Queue to see Queen could CLOSE on Saturday night

Queue to see Queen could CLOSE on Saturday night: Downing Street says seven-mile route may be extended to 10 miles as sources warn line will be shut to new entrants over weekend when it's believed no more people will make it to site in time

• Ministers braced for vast numbers, with queue times set to hit up to 30 hours
• Lying-in-state period will end at 6.30am on Monday but line could close sooner
• Provision made for queue to Westminster Hall to start as far back as Bermondsey
• Full coverage: Click here to see all our coverage of the Queen’s passing

By JASON GROVES POLITICAL EDITOR FOR THE DAILY MAIL

PUBLISHED: 07:28 AEST, 15 September 2022 | UPDATED: 07:29 AEST, 15 September 2022

 

The queue for people to pay their final respects to the Queen could stretch for ten miles and may be closed as early as Saturday night.

Downing Street yesterday said the planned route of almost seven miles will be extended by installing three miles of airport-style zigzag lines in parks at the beginning and end.

Government sources also warned the queue will be closed to new entrants at some point over the weekend when officials decide no more people will be able to make it in time to Westminster Hall to see the Queen lying in state.

The lying-in-state period will end at 6.30am on Monday.

But, with Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan warning that queue times could hit 30 hours, this could mean the line being closed to new entrants in the early hours of Sunday, or even late on Saturday night.

+5

View gallery

 

Royal superfans camp along the River Thames opposite the House of Parliament today for a chance of seeing the lying-in-state of Queen Elizabeth II's coffin at Westminster Hall

+5

View gallery

 

The queue to view Queen Elizabeth II's lying-in-state in Westminster Hall ran along the Albert Embankment to Southwark Park

+5

View gallery

 

Marian Kaewthont in the queue in Lambeth waiting to see Queen Elizabeth II lying-in-state

+5

View gallery

 

The queue for people to pay their final respects to the Queen could stretch for ten miles and the wait could be hours

+5

View gallery

 

Amanda Drake, 63, from Sydney, in a tent in the queue in Lambeth to see Queen Elizabeth II lying-in-state

Ministers privately admit they have no idea how many people will descend on London, but they are braced for vast numbers. Provision has been made for the queue to start in Southwark Park in Bermondsey and end at Victoria Tower Gardens by the House of Lords.

The total distance is 6.9 miles, but an additional three miles of ‘queue infrastructure’ has been installed in the parks at the beginning and end, taking the total distance to almost ten miles.

Visitors will go through airport-style security before entering Westminster Hall. There will be more than 1,000 volunteers, stewards and police on hand at any one time. The Samaritans will deploy 180 volunteers to provide ‘emotional support’ to those grieving.

Q&A

How long is the queue?

Last night it was already some 2.5 miles, meaning a wait of 12 hours. Ministers warn people could have to wait 30 hours or more.

Where do I join?

The back of the queue can be found by scanning the QR code here or looking on this Government channel: www.youtube.com/user/dcms

What should I bring?

A poncho or umbrella, a portable phone charger and a book. Don’t bring: Folding chairs, large bags, food, drink, flowers, placards, flags – or Paddington Bears.

What about children?

All ages are welcome, but parents have been reminded of the rigours of the queue.

What about toilets and refreshments?

There are 500 portable toilets, and water stations. Food can be bought at snack stops. Local organisations will open for longer to provide comfort breaks and refreshment.

Is there a fast-track?

There is an ‘accessible queue’ for those with disabilities or anyone struggling to cope.

What are the rules in Westminster Hall?

Mobile phones cannot be used inside. Clothes with ‘political or offensive slogans’ are banned.

Is there an easier way to see the coffin?

Yes. The BBC is providing a dedicated live stream online, on iPlayer and BBC Parliament.

Share or comment on this article:

Queue to see Queen could CLOSE on Saturday night