In the end, it had to be that way. The British are known for their love of queuing and so, as national mourning for Queen Elizabeth II began, so, too, did a line of epic proportions. Hundreds of thousands of people joined it, standing and walking in the cold and dark for a chance to pay their own tribute to the longest reigning Monarch in British history.
On September 14th 2022, the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II was brought to Westminster Hall to lie in state. The ancient building is at the heart of the Palace of Westminster and British history has unfolded within its walls for almost a millennium. After a short service of reception, the lying in state began. Hundreds had already gathered to be able to file past, spend a moment in contemplation, perhaps say a silent prayer or thank you and then move on. And before very long, many more had joined them.
The queue for the lying in state soon reached around the capital of the country Elizabeth II had ruled for seventy years. It stretched along the River Thames, past the Tower of London, moving slowly and sedately towards Westminster. By September 16th 2022, it had reached Southwark where the ‘queue for the queue’ began. Several times, government officials had to pause entry to allow numbers to come under control. And yet despite that, still mourners came.
Volunteers helped support them, giving out water and making sure anyone who felt poorly was looked after. Wristbands were issued, allowing queuers to leave for a moment or too to answer a call of nature of grab some food before taking their spot again. At its height, the wait was over half a day. The weather was still unseasonably mild by day but at night, the temperatures tumbled. And still the queue continued.
David Beckham found a new wave of national adulation when he queued incognito to pay his respects. His identity was discovered as he approached Westminster Hall. It was a rather different reaction from that given to Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby who were seen bypassing the line for a TV recording. They denied queue jumping but found themselves the topic of hot debate for days afterwards.
The Queue became such a phenomenon that the new King, Charles III, and the heir to the throne, Prince William, came to speak to some of those waiting and to thank them for their tributes to Queen Elizabeth III. King Charles found himself almost mobbed by those wanting to shake his hand and commiserate. The new Monarch seemed quite overcome.
Others in the queue came up close to the King and his heir when they took part in vigils at the coffin. His Majesty was joined by his sister, the Princess Royal, and his two brothers, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex, for the Vigil of the Princes. The following evening, a Vigil of the Grandchildren took place with the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Viscount Severn, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, Zara Tindall and Her Late Majesty’s eldest grandchild, Peter Phillips, taking their place to pay their respects.
Just before 11pm on September 18th 2022, the queue was stopped to allow enough time for all those already waiting to make their way to the coffin. Just after 6.30am, with the sun only just rising above Westminster, the last mourner walked past. And then, Black Rod strode towards the coffin and bowed her head. It was a final act of public mourning and one which moved Sarah Clarke to tears. The doors of Westminster Hall closed and the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II was carried away, ready for her State Funeral which followed just hours later at Westminster Abbey.
Months later, King Charles III returned to Westminster Hall to unveil a plaque noting the spot where his late mother had lay in state on those September days. So many had walked past, the floor of the old hall was damaged but no one rally minded. It became another mark left by the reign of Elizabeth II. The Guinness Book of World Records is still investigating whether this line of people has broken records. Whether it makes the book or note, it is already a chapter in the history of a nation that came together to mourn its longest reigning Monarch.
