Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Heavy rain to clear as mourners queue to see Queen’s coffin

Hundreds waiting to see late monarch’s coffin faced deluges overnight

Furvah Shah
Wednesday 14 September 2022 06:56 EDT
Comments
Route revealed for queue to see Queen Elizabeth II lying in state

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Mourners lining the streets of London ahead of Queen Elizabeth II’s lying in state endured heavy downpours on Wednesday morning, but the rain clouds are set to clear for the thousands expected to joing the queue to see the monarch’s coffin.

Showers fell across the south of England, including in the capital, ahead of the Queen’s coffin being carried from Buckingham Palace to Westminister Hall.

“In terms of people being outside queueing, really the next 24 hours is likely to see the most unsettled weather before things start to calm down a bit with the high pressure moving in,” said a Met Office spokesperson.

That rain was expected to clear before midday with sunny spells and temperatures of 18C to 20C degrees by the afternoon, and “settled, fine, dry” conditions predicted until next week.

At least 100 people were queuing in the rain near Lambeth Bridge overnight, but that number has been growing through Wednesday and 200,000 people a day are predicted to travel to travel to central London to pay their respects.

Members of the public queue in the rain along the south bank of the River Thames
Members of the public queue in the rain along the south bank of the River Thames (AFP via Getty Images)

The Queen’s coffin arrived at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening and remained in the palace’s Bow Room overnight.

People are being warned of very long waiting times to see the Queen laying in state, with queues expected be 30 hours long or more.

“You will need to stand for many hours, possibly overnight, with very little opportunity to sit down as the queue will be continuously moving,” guidance posted on the government website warns.

“Large crowds are expected, and there are likely to be delays on public transport and road closures around the area. You should check ahead, plan accordingly and be prepared for long queues.

“Please consider this before you decide to attend or bring children with you.”

The government has also warned of airport-security style checks with one small bag permitted per person and no flowers, photos of other tributes allowed. They have also advised m people to dress appropriately and banned any clothing with offensive or political slogans.

The public will be able to see the late monarch’s laying in state in Westminster Hall, London from 5pm on Wednesday and it will be open 24 hours a day until 6.30am on Monday 19 September, the day of the Queen’s funeral.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in