Thousands of police, hundreds of soldiers and an army of civil servants finalized preparations on Sunday for Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral, a spectacular display of national mourning that will also be the biggest gathering of world leaders in years.
People across Britain observed a minute’s silence at 8 p.m. in memory of the only monarch most of them have ever known. In Westminster Hall, where the queen’s body lies, the steady stream of mourners paused to pause out of respect.
In Windsor, where the monarch will be laid to rest on Monday afternoon after her funeral at Westminster Abbey, rain began to fall as crowds observed a minute of silence. Some mourners have set up small campsites with chairs outside Windsor Castle, planning to spend the night there in order to set aside the best viewing spots for the casket upon arrival.
“Well, it’s just one night and one day of our lives. Elizabeth gave us 70 years. So that’s not too much to ask, is it?” said Fred Sweeney, 52, who took his place with two British flags.
US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were among thousands of mourners — from residents and tourists to foreign dignitaries — paying their respects to the monarch. The president crossed himself and placed his hand on his chest as he stood by the casket in the 900-year-old hall, accompanied by his wife and Ambassador Jane Hartley.
Biden signed the book of condolences and attended a reception at Buckingham Palace with King Charles III. He is one of 500 rulers and members of royal families from around the world invited to the Queen’s state funeral, along with hundreds of British dignitaries, politicians, military veterans and charity workers.
Signing the book of condolences, Biden said Elizabeth II had been “decent” and “honorable” and “dedicated to service.”
“Queen Elizabeth lived her life for the people,” Jill Biden wrote in the condolence book for spouses and ambassadors. She “she served with wisdom and grace. We will never forget the warmth of her, the kindness of her, and the conversations we shared.”
Among those absent will be Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose invitation sparked criticism from human rights groups due to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. Another member of the family is expected to attend. Saudi royal, Prince Turki bin Mohammed.
As the dignitaries arrived, time was also running out to line up in the longest queue many have ever seen to pass in front of the queen’s coffin. The queue, which stretches for several kilometres, was closed around midnight on Sunday so that all those already in line could pass the coffin before Monday morning, when it will be taken to Westminster Abbey for the funeral.
Family by family, thousands of people continued to line up at all hours, dealing with freezing temperatures and facing waits of up to 17 hours in the line, which stretched more than 8 kilometers (5 miles).
Lauren Wilson, 36, was lined up in a much shorter queue for people with mobility issues. She said that she wanted to live the experience of seeing the coffin.
“The situation in the world is very strange and then this happens. It feels more momentous,” she declared.
She worries that the pomp surrounding Elizabeth’s passing deprives the queen’s relatives of their ability to come to terms with their loss.
“The family is not allowed to mourn. I find it quite painful,” she noted.
The monarch’s eight grandchildren, led by Prince William, the heir to the throne, surrounded the coffin and stood guard in a silent vigil on Saturday afternoon.
Among the world leaders who arrived in London was New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who told the BBC she was honored to represent her nation at the funeral and watch the national mourning for the queen.
“What I will remember the most from these days is the beauty of the collective response, the kindness of the people, their patience, their camaraderie. That for me has been the most moving tribute of all, the response of the British people,” said the Prime Minister.
Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska, was also among the mourners who offered their condolences at the monarch’s coffin.
Monday was declared a national holiday in honor of Isabel, who died on September 8 at the age of 96, 70 of them on the throne. Her funeral will be broadcast live to more than 200 nations and territories, as well as screens in parks and public spaces across Britain.
Thousands of police officers from across the country would work in the largest one-day police operation in London history.
