The Queen's Health

[planenut]

I was lucky to be able to attend today to pay my respects and give thanks, we all have our own feelings.
I took the opportunity to lay flowers at the Battle of Britain Memorial on the Embankment near to Westminster Bridge due to yesterday being Battle of Britain Day. Flowers are not allowed to be taken into the Westminster Hall so I had to do that first, at 1.30a.m., Then made my way to Southwark Park to join the end of the queue. I chose to walk to Tower Bridge on the Northside of the Thames and found it strange, I suppose due to so many people attending from outside London and arriving on the Southside, but strange that I passed less than fifty people on foot. Once over Tower Bridge the numbers rose to thousands. I joined the queue at 3a.m.. This snake of humans moved fast, slow, then frustratingly, several times came to a halt, at one stage for nigh on two hours. Tactics to reduce the need for using services had to be employed, though there were sufficient units for use.

Entering the historic building finally just after 3p.m.. All will have observed this scene in the emotionally charged atmosphere with vivid colours, the Crown orb and sceptre on top of the Royal Standard covering Queen Elizabeth's coffin, immaculately dressed military personell and Police Officers stationed around Her and virtually complete silence. A scene that I will never forget, and with a chance to acknowledge and reflect on this amazing woman. Tonight, The Princes Vigil, with every member of the Royal Family present in one hall.

[The Rovering Member]

My sister queued today & got there in between The Princes Vigil & the fellow who ran up to the coffin.

I'm going over to Windsor on Monday with my wife & Stepdaughter. No plan as such, we'll see what happens but hopefully we'll see The Queen on her final road journey.

For me though, l'm sure this will be the most moving & profound part of the entire ceremonial event, the music playing no small part:

https://youtu.be/mqm3iJKHpH4

[Gate Keeper]

Originally Posted by planenut

I was lucky to be able to attend today to pay my respects and give thanks, we all have our own feelings.
I took the opportunity to lay flowers at the Battle of Britain Memorial on the Embankment near to Westminster Bridge due to yesterday being Battle of Britain Day. Flowers are not allowed to be taken into the Westminster Hall so I had to do that first, at 1.30a.m., Then made my way to Southwark Park to join the end of the queue. I chose to walk to Tower Bridge on the Northside of the Thames and found it strange, I suppose due to so many people attending from outside London and arriving on the Southside, but strange that I passed less than fifty people on foot. Once over Tower Bridge the numbers rose to thousands. I joined the queue at 3a.m.. This snake of humans moved fast, slow, then frustratingly, several times came to a halt, at one stage for nigh on two hours. Tactics to reduce the need for using services had to be employed, though there were sufficient units for use.

Entering the historic building finally just after 3p.m.. All will have observed this scene in the emotionally charged atmosphere with vivid colours, the Crown orb and sceptre on top of the Royal Standard covering Queen Elizabeth's coffin, immaculately dressed military personell and Police Officers stationed around Her and virtually complete silence. A scene that I will never forget, and with a chance to acknowledge and reflect on this amazing woman. Tonight, The Princes Vigil, with every member of the Royal Family present in one hall.

Hi Fred, well done for passing on your condolences and tributes to Queen Elizabeth, what a beautiful thing you did. One of our friends visited and she joined the queue at 10:45 a.m reaching the coffin at 3 a.m Her husband is in the company of Royal Archers and he put in 5x20 minute vigils with members of the royal family in attendance. Hope you are taking it easy and resting up. Do enjoy the meet.

[planenut]

Originally Posted by Gate Keeper

Hi Fred, well done for passing on your condolences and tributes to Queen Elizabeth, what a beautiful thing you did. One of our friends visited and she joined the queue at 10:45 a.m reaching the coffin at 3 a.m Her husband is in the company of Royal Archers and he put in 5x20 minute vigils with members of the royal family in attendance. Hope you are taking it easy and resting up. Do enjoy the meet.

Thanks Phil. It is convenient for me to do this, being retired, no need to think about people who might rely on me, nor pets to consider, and with good health and able to travel with relative ease. I have just seen someone interviewed just joining the queue from north London with relatively light clothing and one bread roll with no drink, not the best preparation.

At the current queue throughput rate, that queue will have to close around 4p.m. on Sunday afternoon, which will be heartbreaking for those travelling long distances thinking they will be able to pay their respects.

[planenut]

Sadly I believe at this rate there will be people part way along the queue who will have been in it for several hours, who will be told that the viewing has ended.

[trebor]

so sad about the Queen and the Royal Family will never be the same after her passing, but will we ever know what caused her death or do we just assume old age ?

[another_clean_sheet]

Originally Posted by planenut

Sadly I believe at this rate there will be people part way along the queue who will have been in it for several hours, who will be told that the viewing has ended.

Everyone who had a wrist band was able to view the coffin.

[planenut]

Originally Posted by another_clean_sheet

Everyone who had a wrist band was able to view the coffin.

That was good, though they closed Southwark Park in the early evening, which did manage to reduce the queue.

[Bogbrush82]

Originally Posted by trebor

so sad about the Queen and the Royal Family will never be the same after her passing, but will we ever know what caused her death or do we just assume old age ?

Her lady in waiting posted online shortly after her death and said it was bone cancer.

Considering the amount of weight she lost and her worsening mobility issues, it's not something that can be easily dismissed.