Queue tracker live: Line reopens with 24 hour wait - temperatures to drop to 11C overnight
Queuers have said they will ignore official guidance urging them to stay away from the line.
Queen Elizabeth II: Mourners queue to pay respects
Frustration erupted earlier among mourners, as the queue to see the Queen Lying-In-State was closed for at least six hours and until the number of queuers is greatly reduced. Lionel Gilmartin, 64, and his wife Kaaron left their Manchester home at 7.30am to pay their respects to the Queen. The couple said they will ignore the official government announcement of the queue closure “until it comes from the horse’s mouth”. Lionel, told the Telegraph that the queuing system was a “complete shambles”. Hundreds of thousands of people have flocked to the capital to see the Queen's coffin in Westminster Hall and people from across the UK and the world have been queueing from as early as Monday to get in line on Albert Embankment. The line is currently approximately 4.9 miles long and the nearest landmark to the end is Southwark Park.
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KEY EVENTS
Queue time drops by 2.5 hours
The amount of time it is taking to reach Westminster Palace has dropped by 2.5 hours.
Hopefuls can now expect to wait an estimated 19.5 hours to see the Queen lying-in-state.
Tonight is expected to be chilly - so if you're just heading out, wrap up warm and take hot drinks in a flask to see you through!
Havoc in the accessible queue as no guarantee of entry
Catherine Morgan, 56, has been waiting in the accessible queue for her shot at seeing the Queen's coffin.
Ms Morgan and a friend have a wristband and are expecting to get in between 4am and 5am - but there's no guarantee.
She told the BBC: "I feel so sorry for the people further back in the queue that have been sent away, because they were saying this could be the complete end of the queue.
"They were trying to send us away and my friend and I agreed we would stay in the queue and run the risk.
"We’ve done it for the Queen mum, we’ll do it the Queen herself as well."
Two women sexually assaulted in queue
Two women were allegedly sexually assaulted in the queue to attend the Queen's lying in state, a court has heard.
Adio Adeshine, 19, allegedly exposed himself and pushed into the mourners from behind as they waited in line at Victoria Tower Gardens on Wednesday evening after Westminster Hall opened its doors to the public.
He was remanded in custody on Friday after appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court charged with two counts of sexual assault and two counts of breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
Accessible queue closed - for now
The accessible queue was closed earlier today, but will reopen tomorrow.
Allotted time slots are given for those with access needs, and more will be made available at 12pm tomorrow.
The accessible queue is paused and will resume at midday tomorrow
\u2014 Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (@DCMS) September 16, 2022
All entry slots have been allocated up until this time, when more will be made available
For everyone's comfort, please do not attempt to join the accessible queue before midday tomorrow pic.twitter.com/zwwGB46wJK
Watch the vigil
Whether you are at home or in the queue for Westminster Hall, you can watch tonight's vigil by the Queen's children below.
Queen's children hold a Vigil at Westminster Hall
Vigil begins for Queen's four children
The Queen's four children have now taken up their places around the late monarch's coffin, in what is known as the Vigil of the Princes.
The ceremony will last approximately 14 minutes.
The Queen's grandchildren will take part in their own vigil tomorrow evening.
King Charles leaves Buckingham Palace for vigil
King Charles III, along with his three siblings, have left Buckingham Palace to travel to Westminster Palace for a vigil around the Queen's coffin.
Royal fans dedicated to 22 hour wait
Tatie Kirst, 38, of Canada Water south-east London, a project manager, who has just joined the queue for Westminster Hall, said: "Well, it's a journey right?
"I think I'm prepared, I brought my good coat, I have a stool if I need to sit, I'm getting food and water, and we're going to walk the way.
"I think there is always a question, Is it worth it? Can I make it? And hopefully, yes.
"I wanted to be part of this, pay my respect to the Queen."
Queuing time drops by two hours
As we reported earlier, queuing time to get to Westminster Hall was a whole 24 hours.
This has now dropped to 22 hours, according to DCMS live tracker.
London travel update
For those travelling around London to the queue, there is a good service on almost all tube lines currently.
The Northern line is currently part suspended between Kennington and Camden Town due to a faulty train.
There is a good service running on the London overground which serves Southwark park's closest station, Rotherhithe.
There is also a good service on the Jubilee line, which serves Canada Water, another nearby station.
How should you act and dress inside Westminster Hall?
Once people are inside Westminster Palace, official guidance states should remain silent and “dress appropriately for the occasion”.
This amounts to a ban on clothes that carry any political or offensive slogans.
Antisocial behaviour, queue-jumping or drunken behaviour will not be tolerated, according to the rules.
'Most British thing ever' - More than 8,000 watching queue tracker
Express.co.uk's Deputy Political Editor has said the fact more than 8,000 are watching the DCMS live information for the queue is the most "british" element of the event.
For me, the most British thing ever isn't the queue, or even the queue for the queue... It's the 8.1k people watching a graphic giving live info on the queue pic.twitter.com/5GhKBpxWSj
\u2014 Dan Falvey (@Falvey_Dan) September 16, 2022
Weather in London this evening
Tonight temperatures will be cool for those in the queue for Westminster Palace.
According to the Met Office, temperatures will drop to the low teens in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Luckily conditions are expected to remain dry up to 5am tomorrow morning.
Queue likely to be paused again
For those wanting to join the line, the DCMS has warned it is likely to be closed again if Southwark Park reaches capacity.
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN'S LYING-IN-STATE QUEUE UPDATE, 5:05PM, 16 Sep
\u2014 Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (@DCMS) September 16, 2022
Entry to the queue has resumed
Expected queuing time is over 24 hours and overnight temperatures will be cold
The queue may be paused again if it reaches capacity
Tracker: https://t.co/6BYxq66a8X pic.twitter.com/gzaB4fY0vi
Entry to the queue has resumed
Entry to the queue has now reopened.
The end of the queue is in Southwark Park.
The estimated wait time is now 24 hours, and the DCMS has reminded people temperatures could become cold overnight.
Accessible queue closes until Saturday
The queue for those with access needs has been closed until midday tomorrow.
Those already in the queue will be able to continue, but no one else will be able to join.
The BBC has said one staff member said more than 1,000 people had been turned away today.
Queen's final journey to Windsor revealed
Following the Queen's funeral on Monday, her coffin will travel to Windsor where another ceremony for royal staff will take place and she will finally be laid to rest.
The full route from Hyde Park Corner in central London to Long Walk Windsor is:
Apsley WaySouth Carriage DriveQueens GateCromwell RoadTalgarth Road (via Hammersmith Flyover)Great West Road (A4)Great South West Road (A30)London Road (A30) (via under Chiswick Flyover)Staines Road (A30)Windsor Road (A308)Albert Road (A308) to Shaw Farm GateHolly and Phil blasted for alleged queue jumping
This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have paid their respects to the Queen, but instead of joining the public queue, they used the journalists queue for those working inside the venue.
Their use of the alternative entrance has angered some, given that other celebrities have joined the public in the long wait to view the Queen's coffin.
The queue jumping of the Elizabeth line by the elite is a disgrace.
\u2014 Dan Wootton (@danwootton) September 16, 2022
Why does every MP (and their four mates), not to mention Holly and Phil, think they're better than the rest of us?
Unlike Susanna Reid who lined up for seven hours with her mum.
I'd love to see one MP do the same pic.twitter.com/OHqbpdg8dF
Queue still closed
The queue to see the Queen's coffin is still closed, meaning no new mourners can join.
We currently do not have an estimation for when it will be reopened, but it's likely to be at some point this evening.
We'll bring the news to you as soon as it happens.
Hundreds needed medical attention since queue opened
Ambulance teams have treated 435 members of the public along the route of the queue to see the Queen's coffin since it opened at 5pm on Thursday.
The London Ambulance Service said some 291 people along the route of the queue and nearby in London were given medical assistance on Wednesday, with 17 needing hospital treatment.
A further 144 people were treated on Thursday, with 25 people being taken to hospital.
The majority of incidents attended were faints and collapses, resulting in head injuries.
What can I take with me into Westminster Palace?
For security reasons, there are limitations on what mourners can take into the palace where the Queen currently lies.
Visitors are only permitted to bring one small bag per person, which must be smaller than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm.
This bag should have with one simple opening or zip in order to move quickly through the security check.
Any non-clear bottles must be emptied prior to entry.
Those with larger bags may be able to use a drop off facility close to the venue, but this has limited capacity.
No photos are permitted in the hall, and phones should be kept on silent mode or switched off.
Where should I join the queue?
While the queue remains closed, mourners are being turned away and told to come back later to join.
The end of the queue is in Southwark Park - so staying in this area would give you the best chance of joining the queue this evening.
However, the area is likely to be crowded and many are being asked to go home and come back when it's quieter.
David Beckham says he is 'lucky' to have met Queen
David Beckham has said he waited 12 hours in the queue to see the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II.
He said: "I was so lucky I was able to have a few moments in my life to be around Her Majesty.
"A sad day but it's a day to remember the incredible legacy she left."
Celebrities pay their respects and join the queue with the public
As we reported earlier, David Beckham has joined the queue to pay his respects to the Queen.
Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, is also in line to see the Queen according to reports.
Comedian Tim Vine has also paid his last respects to the Queen, posting a tweet of some friends he made along the journey.
I paid my respects to The Queen yesterday. A profound experience. And the 7 and a half hour journey to Westminster Hall was made a very enjoyable one by these 8 lovely people I met in the queue. Danny, Frances, Jill, Gareth, Lisa, Mike, Sam, Lauren. pic.twitter.com/C1dB2oVraW
\u2014 Tim Vine (@RealTimVine) September 16, 2022
Mourner's tearful as they leave Westminster Palace
Those who have paid their last respects to the Queen have been in tears as they left Westminster Palace today.
Those leaving have been in the queue for hours, with many lining up over night for their opportunity to see the coffin.
Queue remains closed
The DCMS tracker says the queue to see the Queen's coffin remains closed.
There is currently no estimation for when it will reopen.
We will let you know as soon as the queue is open again.
Good afternoon
Good afternoon from London. I’m Aliss Higham, I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the queue to see the Queen's coffin at Westminster Palace today. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have any tips or want to share any interesting sites from the queue. Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: aliss.higham@reachplc.com
David Beckham joins the queue
Football legend David Beckham has reportedly caused quite a stir as he joins the queue to see the Queen Lying-in-State.
Jules Birkby said on Twitter: "The queue is now full of people trying to photograph David Beckham and forgetting to actually move onwards. It's madness! "I feel a bit sorry for him, but he's taking it very well."
Guess who else is in the #thequeueforthequeen #TheQueue #2012tweeps pic.twitter.com/gkdaIYGANU
\u2014 Chris Jones (@Madscouser72) September 16, 2022
Frustration erupts as line closed for six hours - 'complete shambles'
Frustration has erupted among mourners, as the queue to see the Queen Lying-In-State has been closed for at least six hours and until the number of queuers is greatly reduced.
Lionel Gilmartin, 64, and his wife Kaaron left their Manchester home at 7.30am to pay their respects to the Queen.
The couple said they will ignore the official government announcement of the queue closure “until it comes from the horse’s mouth”.
Lionel told the Telegraph that the queuing system was a “complete shambles”.
Footage shows mourners queuing to see Queen's father Lying-in-state
Here is some footage of mourners queuing to see the Queen's father, King George VI Lying-in-State in 1952.
I have edited together for you some rare colour film footage of the queues and London crowds for the Lying In State and funeral procession of King George VI in February 1952. Events, just as today, separated by 70 years.
\u2014 BabelColour (@StuartHumphryes) September 15, 2022
(This is not colourised) pic.twitter.com/3MdK58yvRc
Mourners who missed out on queue will wait around until queue reopens
Mourners who did not make it into the queue before it closed are waiting around until it reopens.
Helena Larsen, 76, from Chertsey, just missed entry into Southwark Park.
She told the PA News Agency: "We have literally got here and they have shut it in front of us.
She said she will wait around for entry to the queue to reopen.
"I don't know what else to do. There are no other access points.
"I probably will wait around."
She said she thought they should be let in.
"I do think because there's just a handful of us we should be let in," she said.
"I fractured my back a few months ago, it's a long walk even down to here."
Queue system 'all going to plan,' claims No10
Downing Street has insisted pausing the queue once it has reached capacity has "always been part of the plan" to manage the crowds of people in mourning.
A Number 10 spokeswoman said: "It is the case that what DCMS have done is they've temporarily paused the queue for at least six hours after it reached maximum capacity.
"That has always been part of our planning and that is to make sure as many people as possible in the queue can enter the Palace of Westminster."
A crowd gathers around entrance to queue as officials prevent entry
The entrance to Southwark Park has been closed after the queue to attend the Queen Lying-in-State reached capacity.
The time it takes from the end of the line to reach the Queen in Westminster Hall is believed to be in excess of 14 hours.
Officials are now stopping people from entering the queue.
An official said: "The entrance to the queue has been closed."
A crowd has formed around the entrance as people beg to be let in.
Queue officially temporarily CLOSED
The queue to attend to Queen's Lying-in-State has officially been closed due to popular demand.
The line is expected to re-open once the line has been reduced.
The sign reads: "Entry to Her Majesty's lying in state queue is temporarily paused.
"Lying in state queue wait time from this point minimum 14 hours."
Mourners furious that MPs don't have to queue
Mourners in the 14-hour-long queue are furious that MPs are allowed to skip the line to pay their respects to the Queen.
One queuer told Express.co.uk: "We think they should queue like everybody else".
People continuing to join queue despite government instructions
People are reportedly continuing to join the queue at Southwark Park despite government instructions not to.
A queue attendant told the PA news agency that they had not yet been given any instructions to close the gate and pause the queue.
Thousands of people continue to file through the gate into the park.
Entry to queue to be paused for at least six hours
Entry to the queue to see the Queen Lying in State has been paused for at least six hours after Southwark Park, where the end of the queue is now situated, reached capacity.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has warned people not to try and join the queue until it reopens.
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN'S LYING-IN-STATE QUEUE UPDATE, 09:50 AM, 16 Sept
\u2014 Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (@DCMS) September 16, 2022
Southwark Park has reached capacity. Entry will be paused for at least 6 hours. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
Please do not attempt to join the queue until it re-opens.
Check back for further updates pic.twitter.com/XMpyhOrme7
Queue now 14 hours long
People joining the queue now will have to wait 14 hours to see the Queen Lying-in-State, according to the latest estimates from the queue tracker.
Queue closed due to carpet cleaning
According to Sky News, the queue was closed for two hours this morning so that the carpets in Westminster Hall could be cleaned.
Entry to queue may be paused
Entry to the queue may be paused if Southwark Park reaches capacity, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport has said.
The DCMS advised those who have not yet set off to join to "consider waiting until numbers have reduced."
The queue is currently around 4.9 miles long and there is an estimated 11.5 hour wait time.
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN'S LYING-IN-STATE UPDATE, 8:30AM, 16 Sept
\u2014 Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (@DCMS) September 16, 2022
The queue is in Southwark Park
If the park reaches capacity, entry to the queue will be paused
If you have not yet set off to join, please consider waiting until numbers have reduced pic.twitter.com/v0NO6s0jji
Queue reportedly not moving
One queuer has told Express.co.uk that they have been in the queue since 7am and it has not moved at all, despite the fact it is supposed to be moving 24 hours a day.
However, this could be due to crowd control.
Queue currently 4.4 miles long
This morning, the queue to see the Queen's coffin is 4.4 miles long, according to the government's live tracker.
Many people have queued throughout the night to pay their respects to the Queen.
Good morning
Good morning, I'm Olivia Stringer and I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the queue to see the Queen's coffin for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: olivia.stringer@reachplc.com
Twitter: @Livstringer_
Queue for Queen's coffin 11 hours long
The queue for the public wishing to pay their respects to the Queen has not dwindled over the night.
Instead, the waiting time in the queue is now estimated to be at least 11 hours, according to the tracker from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
GB news: MPs slammed for skipping the queue in Westminster Hall to visit Queen’s coffin
Mourning members of the public queued overnight in central London to see the Queen lying in state.
However, despite the miles long queue, several MPs have been skipping the queue in Westminster Hall to visit Queen’s coffin. A House of Commons spokesperson confirmed that Members of Parliament can view the Queen's coffin without having to queue for miles - and can also bring up to four guests.
Parliamentary House staff can also avoid the line, which was around 3.5 miles long at 11am according to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and have been offered one guest ticket each.
Criticising the act, journalist Dominique Samuels told GB news: “I think it’s completely wrong thing to do.
“It was supposed to be about national unity with the Queen passing instead it creates the impression that these politicians are far too above the common people that are far too good to queue up with them. It begs the question of would they be paying their respects?
“It meant if they had to queue, the answer would be probably no for some of them.
“I think it just shows that a lot of our politicians do prefer to be the servants of the people when really they are only servants of themselves in the perks they can get.
“I suppose that’s one of the many flaws of being human but its always the one attracted to the jobs of politics that behave like that.”
Government slammed for failing disabled and elderly mourners falling ill in Queen queue
A second more "accessible" queue is also available but less widely known about amongst mourning members of the public.
Frail older people queueing to pay their respects to the Queen lying in state at Westminster Hall are suffering from dehydration and falling over after waiting in line for hours.
As of Thursday night the queue was almost five miles long and the waiting time was approximately nine hours.
Volunteers with St John Ambulance told The Telegraph they had attended 232 incidents across one day this week, with dehydrating, fainting, falls and blisters the most common issues.
There is an "accessible" queue available for those unable to stand for long periods of time, for instance the disabled and elderly.
However charities have slammed the Government for not making enough effort to publicise this option as far fewer people are using it.
Kamran Mallick, chief executive of Disability Rights UK, said: “It’s really important that when the Government puts out guidance, the accessible arrangements are front and centre so that people genuinely see it and don't have to go hunting for that information.
Public blow kisses to coffin
The public can be seen blowing kisses to the Queen's coffin as they pay their respects to the late-Monarch.
Other visitors have been seen bowing their heads and curtseying to the coffin.
The queue to see the Queen lying in state continues to be at least nine hours and approximately 4.9 miles long, according to the Government's tracker.
Susanna Reid shares her tips for the queue
Susanna Reid has shared some tips for queueing after spending 7 hours and 20 mins waiting to see the Queen's coffin.
The Good Morning Britain presenter tweeted that she joined the queue at 1.23pm and entered Westminster Hall at 8.43pm.
Her tips include "wearing the comfiest shoes you one" and going with someone.
She added: "Don’t carry too much in a bag - water is freely available and there are lots of cafes along the route. Also plenty of toilets. I put my phone on low battery mode and it lasted the entire time."
Don\u2019t carry too much in a bag - water is freely available and there are lots of cafes along the route. Also plenty of toilets. I put my phone on low battery mode and it lasted the entire time.
\u2014 Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) September 15, 2022
Mourners don union jack to pay their respects
One mourner chose to wear a union jack blazer to pay his respect to the Queen.
The man was spotted in the bright jacket queueing for Westminster Hall.
Another group were spotted donning union jack bucket hats for the occasion.
Mourners touched as ray of sun beams down on Westminster Hall
A ray of sun dramatically shined down on Westminster Hall where Queen Elizabeth II lies in state, creating an emotional scenery that left mourners stunned.
The cloudy weather combined with the iconic urban scenery of London formed a breathtaking landscape as sunset approached, on the second day that members of the public are paying their respects to the late monarch.
In the sight of the ray of light that escaped through the clouds, a member of the public in the queue to see the Queen’s coffin took an astonishing picture and posted it on Twitter.
It was captioned: "In the queue to pay respects to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Felt compelled to come today. Love how the sun rays appear to fall on Westminster Hall #lyinginstate #QueenElizabethII".
Queue now nine hours long
The queue to see the coffin is now nine hours long, according to the Government's live tracker.
Change of heart over Prince Harry wearing military uniform
The Queen's grandchildren are expected to hold a vigil at her coffin over the weekend.
Prince William, the Duke of Sussex, Peter Philips, and Zara Tindall will mount a vigil around the Queen's coffin on Saturday.
The Daily Mirror said Palace officials had a change of heart over Prince Harry wearing his military uniform.
Harry, who saw action on the front line during two tours of duty in Afghanistan, had been denied the chance to wear his military uniform as he publicly mourned as he is no longer a working royal.
Cathedrals to screen Queen's funeral
Cathedrals around the country will be screening the Queen's funeral.
Locations that have confirmed the screenings are: Bradford, Birmingham, Bristol, Chester, Ely, Guildford, Lichfield, Lincoln, Manchester, Norwich, Christ Church Cathedral Oxford, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Ripon, Salisbury, Sheffield, Southwell Minster, St Edmundsbury, St Albans, Truro, Winchester and Wakefield
Visitors will be welcomed to offer prayers, light a candle and observe the two-minute silence at 11am before the start of the funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday.
Seeing coffin was 'special and extraordinary'
Pesach Neussbaum, a retired computer company owner, from Montreal, Canada, described seeing the Queen's coffin as a "very special and extraordinary" experience.
Tourist Mr Neussbaum, who arrived in Britain on Wednesday, had just finished a walking tour in central London when he managed to join the queue in Blackfriars, south London, on Thursday afternoon.
He told PA: "I was thinking that even if I did not get there to Westminster, and it turned out to be too far for me to walk, that I was still paying my last respects to the Queen.
"I just continued for five-and-a-half hours and to see it through makes me feel fulfilled.
"My wife Shari - who is back in Canada - is the biggest fan of Queen Elizabeth. I figured that if my wife were here, she would want me to continue.
"The Queen is an inspiration not just to myself but the entire world."
What have the Royal Family been doing today
Whilst mourners pay their respects in London, senior member of the Royal Family have been meeting members of the public across the country.
The Prince and Princess of Wales travelled the Her Majesty's former estate, Sandringham to view flower tributes and speak to well-wishers.
Princess Ann made the journey to Glasgow, while the Earl and Countess of Wessex went to Manchester.
King Charles remained at his home in Gloucestershire, Highgrove today for a day of reflection.
In Sandringham, Manchester and Glasgow today, members of The Royal Family were able to meet members of the public and see some of the many tributes which have been left in memory of Her Majesty The Queen.
\u2014 The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 15, 2022
\u26ab\ufe0f https://t.co/SoBxqVX7Az pic.twitter.com/T8pUGjjLuW
People try to smuggle dogs to see Queen's coffin
Officials have reportedly had to stop six people trying to smuggle their dogs into Westminster Hall.
The Daily Mail's political editor Jason Groves tweeted that Parliamentary sources say officials stopped the individuals before they entered the hall where the Queen is lying in state.
Queue growing quickly this evening
The queue appears to be growing quickly as it now stretched 4.9 miles long, according to the Government's live tracker.
The estimated queueing time has risen to 8.5 miles with the queue's nearest landmark being Southwark Pier.
Latest pictures of the queues
Here are some of the latest pictures of the long queues to see the Queen's coffin as the sun begins to set over London.
Queue longer but wait time falls
The queue is now sitting at 4.6 miles according to the Government's live tracker.
However, wait times appear to be down to eight hours, falling by an hour.
People this morning were told they could wait up to nine hours to see the Queen's coffin in Westminster Hall.
Volunteers estimate another seven hours of waiting
Volunteer assistants along the route estimated it may be another six or seven hours journey for well-wishers who were in the queue outside Tate Modern at 5.30pm.
Shop assistant Angela Johnson, 42, of Ealing, west London, was determined to make it to Westminster Hall to pay her respects to the Queen.
She said: "It has been 70 years and she came to the throne at such a young age. It has been a real achievement.
"We should be proud of our Queen. She has done well for our country and she has never let the country down.
"She pretty much had to give up her whole life to the country to become Queen - it couldn't have been easy for her."
Almost 300 given medical assistance in queue
Ambulance teams treated 291 members of the public along the route of the queue to see the Queen lying in state and surrounding areas on Wednesday.
A total of 17 needed hospital treatment, Lonson Ambulance Service (LAS) said.
An LAS spokeswoman said: "Working with our partners, we cared for 291 patients yesterday up until midnight along the lying-in-state queuing route and surrounding areas, including Hyde Park, Whitehall and Millbank."
Two cabinet ministers take part in vigil
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Scottish Secretary Alister Jack have stood vigil at the Queen's coffin.
The two cabinet ministers stood in dark uniforms around the coffin on Thursday afternoon.
Both men are members of the Royal Company of Archers, which functions as the sovereign's bodyguard in Scotlan
Inside vs Outside Westminster Hall
The queue is currently 4.2 miles long, stretching back to the earest landmark at Bermondsey Beach.
Inside Westminster Hall mourners continue to pay their respect, bowing and thanking the Queen for her 70 years of service.
The weather in London this evening
People are continuing to join the queue in central London this evening and they are in luck as the weather is set to stay dry.
Heathrow cancels over 100 flights due to Queen's funeral
Over 100 flights from Heathrow will be cancelled due to the Queen's funeral to "avoid noise".
The London airport announced that 15% of its 1,200 flights due to take off or land on Monday will be disrupted to ensure the skies are quiet during the two-minute silence.
No flights will be allowed to take off or land from 15 minutes before the silence starts until 15 minutes after it ends.
Departures and arrivals will also be halted during the arrival of the funeral cortege and procession at Windsor Castle, and diverted around the castle during the private family service on Monday night.
British Airways - the most-affected airline - will cancel 100 short-haul flights due to the restrictions.
Mood in queue is 'friendly and poignant'
The UK chief commissioner of the Scouts said the mood among the crowds waiting to pay their respects was "friendly and poignant".
Carl Hankinson, who is among volunteers to monitor the queue to Westminster Hall, said Scouts had been "on their feet 12 hours" a day to help ensure the smooth running of admissions.
He said there was "no expectation" among Scouts that they would later be allowed to skip the queue to pay their own respects, but that they were "very keen" to be able to visit the coffin.
Mr Hankinson said: "(The crowd atmosphere) is poignant, very quiet and respectful - some people are tired, of course, but, generally, a great atmosphere."
Mourners pay tribute to 'old boss'
Paul Parr, 53, and Frank Charlton, 76, travelled to London from Lancashire to pay their respects to their “old boss”.
The Royal British Legion members queued for about six hours to pay their last respects, saluting the Queen as they stood before Her Majesty’s coffin.
Mr Parr served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for 24 years, rising to the rank of sergeant and serving in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.
He said: “We both felt it was right and proper to pay our respects to our old boss. It was quite an a poignant and emotional moment standing in front of the coffin.”
Mr Charlton, who served with the King’s Own Royal Regiment, said: “It was very emotional. I was welling up, which surprised me. I didn’t think it would hit so hard.”
Key workers invited to attend Queen's funeral
Nearly 200 key workers and volunteers recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list have been invited to attend the Queen's state funeral, Downing Street has said.
The group of people who received honours in June are to join royals and world leaders in Westminster Abbey - the historic church which can hold about 2,000 people - at 11am on Monday.
The Prime Minister's official spokesperson said: "I can confirm that among the guests who have been invited to attend will be almost 200 people who were recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours this year, that was in June.
"These individuals drawn from across the UK were recognised for their extraordinary contributions in areas including the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, people who volunteered in their communities, charity workers and those who work in healthcare, education and the wider public sector".
'It was a humbling moment' attending the Queen's Lying-in-State, recalls mourner
Andrea Farrell, 56, from Chichester, came to London on Wednesday for the procession of Her Majesty’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.
Ms Farrell queued for six hours today to pay her respects. On seeing the Queen lying in state, she said: “It got stiller and quieter the closer we got. It was absolutely silent inside.
"It was a humbling moment. You stood there and tried to absorb it and to take it all in. It was a privilege and very moving to be part of it.”
Asked what the Queen meant to her, a tearful Ms Farrell said: “She’s just been part of my life for so long. She was just an inspiration and comfort - she provided consistency, especially when the world is going to pot.
"You have that feeling of consistency, of protection, someone in the midst of all the political chaos, you have that one constant. You’ve lost that rock.
“I think King Charles is ready and has the skills. I think the people will be behind him.”
'It made all the difference having good company,' friendships forged in queue to attend LiS
Elsa Gwilliam and Jackie McKiernan met for the first time when they joined the queue at about 7.30 this morning.
They agreed there was a beautiful atmosphere inside Westminster Hall.
Ms Gwiiliam, 54, from Brockley in south London, said: “There was a beautiful atmosphere. It was very peaceful, reflective and calm. I’m really glad to have done it.”
Mrs McKiernan, 75, from south London, said: “It was quite overwhelming.”
On queuing for more than five hours, she said: “It’s made all the difference having good company.”
Queue returns to 4.3 miles
The queue for people to attend the Queen's Lying-in-State has returned to 4.3 miles long after hitting a daily high of 4.4 this afternoon.
The line is believed to still be moving at around 0.5mph and the nearest landmark to the end of it remains Bermondsey Beach.
The nearest station to that is Bermondsey station on the Jubilee line.
It is also a ten-minute walk from Rotherhithe station, which is served by London Overground trains running between Highbury & Islington in the north and West Croydon in the south.
Details about Queen’s funeral released
Details about Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral have just been announced.
The Queen will be buried with her husband, Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, in a private service at 7:30pm on Monday.
Her committal service will take place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor
Castle at 4pm on Monday, following her state funeral at Westminster Abbey in London, which begins at 11am.
'I found it harder than I was expecting,' mourners open up about 'surreal' experience inside Hall
Colleagues Keri Dunning, 53, and Sophia Williams, 54, travelled from Portsmouth in the early hours of this morning to pay their respects.
They queued for five hours to file past the Queen’s coffin, bowing towards Her Majesty as they did so.
Ms Dunning said: “It was very emotional, really emotional. She was a remarkable woman. She served her country for more than 70 years. She never put a foot wrong. She was brilliant.”
Ms Williams said the atmosphere inside Westminster Hall was subdued, adding: “It was really powerful. It felt surreal. I found it harder than I was expecting.
"But I felt very privileged to have done that. It was absolutely worth getting up first thing for.”
Queue swells to 4.4 miles long
The queue to allow people to pay their respects to the Queen Lying-in-State has reached 4.4 miles long - the longest it has been today.
The line is believed to still be moving at around 0.5mph and the nearest landmark to the end of it is Bermondsey Beach.
The nearest station to that is Bermondsey station on the Jubilee line.
It is also a ten minute walk from Rotherhithe station, which is served by London Overground trains running between Highbury & Islington in the north and West Croydon in the south.
'I nearly cried,' people form bonds with fellow mourners in the queue to pay respect to Queen
Louis Kinding queued for about five hours, meeting husband wife Ian and Miriam Thompson.
After paying their respects at Westminster Hall the trio exchanged numbers and vowed to keep in touch.
Mr Kinding, 66, from Coulsdon in south London, said: “It was very moving. I wanted to show my respect more than anything. I nearly cried. It was important to be there because the Queen never did anything wrong all her life.”
Mr Thompson, 78, from Teddington, said seeing the Queen lying in state was particularly poignant as his first memory of the Royal Family was in 1952 when Princess Elizabeth ascended the throne.
He said: “It’s not just that she was the Queen, but that she performed her duties so thoroughly and carefully. She seemed to be not just the Queen but the kindest and most admirable person.”
Mrs Thompson, 53, said: “It was very sad, but at the same time exciting for me because I had the privilege to come and pay my respects to her.
“She was a point of unity for the UK. She really brought everybody together. I have so much admiration for her.”
Queue swells to 4.3 miles - the longest it has been all day
The queue to allow people to pay their respects to the Queen Lying-in-State has reached 4.3 miles long - the longest it has been today.
The line is believed to still be moving at around 0.5mph and the nearest landmark to the end of it remains Tower Bridge.
Westminster area of London 'exceptionally busy'
Transport for London says the Westminster area of London will be "exceptionally busy".
People are being asked to avoid driving into London if possible and some roads will be closed, especially around Westminster itself, which will disrupt bus services.
Travel providers say the best way to get around central London will be by using London Underground and rail services, although there may be temporary Tube station closures at short notice, along with special queuing arrangements.
Visitors are being advised to plan ahead, check real-time travel information, and consider walking instead wherever possible.
People are also being asked to avoid Green Park Tube station unless they need step-free access.
Transport bosses have confirmed extra train services will be running.
Keep checking your travel during this time on the TfL website: https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-tools
115,000 more Tube journeys week-on-week
Transport for London (TfL) said nearly 115,000 more Tube journeys were made to or from eight stations in the centre of the capital on Wednesday compared with the same day last week.
A total of 696,468 entries and exits were recorded at Charing Cross, Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, London Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, St James's Park, Victoria and Westminster stations on Wednesday.
That was up 20 percent on the total of 581,740 during the previous Tuesday.
Mother and son join queue to pay respect to Queen sporting brooch
Susannah Cunningham, 53, and her son Sebastian, 13, have joined the queue of people eager to pay their respect to the Queen as she lies in state in Westminster.
The mother and son duo are in the line at Southwark, with Susannah sporting a brooch of the late monarch.
Queue reaches 3.6 miles long
The queue to allow people to pay their respects to the Queen Lying-in-State has reached 3.6 miles long - the longest it has been today.
The line is believed to still be moving at around 0.5mph and the nearest landmark to the end of it is Tower Bridge.
Queue reaches 3.1 miles long
The queue to allow people to pay their respects to the Queen Lying-in-State has reached 3.1 miles long - the longest it has been today.
The line is believed to still be moving at around 0.5mph and the nearest landmark to the end of it remains HMS Belfast.
Queue swells to 3 miles long
The queue to see the Queen Lying-in-State has swelled to three miles long.
The landmark nearest to the end of the line is now HMS Belfast.
Macron tells King 'ties between France and UK are unbreakable' in first phone call
French President Emmanuel Macron has said he will attend the Queen's funeral on Monday, and that he offered condolences to King Charles on the death of his mother in a phone call on Wednesday night.
In a series of tweets, French President Emmanuel Macron said: "In a phone conversation with His Majesty King Charles III last night, I expressed France's condolences on the death of his mother, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"I will attend the funeral in London on Monday.
"The ties between France and the United Kingdom are unbreakable.
"We will continue to strengthen them, following the path laid by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."
The ties between France and the United Kingdom are unbreakable. We will continue to strengthen them, following the path laid by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
\u2014 Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 15, 2022
What to expect today:
- Mourners will continue paying their respects to Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Hall with long queues expected
- The late monarch’s lying in state remains open to the public 24 hours a day until it closes at 6.30am on Monday September 19 - the day of the Queen’s funeral
- A rehearsal is likely to take place in London for the state funeral procession.
Separate accessibility route for people with mobility issues
There is a separate accessible queue open for people who have specific accessibility requirements or who are unable to stand for long periods of time.
The scheme will enable people with specific needs to be admitted in the next available entry slot for the Lying-in-State.
When it is time for your visit, you can join the accessible queue.
Disabled people who need to join the separate, accessible queue, should travel to a kiosk located outside Tate Britain, where accessible facilities – including accessible toilets, a water point, and BSL interpreters – will be available.
Capacity for each time slot will be capped.
People can use the space in the Tate Britain which has seating, toilets and "quiet space" areas while waiting for the next slot to open.
The Government warns it cannot guarantee everyone seeking a place in the accessible queue will be given access to the Lying-in-State because of overall capacity limits.
The route from the kiosk to Westminster Hall is approximately 800 metres and is step-free for people with mobility needs.
Mourners line streets in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, mourners have lined up outside the British consulate to pay their respects to the Queen.
Similar to the scenes in Britain, flowers, cards and portraits have lined the pavement outside the consulate in Admiralty, Hong Kong.
Hong Kong, once a British Colony, has been handed back to China with protest a crime under Beijing’s national security law and strict Covid rules.
Queue jumps to 2.6 miles long
The queue to see the Queen Lying-in-State has jumped to 2.6 miles long, up from two miles at around 6:30am.
The nearest landmark has shifted from Blackfriars Bridge to Borough Market.
Keep following this blog for the latest changes.
Queue moving at approximately 0.5mph
The queue of people waiting to pay their respects to the Queen Lying-in-State is moving at around 0.5 miles per hour.
Under Waterloo Bridge, the British Film Institute has set up a big screen showing clips from documentaries about the Queen's life to those waiting in the queue.
Good morning
Good morning from London. I’m Tara Fair, I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the queue to see the Queen Lying-in-State. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: Tara.fair@reachplc.com
Twitter: @TaraFair_
Royal guard watching over Queen’s coffin collapses on first night monarch lays in state
Footage taken from a live broadcast, which was posted to social media at around 1am, captured the collapse.
A Royal Guard standing near the Queen’s coffin collapsed at Westminster Hall, reports show.
The incident happened on the first night of the Queen’s lying in state which gives members of the public the chance to pay their respects to the late monarch.
The guard was standing at the foot of the late monarch’s casket when he suddenly fell to the floor.
The black-clad guard was holding a ceremonial staff when he appeared to faint, with nearby officials quickly rushing to his aid.
As he was tended to, the live vision quickly faded to exterior, night-time vision of the building.
Over an hour later, the broadcast had still not returned to the scene inside the hall.
Soldiers in ceremonial uniform are maintaining a constant, 24-hour vigil around the Queen’s coffin while she is lying in state.
The guards from units which include the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London are required to remain completely still at the four corners of the catafalque.
While the soldiers rotate every 20 minutes, the hours of remaining completely still while standing are six-hours in length.
Existence of a ‘VIP’ queue for parliamentarians and their families sparks outrage
The existence of a ‘VIP’ queue for parliamentarians and their families, which essentially allows them to “queue jump” in their own separate, faster moving line has sparked some outrage amongst mourners.
There are 650 MPs and 756 peers, meaning that in theory up to 7,000 spaces in Westminster Hall could go to parliamentarians or their friends rather than members of the public.
Eric Burton from the Isle of Wight left his home at 9am to join the queue and shared his frustrations at the existence of the second line.
He told The Times: “I don’t really like how MPs always get the front row tickets.
“They should join in with the rest of the queue. We’re all flesh and blood in the end and we all want to pay our respects to the Queen.
“We’re all human, why should they be treated differently?”
Government sources believe the queue could grow to be 10 miles long
Trisha, who is No 2,026 in the queue, said of her time waiting: “Everyone’s very friendly, and we’re all here for the same thing, which is to honour the Queen.
“We’ve met some nice people and we shared stories. We’ve even shared contact details. I’ve met someone I was at school with. It’s great.”
Even past midnight the queue stretches on for over 2.4 miles
Hundreds of mourners line up to say their final goodbye to the late Queen Elizabeth II, despite it being well past midnight in the City of London.
It is past midnight in London and the queue to see Queen Elizabeth II Lying-in-State goes on for 2.4 miles.
\u2014 HRH Prince William, Prince Of Wales \u2790 (parody) (@HRH_William_) September 14, 2022
pic.twitter.com/pCddU28qPC
Queen means 'everything' says royal fan waiting in line
Sheila Jones, 67, from Sutton-on-Sea, said the Queen means "everything" to her as she lines up to pay her respects.
She said: "I've been a royalist all my life, and I appreciate what she's done and dedication to duty.
Ms Jones said she had brought her raincoat and thermos and is prepared to wait into the night to see the Queen's coffin.
She said: "I would have regretted it forever if I never came."
Queen: Sheila from Sutton on Sea says she means 'everything'
How should you dress and act for the occasion?
Once people are inside Westminster Palace, official guidance states should remain silent and “dress appropriately for the occasion”.
This amounts to a ban on clothes that carry any political or offensive slogans.
Antisocial behaviour, queue-jumping or drunken behaviour will not be tolerated, according to the rules.
No photographs are allowed once inside the hall.
Royal fans pay tribute to 'grandmother to the nation' as they wait in line
Janet Leach, 68, from Enfield, has been queuing for her chance to pay her respects to the Queen at Westminster Palace.
She said: "I love the Queen. I'm so proud to have lived throughout the Elizabethen age. I've always thought she was a grandmother to the nation."
Ms Leach said she was wearing a necklace of her late mother's, who was also an avid royalist.
She said: "My mum only died a couple of years ago and she absolutely loved the royals.
"I'm taking her with me when I pay respects to Her Majesty's coffin."
Queen: Janet from Enfield pays tribute as she queues to see coffin
How long is the wait to see the Queen's coffin?
Estimates from the Government have put the wait at 30 hours - but any realtime updates on how long people have been waiting are yet to be revealed.
Many people have been waiting overnight for the opening at 5pm today earlier, meaning those who have been in the queue since this afternoon are still waiting.
Therefore, full estimations for the queue wait time are not yet available - but we should have a clearer picture later in the evening.
Royal fans have been camping out for chance to see Queen's coffin
One of the first people to see the Queen lying in state in London has said she waited "days" to see the coffin.
Annie Daley told MailOnline: "When we approached the coffin, everyone was silent, it was so, so quiet. I looked round and the Yeoman guards were like statues.
"We waited for days and when it came to it the whole experience was over in seconds, we went round the coffin once and down the stairs."
How long is the queue now?
The queue is still a similar length it was earlier at 2.4 miles.
According to the DCMS, the nearest landmark to the end of the queue is Southwark Bridge.
For those using what3words, the location is tent.pipe.descended.
View of the Queen's coffin for those who wait
The Royal Family Twitter account has posted this solemn image of the Queen's coffin.
Taken prior to mourners being allowed to enter at 5pm, it offers a glimpse into the Westminster Palace.
\u2014 The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 14, 2022
What can I take with me into the Palace of Westminster?
For security reasons, there are limitations on what mourners can take into the palace where the Queen currently lies.
Visitors are only permitted to bring one small bag per person, which must be smaller than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm.
This bag should have with one simple opening or zip in order to move quickly through the security check.
Any non-clear bottles must be emptied prior to entry.
Those with larger bags may be able to use a drop off facility close to the venue, but this has limited capacity.
No photos are permitted in the hall, and phones should be kept on silent mode or switched off.
Travel updates for London
For those looking to travel around London currently, all London Underground lines are currently running a good service according to TFL.
This includes the Jubilee and Northern lines, which both serve London Bridge, the closest station to the end of the queue.
There are also no reported disruptions to the 17, 21, 35, 43, 47, 133, 141, 149, 343, 344, 381, 388, and 521 buses that serve the area around London Bridge.
Queue length jumps to 2.6 miles
The queue to view the Queen's coffin is currently 2.6 miles long.
The queue is currently along Clink Street, near the Clink Prison museum and the Southwark Cathedral.
A glimpse of what awaits those in the queue
The Royal Family Twitter account has posted this solemn image of the Queen's coffin inside Westminster Palace.
Taken prior to mourners being allowed to enter, it gives those waiting a glimpse of what they will witness after hours of waiting.
\u2014 The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 14, 2022
Are there toilets along the route?
Yes - more than 500 portable toilets installed along the route.
Local venues positioned along the queue, such as the Southbank Centre and Shakespeare's Globe will remain open for longer so people can use their facilities.
Queue length remains the same
As we reported earlier, the length of the queue is currently 2.2 miles long, the same as it was 40 minutes ago.
The closest landmark is Millenium Bridge.
Weather in London this evening
Luckily for those waiting for a glimpse of the Queen's coffin, the weather looks like it will hold out as the evening progresses.
Until 11pm tonight, there is only a five percent chance of rain, increasing to 10 percent for an hour after, before dropping back down to five percent.
Temperatures will also remain warm for the evening.
Queue length drops again
The queue to see the Queen lie in state is now even shorter, at 2.2 miles long.
The DCMS has said the nearest landmark to the end of the queue is Millenium Bridge.
If you are a user of what3words, the end of the queue is located at plank.trends.rubble.
Queue length drops as doors open
According to the DCMS, the queue is now 2.6 miles long - 0.3 miles less than the previous estimate we reported earlier.
The nearest landmark to the end of the line is Tower Bridge.
Brilliant Britishness of miles-long queue applauded on Twitter
Twitter user @curiousiguana has lauded the overtly British nature of the queue to see the Queen's coffin.
They said: "I don't particularly care either way about the Queen. But the queue? The Queue is a triumph of Britishness. It's incredible.
"It is the motherlode of queues. It is art. It is poetry. It is the queue to end all queues. It opened earlier today and is already 2.2 miles long. They will close it if it gets to FIVE MILES. That's a queue that would take TWO HOURS TO WALK at a brisk pace."
Tell me this isn't the greatest bit of British performance art that has ever happened? I'm giddy with joy. It's fantastic. We are a deeply, deeply mad people with an absolutely unshakeable need to join a queue. It's utterly glorious.
\u2014 \u2753\ud83e\udd8e (@curiousiguana) September 14, 2022
Where do I go if I have access requirements?
For those needing access help to view the Queen's coffin, they should head to Tate Britain.
For those with access needs, Tate Britain (not Tate Modern) will be the point where those wishing to pay respects to Her Majesty The Queen at the Palace of Westminster will need to register for the accessible queuing scheme
\u2014 Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (@DCMS) September 14, 2022
For more information visit: https://t.co/rIslN2ArkR
Current queue length
The queue is currently around 2.9 miles long, ending around London Bridge and Borough market.
The line snakes along the south bank of the River Thames.
It is expected to get longer as the evening goes on.
Queen lying in state has now begun
The doors to Westminster Palace opened to the public at 5pm this afternoon for mourners to pay their last respects to Queen Elizabeth II.
The doors will remain open 24 hours a day until 6:30am on Monday, September 19, the day of the state funeral.
Good afternoon
Good afternoon from London. I’m Aliss Higham, I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the situation in London as mourners queue to visit the Queen's coffin today. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: aliss.higham@reachplc.com