They wore anoraks and sneakers and carried from their shoulders backpacks of snacks and extra sweaters. Here and there the elderly leant on walking sticks, and an occasional child tottered along. Dazed. These were the Queen’s people | tonyowright
People wait as the pass the Tower Bridge.Mourners wrapped in blankets reach the final stages of the queue for the Queen’s lying-in-state.But such were the numbers wanting to view the coffin that on Sunday morning, the British government issued a plea that no more people set off from home to join the line, because they would not reach Westminster Hall before its Monday morning closure.They wore anoraks and sneakers and carried from their shoulders backpacks of snacks and extra sweaters.
In a nation where many, at least in stereotype, seem most comfortable disappearing behind a newspaper or a book to avoid catching the eye of a fellow passenger on a train or heaven forbid, being drawn into conversation with a stranger, the long queue for the Queen’s lying-in-state transformed into a community of amiable chatter, a river of strangers sharing drinks, spare jackets and neighbourly hands to those who might falter.
There, surrounding the coffin, were the Gentlemen at Arms, swans’ plumes cascading from their helmets and battle axes affixed to their staves. And The King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard, popularly called Beefeaters, all heavy scarlet and gold frockcoats and garters atop scarlet hosiery. The Queen’s Guard stood still as statues, bearskin helmets jammed down around their eyes. Swords at the ready.
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