey to Edinburgh from Balmoral
The hearse carrying the oak coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arriving at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
People in Edinburgh await the arrival of the hearse carrying the body of the late Queen Elizabeth II from Balmoral
Guards walk along the Royal Mile as people start to gather to watch the Royal cortege in Edinburgh
The Duke of York (right) awaits the arrival of hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland, as it completes its journey from Balmoral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
King Charles III during a reception with Realm High Commissioners and their spouses in the Bow Room at Buckingham Palace
The Queen Consort during a reception with Realm High Commissioners and their spouses in the Bow Room at Buckingham Palace
With the monarch’s death prominent in the public consciousness, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby sympathised with those reminded of the death of a loved one in his Sunday sermon at Canterbury Cathedral.
He said: ‘Many people will be navigating their way around the raw and ragged edges of grief today. All because of the Queen. But many families as well will have lost loved ones or been reminded of the loss of loved ones this week. Their grief may well feel all the more painful during this time of national and international mourning for loss is overwhelming to the person bereaved.’
The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, paid tribute to the Queen, calling her ‘extraordinary’.
In a tweet, she said: ‘A sad and poignant moment as Her Majesty, The Queen leaves her beloved Balmoral for the final time. Today, as she makes her journey to Edinburgh, Scotland will pay tribute to an extraordinary woman.’
Tomorrow, Edinburgh will become the focus of national mourning, with the Queen’s coffin carried in a procession from the palace to St Giles Cathedral, where a Vigil of the Princes is expected to take place before it lies in state for 24 hours.
The Queen’s poignant final journey will eventually end at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where she will be buried alongside her beloved husband Prince Philip alongside her father, George VI, the Queen Mother, and her sister, Princess Margaret.
The hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland, passes through Ballater
Most people stood in silence as the convoy passed through the village of Ballater, while others filmed the moment on their phones
A sombre Princess Royal in a Bentley limousine behind the Queen’s hearse as it travels through Aberdeenshire to Edinburgh
Princess Anne (pictured), her husband Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the minister of Crathie Kirk and a representative of the Lord chamberlain’s Office are in the convoy following the Queen’s coffin
The wreath is made up of flowers from the Balmoral estate including sweet peas – one of the Queen’s favourite flowers – dahlias, phlox, white heather and pine fir
The Queen ‘s oak coffin was today seen leaving Balmoral Castle on its way to Edinburgh in a black Mercedes Benz
The coffin is draped in the Royal Standard for Scotland, which has been used by generations of Scottish monarchs
Members of the public line the streets in Ballater, Scotland, as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II passes through
People stand to pay their respects as the hearse carrying the body of Queen Elizabeth II makes its way towards Edinburgh, on the A90 in Stracathro, Angus
Large crowds lined the A90 through Angus to watch the convoy of cars pass by on its way to Edinburgh
Well-wishers line the road in preparation for the arrival of the cortege in Cults, a suburb on the western edge of Aberdeen
People gather as the cortege carrying the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II passes through Banchory this afternoon
This afternoon, the King arrived at Buckingham Palace, where he will meet with Commonwealth general secretary Patricia Scotland
Charles could be seen waving to people through the car windows, as children sat on top of parents’ shoulders and people took photos as they watched the new sovereign arrive
Crowds lining the roads cheered and waved as his black car drove down The Mall and into the Palace gates accompanied by a motorcade of four cars and four police motorbikes
Members if the public help arrange and prepare flowers for display in Green Park due to the large volumes being laid for the Queen following her death
Flower tributes are continuing to be brought into Green Park as masses of the public head to central London to visit the royal park
Huge areas have been covered in flowers in Green Park as people are encouraged to bring their tributes to the royal park beside Buckingham Palace instead of placing them near the gate
A huge queue of people wait in line to lay flowers for Queen Elizabeth II in front of Buckingham Palace this afternoon
Hundreds lined the main street as the Queen’s coffin was driven slowly through Ballater, the village closest to the Balmoral estate, where many locals considered her a neighbour.
Policing operation for funeral will be ‘hugely complex’
A senior Metropolitan Police officer has said policing in the run-up to the Queen’s funeral will be a ‘hugely complex operation’.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy on Sunday said hundreds of extra officers had already been called in as thousands descended on the capital following the monarch’s death.
Officers are likely to be concerned with managing crowds, with a huge number of mourners expected to queue for several hours, including overnight, to pay their respects to the Queen as she lies in state, expected to be from Wednesday.
Leaders from around the globe will also travel to the UK for the state funeral on Monday, meaning security will be of increased concern.
Mr Cundy said: ‘Our role is to ensure this is going to be a safe and a secure set of events.
‘Our policing operation is hugely complex, with a huge amount of detail within it, as you can well imagine.
‘So we’re always mindful of all manner of different potential things that might occur. We know that not just the eyes of the United Kingdom but the world will be on London at this point in time.’
Members of the public are being encouraged to engage with police and speak to them if they have any concerns.
Mr Cundy said: ‘This is a point in time for everybody to remember Her late Majesty the Queen, to pay respects, and I think also to celebrate the long life of public service which she demonstrated.
‘As a police officer, we swear a solemn oath and it’s a real privilege to be serving His Majesty the King. The Met is well prepared and people will already have seen significant policing presence of my colleagues here in London, and that will continue to build over the coming days.
‘We’re working closely with other police forces here in London, and many other partners and other agencies that are involved in the many events that will take place from now leading up to the state funeral on Monday.’
World leaders are expected to be in London for the state funeral, but Mr Cundy said the force was prepared for their visit.
The Queen and her family were often seen in the village on her beloved Royal Deeside, which she had visited since childhood and where the royal family are allowed space to be themselves.
Many shops in the picturesque Victorian village are displaying photographs of the Queen in their windows in tribute.
The hearse passed Glenmuick Church where the Rev Davi Barr had rung the church bells 70 times after her death was announced.
There was impeccable silence as the funeral procession passed through the village.
Well-wishers who had waited patiently for the opportunity to pay their respects bowed their heads while others saluted as the hearse drove slowly by.
Afterwards, Margaret MacKenzie, from Inverness, said: ‘It was very dignified. It was nice to see that a lot of people came out to support and pay their respects.’
Elizabeth Taylor, from Aberdeen, had tears in her eyes as she considered what she had just seen.
She said: ‘It was very emotional. It was respectful and showed what they think of the Queen.
‘She certainly gave service to this country, even up until a few days before her death.’
Guest house manager Victoria Pacheco said: ‘She meant such a lot to people in this area. People were crying, it was amazing to see.’
She said guests were overcome when news broke of the Queen’s death last week.
Elizabeth Taylor, from Aberdeen, had tears in her eyes as she considered what she had just seen.
She said: ‘It was very emotional. It was respectful and showed what they think of the Queen.
‘She certainly gave service to this country even up until a few days before her death.’
Families with young began gathering in the town from 7am.
Care assistant Elaine Reid stood wrapped in a tartan blanket with her sons Innis, 11, and Darragh, 16, in the street by Glenmuick Church.
She explained that she was happy to get up early and drive the one-hour- journey from their home in Buckie so her children could remember the Queen.
Elaine, 40, told MailOnline: ‘We came here today to pay our respects because the Queen has spent her whole life in service to our country. So this is the least we could do.
‘And I wanted the kids to be here so that they can remember this day and be able to tell their children that they were here to say goodbye to the Queen.’
Parents Lorna and Andre Andrasovska stood patiently in thick coats and bobble hats at the roadside with their daughter Zofia, 10, and son Jacob, four.
The couple explained how the Queen had become a constant presence in their lives after they moved to the UK from Slovakia.
People in Banchory line the street as the Queen’s coffin is driven from Balmoral to Edinburgh where it will lie in rest for 24 hours
People gather in tribute on the side of the road as the cortege carrying the coffin of the Queen passes by in Banchory
People in Banchory gather to pay their respects as the Queen’s coffin makes its way to Edinburgh today
A Union flag is held aloft as Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin passes through Aberdeen as it continues its journey to Edinburgh
Onlookers watch on as the Princess Royal passes by in a vintage Bentley over the King George VI bridge on its way from Balmoral to Edinburgh
The Royal Marines march down the Royal Mile during an Accession Proclamation Ceremony at Mercat Cross, Edinburgh
Military guards march in Edinburgh prior to the arrival of the cortege carrying the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II
Members of the armed services march near St Giles’ Cathedral, in Edinburgh, as the Queen’s coffin travels to the city
Military guards in traditional dress march prior to the arrival of the cortege carrying the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II
Drummers at the front of a military band play prior to the Proclamations near St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh
An Accession Proclamation Ceremony at Mercat Cross, Edinburgh, publicly proclaims King Charles III as the new monarch
Edinburgh’s Accession Proclamation Ceremony was watched by the public with a military band performing
The Lord Lyon King of Arms reads a public Proclamation to the people of Scotland outside St Giles Cathedral
Canons were fired in Edinburgh following the Accession Proclamation Ceremony which proclaimed King Charles III as the new monarch
Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party at Meerkat Cross, Edinburgh ahead of the arrival of the Queen’s coffin
Lorna, 40, from Elgin, told MailOnline: ‘We used to live in Windsor and we would often see the Queen and Prince Phillip come through the town.
‘And over the years when world leaders came and went she was always there. It was great to see a woman at the head of the table of world leaders.’
Andre, 48, a doctor, added: ‘What we are seeing today is the departure of the soul of the nation. It is a very significant event.’
The couple stood patiently in thick coats and bobble hats at the roadside with their daughter Zofia, 10, and son Jacob, four.
James and Margaret Phinn drove up to Ballater from Glasgow. James, 58, said: ‘We came up to pay our respects. The Queen has been there for me for my whole life so I just want to show her the respect she deserves.’
Reverend David Barr said locals regarded the Windsors as ‘like neighbours’, particularly as the Queen had been coming to Balmoral Castle since she was a girl, and people in the area had long-standing relationships with the estate.
He said: ‘When she comes up here, and she goes through those gates, I believe the royal part of her stays mostly outside.
‘She was able to be a wife, a loving wife, a loving mum, a loving gran and then later on a loving great gran – and aunty – and be normal.’
A trumpeteer sounds a fanfare during an Accession Proclamation Ceremony at Cardiff Castle, Wales
In Cardiff, the 3rd battalion of the Royal Welsh and The Band of the Royal Welsh arrive at Cardiff Castle accompanied by the regimental mascot during of the Welsh Proclamation of King Charles III
Lance Corporal Shenkin IV, the regimental mascot goat, accompanies the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Welsh regiment
Lance Corporal Shenkin IV, the regimental mascot goat, accompanies the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Welsh regiment to the Accession Proclamation Ceremony at Cardiff Castle
Battalion of the Royal Welsh, supported by the Band of the Royal Welsh, march ahead of the proclamation ceremony in Cardiff
A gun salute is fired during the proclamation ceremony for King Charles III at Cardiff Castle, Wales
Wales Herald of Arms Extraordinary, Thomas Lloyd, reads the proclamation in English at the Accession Proclamation Ceremony at Cardiff Castle. To the left stands Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford
EDINBURGH: An Accession Proclamation Ceremony at Mercat Cross publicly proclaiming King Charles as the new monarch
The Proclamation of King Charles III was read out in local areas across the UK, including the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
Tower Governor Andrew Jackson addresses the public on Tower Green during an Accession Proclamation Ceremony at the Tower of London today
In Edinburgh, royal fans began lining the streets more than eight hours before the Queen’s coffin was due to arrive in the city.
Many travelled through the night to secure a spot close to the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse – the monarch’s official Scottish residence.
A massive security operation began in the Scottish capital as officials prepared for an unprecedented influx of visitors.
Early today officers drafted in from across Scotland began taking up position along the city’s famous Royal Mile which runs between the palace and Edinburgh Castle.
Residents have been warned to expect ‘significant disruption’ as a series of major roads were closed in the city to allow access for the courage and as part of security members.
Today mourners set off in the early hours to make sure they did not miss out after an influx from visitors from around the world meant all hotels, B&B’s and guesthouses in the city were fully booked on Saturday night.
The coffin, which is draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is being carried by William Purves, a funeral directors with offices in Edinburgh
A slight mist hung in the air at Balmoral Castle early this morning ahead of the Queen’s final departure from what was one of her most beloved places to spend time
The wreath is made up of flowers from the Balmoral estate including sweet peas – one of the Queen’s favourite flowers – dahlias, phlox, white heather and pine fir
There was impeccable silence as the funeral procession drove through the village, as military veterans and dignitaries saluted
Well-wishers who had waited patiently for the opportunity to pay their respects bowed their heads while others saluted as the hearse drove slowly by
Members of the military mingle with the public as they salute the Queen’s hearse as it makes its way through Ballater
Veterans dipped their flags in honour of the Queen as her hearse travelled by, while others bowed their heads
The Queens cortege passing dignitaries at Duthie park in Aberdeen and crossing the George VI bridge over the river Dee for the final time
Dignitaries salute Queen Elizabeth II’s hearse as it passes through the village of Ballater
Local people – dressed in black – gather in Ballater in tribute to the Queen as her coffin passed through the village
Martha Cowan was the first to arrive at the palace shortly before 8am. Mrs Cowan, 77, was with her two daughters who set off from Glasgow at 6.30am.
She said: ‘We felt we had to come. We wanted to show our appreciation for what she has done over the years.
‘The Queen gave her whole life for the people and the country and she did it right until the day she died. She was an amazing woman.
‘Charles must be heartbroken. It must be difficult for him. He’s grieving for his mother but he has to get on with the job and it is going to be very hard to replace her.’
Joanne Thornton, a secondary school deputy head teacher, stayed the night in a camper van with husband Dan, 39, and their 12-year-old son Bede.
They set off from their home in Newcastle and made the 100 mile trip. Joanne, 46, said: ‘We decided to come up yesterday afternoon.
‘All the hotels were booked and were incredibly expensive so we came in the camper van and stayed on a campsite 20 minutes away. ‘I’ve loved the Royal Family since I was about four years old.
‘I’ve always said since I was a child that the day the Queen died I would come to pay my respects and that is what we are doing. ‘We still might go down to London for the funeral.’
Husband Dan, who is also a teacher, said: ‘I heard a commentator saying that people will feel disoriented and I think that perfectly sums up who people do feel.
‘To me the Queen was part of our national identity and you’ve almost lost a part of that now.’
The coffin is expected to stop in Ballater for a short ceremony in the town famed for its connections to the Royals.
Members of the public line the streets of Ballater, a village near Balmoral, where many locals know the Queen personally
The Queen’s coffin, draped in the Royal Standard for Scotland, will be taken by road via Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth
People gather along the streets in Ballater, the closest town to Balmoral as they wait to view the cortege carrying the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II
Young children, who holding Union flags and the other a corgi, wait in Ballater for the arrival of the Queen’s coffin
Families have been seen setting up picnic chairs and attaching union flags to barriers outside Ballater’s Glenmuick Church from about 7am
Police said the area leading up to the entrance to Balmoral will be closed to members of the public for the coffin’s departure.
It will leave at 10am and is expected in the city at 4pm.
‘Now 70 years, she’s given her life, even up to the very last day, she’s given us service.
‘So, here in the village, we want to give back, (and) by allowing the royal family to come here and go into the shops and have a cup of coffee and not be bothered.
‘That’s what this community has done for 70 years.’
He added: ‘As you stand here today and you watch Her Majesty pass, that will be very tangible and be very real for people, and I think that will bring on an overwhelming amount of emotion.’
Tomorrow, a procession will march up the Royal Mile to St Giles’ Cathedral where The Queen will lie at rest and members of the public can pay their respects.
A series of road closures in the capital have already been announced.
Traffic Scotland bosses warned it was an event of unprecedented scale – and said even COP26 could not match the amount of planning that has gone into the operation.
People have been urged to plan ahead and check city centre road closures, weather conditions, and be prepared to spend long periods in their vehicles.
There will be ‘overwhelming emotion’ when the Queen’s coffin passes through the Aberdeenshire village of Ballater, pictured
Families have been seen setting up picnic chairs and attaching union flags to barriers outside the village’s Glenmuick Church
Reverend David Barr said locals regarded the Windsors as ‘like neighbours’, particularly as the Queen had been coming to Balmoral Castle since she was a girl, and people in the area had long-standing relationships with the estate
Local people dressed in tartan preparing for the arrival of the Queen’s coffin at Glenmuick Church in Ballater
People line the street waiting for the funeral cortage carrying Britain’s Queen Elizabeth in the village of Ballater
Police chiefs have urged the public to only park in designated areas and to not throw flowers on the road or towards the cortege.
Significant numbers of stewards are being drafted in to work with police officers.
Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: ‘Our priority is public safety and we are working with partners, including the UK and Scottish governments, as well as local authorities, to support the delivery of planned events.
‘This includes supporting people and businesses to plan ahead for any potential disruption as a result of road closures, which are largely in the Royal Deeside and Edinburgh areas, and the management of crowds gathering to pay their respects.
‘We understand that the public will want to show their respects to Her Majesty and we would urge them to do so safely.
‘If you are attending to view the Queen’s cortege, please do not leave your vehicle at the side of the road as this poses a risk to public safety. Please only park in designated areas and follow the directions of stewards and police officers.
‘We would also urge people not to stand in unsafe areas and to keep off the carriageway at all times.
‘There will be rolling road closures along the route.
‘Other roads close to the route are expected to be significantly affected as large numbers of people from across Scotland and beyond come to pay their respects.’
People wait for the funeral cortage carrying Britain’s Queen Elizabeth in the village of Ballater
A post box with adorned with a black knitted hat and likeness of The Queen in Ballater
A drawing of the Queen against the background of a Union flag which was left amongst flowers outside Balmoral Castle
Another tribute left among flowers at Balmoral Castle read ‘I miss you Queen’ on a child’s drawing of the late monarch
Traffic Scotland operator manager Stein Connelly said: ‘This is an event of unprecedented scale.
‘Even the recent COP26 gathering in Glasgow cannot match the amount of preparation and planning that has gone into this operation.
‘In order for the next few days to be successful we need the public to play their part by planning ahead, checking before they travel, and allowing extra time for journeys.
‘The northbound carriageway of the Kingsway and A90 will be open throughout.
‘Other roads may be closed at short notice, at the discretion of senior officers within Police Scotland.
‘Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the travelling public, but significant delays are expected.
‘Please plan ahead and use public transport where possible. If you
absolutely have to travel by car, allow extra time and only park within designated areas.
‘For up to date travel information and other updates, visit the Traffic Scotland website and twitter feeds, and check local authority websites for more localised information.’
Police officers patrol in the streets of Edinburgh, which will become a focus of national mourning today and tomorrow
Members of the public wait on the Royal Mile in the historic centre of Edinburgh to view the cortege this afternoon
A major policing operation will be underway on the Royal Mile and across the rest of Edinburgh to allow mourning to go ahead
Where to see the Queen’s coffin: How you can pay your respects to Her Majesty in Edinburgh and London as late monarch lies in state for four days with up to a million Britons expected to file past oak casket
By Natasha Anderson for MailOnline
More than one million mourning Britons will say their final goodbyes to Queen Elizabeth II as her coffin lies in state in Scotland and London this week.
Her Majesty’s coffin will lie in rest at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh for 24 hours, beginning Monday at 5pm. Those wishing to pay their respects can turn up at the church.
Officials say a queuing system and security checks will be in place. Mourners should expect to stand in the queue for a number of hours. Mobile phone use will be restricted and photography and recording will be strictly prohibited.
Members of the Royal Family, including King Charles III, will guard the coffin as it lies in state from 7.20pm on Monday in a tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes.
Brits can also pay their respects to the Queen at Westminster Hall in London beginning on Wednesday. Her Majesty will lie in state for ‘four clear days’ in Westminster Hall until the morning of her funeral on Monday, September 19.
Her coffin will be under continuous vigil and mourners can attend any time during daylight hours.
Police and Whitehall sources say specific details on how to attend will be released in the coming days, but it is expected to be on a first come, first served basis.
Queen Elizabeth, aged 96, died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on Thursday surrounded by her family. Her death sparked an immediate and huge outpouring of emotion, with thousands of mourners gathering outside the gates of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to leave flowers and displays of well-wishes for the Royal Family.
More than one million mourning Britons will say their final goodbyes to Queen Elizabeth II (pictured in June 2022) as her coffin lays on display in Scotland and London this week
Queen Elizabeth II’s casket will lie in state for 24 hours at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. Officials are pictured outside the church on Saturday as they prepared for the procession transporting her body
Soldiers will guard the coffin around the clock during visitation. Members of the Royal Family are also expected to take turns standing guard, a tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes. Princes Edward and Charles (pictured) both guarded the Queen Mother’s coffin in 2002
Brits can also visit the Queen at Westminster Hall (pictured) in London beginning on Wednesday. Her Majesty will lie in state for ‘four clear days’ in Westminster Hall until the morning of her funeral on Monday, September 19
Where can I pay my respects to the Queen?
Visit the Queen while she lies in rest in Edinburgh and London
Her Majesty’s coffin will lie in rest at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh for 24 hours, beginning Monday at 5pm. Those wishing to pay their respects can turn up at the church.
Brits can also pay their respects to the Queen at Westminster Hall in London beginning on Wednesday. Her Majesty will lie in state for ‘four clear days’ until the morning of her funeral on Monday, September 19.
Her coffin will be under continuous vigil and mourners can attend any time during daylight hours.
Observe the cortege
Mourners can stand safely by as the Queen’s coffin makes its six-hour journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh on Sunday.
The cortege will travel a 175-mile route, processing through Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen, Angus and Tayside along the way.
Leave flowers at royal residences throughout the UK
Buckingham Palace: Mourners can leave flowers and other tributes to Her Majesty at designated sites in Green Park and Hyde Park.
Windsor Castle: Memorials can be left at Cambridge Gate along the Long Walk. They can also be left at the Norwich Gates at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
Balmoral Castle: Mourners can leave flowers at the Main Gate of Balmoral Castle, where the Queen passed away.
Authorities have requested mourners not to drive to the castle. Road access is currently closed. They are advised to use park and ride services in Braemar and Ballater.
Hillsborough Castle: Mourners can leave flowers on the Castle Forecourt in front of the main gates.
Sign a book of condolence
Mourners can leave heartfelt messages in books of condolence that have been set up in libraries, town halls and other civic buildings across the UK.
Click here to find your local authority. Visit your authority’s website to find a book of condolence on display near you.
Mourners can also sign an online book of condolence on the Royal Family website.
The Queen’s coffin – which is lying in the ballroom at Balmoral Castle – will be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh this morning, on a six-hour journey by hearse, covering 175 miles.
The procession will travel from Balmoral to Aberdeen on the A93 and reached Ballater for a tribute in Aberdeenshire around 10.12am today.
The tribute was attended by the Lord Lieutenants of Aberdeenshire, as well as senior officers and councillors.
The cortege left Aberdeen at around 11am. Another tribute – led by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen and other civic dignitaries – took place at Great Southern Road by Duthie Park, The Telegraph reported.
The public was invited to pay their respects at the ceremony or on a footpath along the procession route.
The cortege will then follow the A90 to Dundee, arriving around 2pm for another tribute. Civic dignitaries from Tayside and Fife will stand on a dais as the cortege leaves the city.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the ‘poignant’ journey would give the public a chance to come together to ‘mark our country’s shared loss’.
Well-wishers are expected to gather along the route and Ms Sturgeon and other party leaders in Scotland are expected to watch the coffin as it goes past the Scottish Parliament.
The coffin will be taken to St Giles’ Cathedral where it will lie in rest until Tuesday. Mourners will be able to begin viewing the coffin around 5pm Monday, the City of Edinburgh Council confirmed to Edinburgh Evening News.
Visitors will go through an official queuing system that will feature security checks.
King Charles will stand beside the coffin from 7.20pm as part of the Vigil of the Princes – a longstanding tradition where male members of the Royal Family stand guard as their relatives lie in state.
Prince Edward and Charles both guarded the Queen Mother’s coffin in 2002.
After lying in state for 24 hours, Her Majesty’s coffin will then be flown from Edinburgh to RAF Northolt on Tuesday, accompanied by her daughter Princess Anne.
The casket will then be driven to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday ahead of a processional through the streets on London to Westminster Hall, where it will lie in state until the morning of the funeral.
A million mourners – included several foreign dignitaries – are expected to visit the coffin while it is lying-in-state and officials estimate two million people will gather in the streets every day until Her Majesty is laid to rest.
‘We will open the queue and control it through the normal way,’ a senior Whitehall source told The Sunday Times. ‘It is like trying to organise something on a similar scale to the London Olympics in a matter of days.’
A police source echoed: ‘It will be like the Notting Hill carnival every day.’
Nadhim Zahawi, the chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, is reportedly chairing daily meetings to oversee the viewings as officials try to ensure ‘as many people as possible’ can see the Queen.
Soldiers will guard the coffin around the clock during visitation. Members of the Royal Family are also expected to take turns standing guard.
The body of King George VI is pictured lying in state in Westminster Hall, London, in February 1952 before being taken to St George’s Chapel, Windsor, for burial
King George VI’s coffin lies in state in Westminster Hall in 1952
People wait for the hearse carrying the body of Britain’s late Queen Elizabeth II on its way to Edinburgh, in Balmoral, Scotland
Police stand next to flowers left in tribute to Britain’s late Queen Elizabeth II outside Balmoral Castle, Scotland
A visitor leaves a floral tribute at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for the late Queen Elizabeth II on September 11, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland
The Queen’s coffin – which is lying in the Ballroom at Balmoral Castle – will be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Sunday September 11, on a six-hour journey by hearse
King Charles will be at the front of the royal party heading from the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and up the Royal Mile to St Giles’ Cathedral
After the ceremonies in Edinburgh, the coffin will be flown to RAF Northolt and from there will be taken by road to Buckingham Palace
When her coffin arrives in Edinburgh it will be taken to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen in Scotland, before a service is held at St Giles’ Cathedral on Tuesday
King Charles will lead the nation in mourning on Monday as he walks at the head of a procession of the Queen’s coffin through the streets of Edinburgh.
He will be at the front of the royal party heading from the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and up the Royal Mile to St Giles’ Cathedral, it has been announced.
The King and Queen Consort will fly to Edinburgh with Prince William and other members of the Royal Family to lead the procession. Some members of the family will follow in cars, with others walking.
The Queen’s children and Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence will join King Charles in the the procession in Scotland.
A spokesperson confirmed that Charles is still in ‘discussions’ about arrangements for his mother’s state funeral.
‘I think what the family are genuinely focusing on is the death of Her Majesty the Queen and are united on that,’ the spokesman told the Times. ‘They are trying to get through this period by honouring the Queen as best as possible.’
Prime Minister Liz Truss will also accompany the King on a tour around Britain this week.
Police prepare the streets on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh on Sunday, ahead of the arrival of the coffin of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla arrive at Bucking Palace on Friday after mourners laid flowers outside the royal estate
A view of floral tributes left outside Buckingham Palace on Saturday
Officers from the Household Cavalry stand in vigil at the coffin of Britain’s Queen Mother as it lies in state April 5, 2002 in Westminster Hall
The man in charge of the huge funeral operation, the Earl Marshall the Duke of Norfolk, said the King’s main focus will be leading the royal family and nation in mourning over the coming days.
‘Whilst, in the next few days, the King will carry out all the necessary state duties, his main focus will be leading the Royal Family, the nation, the Realms and the Commonwealth in mourning Her Majesty The Queen. This will include meeting members of the public, to share in their grief,’ he told Mail Online on Saturday.
The Duke of Norfolk said he and other staff were carrying out their task ‘with a heavy heart’.
He said: ‘As the person with overall responsibility for delivering the funeral, let me end by saying that, together with so many colleagues from within The Royal Household, the Armed Forces, the Police, and other institutions of Church and State, we will carry out our duty over the coming days with the heaviest of hearts.
‘But also, with the firmest of resolve to ensure a fitting farewell to one of the defining figures of our times; a monarch whom we were truly privileged to have had as the Head of State of our country and the Realms, and Head of the wider Commonwealth.
‘While His Majesty The King was speaking about his family, I think it applies to us all when he said in his broadcast yesterday that: ‘We owe her the most heartfelt debt.’ I think we can, in some way, repay that debt by carrying out her last wishes in delivering Her Majesty The Queen’s Funeral.’
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