Mourners have flocked to London from across the UK and around the world hoping to see Queen Elizabeth’s funeral procession and soak up the atmosphere on the capital’s streets.
Sarah and Harry, from Kingston-upon-Thames, drove to London on Monday to take their place behind the barriers lining Cromwell Road, where the mood is one of quiet anticipation. The couple, who declined to give their full names, said they were “devastated” to miss seeing the Queen lying in state.
For Emily, a 24-year-old high school teacher who recently moved to England from Australia, the funeral procession is “the perfect opportunity” to mourn. He told his history students that they “live in such an amazing time.”
Residents and foreign visitors have come to join the crowds in the capital. Diaksha, 36, and Kamlesh Sukdheo, 35, from South Africa headed to Hyde Park, instead of the conference they had come to London for, to watch the funeral on big screens.
“It’s a historic event, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Diaksha said.
“The example he set for us all, of how to behave with family and with the world, is inspiring,” added Kamlesh.
The Queen’s death gave the Johannesburg couple pause to consider the legacy of the British monarchy in their native country.
“She is also our monarch; she has been legendary, ruling for 70 years.”
Four Chinese students at the University of London, who have not given their names, have come to Hyde Park. “We just wanted to pay our respects and try to understand your country’s history,” said one.
Navishad Majothi, 56, has come from Manchester. He remembers seeing King Charles when he was Prince of Wales at the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.
“What a moment that was,” he said.
He came to Britain aged six from Uganda as a refugee with his family. “We owe him a lot,” he said.