Queen funeral latest: Queue snakes for four miles as Queen lies in state and Royals greeted by well-wishers

Mourners joining the queue to see the Queen’s lying in state will be waiting around eight hours to reach Westminster Hall, likely in the early hours of Friday morning.

The line has steadily grown to roughly 4.9 miles throughout Thursday, snaking from Westminster all the way to Bermondsey Beach, but this hasn’t deterred newcomers.

Some can be seen working on devices as they wait, enjoying a hot drink or watching a digital billboard displaying photographs of Britain’s longest reigning monarch.

The Queen’s coffin continues to be guarded at all hours by units from the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.

One of the guards suddenly collapsed overnight, with nearby officials quickly rushing to his aid after he appeared to faint.

Metropolitan Police officers, volunteers and stewards are managing the queue while toilets and water fountains are provided at various points along the route.

While the King enjoyed a day away from the public eye, other members of the Royal Family have been looking at tributes and greeting mourners across the UK.

The Princess Royal travelled to Glasgow City Chambers to meet representatives of organisations for which the Queen was patron. While in the city she greeted mourners.

Meanwhile the Earl and Countess of Wessex viewed cards and floral tributes in Manchester Cathedral.

The Prince and Princess of Wales did the same outside Windsor Castle. Prince William told one mourner standing behind the Queen’s coffin reminded him of his mother’s death.

What we know so far...

Thursday 15 September 2022 06:51 , Will Mata

Good morning. Here are the headlines for Thursday:

Thousands queue for more than two miles to say their personal goodbyes to the Queen as she lies in state,

Emotional Prince Harry sheds a tear for the Queen as he stands near coffin

The historical significance of lying-in-state and what it meant to the late Queen

Duchess of Sussex pulls out of Variety’s Power of Women event out of respect for the Queen

Royal guard collapses next to Queen’s coffin on first night of lying in state

Queue back to Blackfriars Bridge

Thursday 15 September 2022 06:55 , Will Mata

The queue is now around two miles long and back to Blackfriars Bridge - the latest graphic has shown.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has released a video on YouTube to show the state of play.

Pictures: Waiting patiently

Thursday 15 September 2022 07:02 , Will Mata

Thousands are currently queuing for hours or even days to pay their final respects to the Queen.

Grimes: ‘I was wrongly accused of throwing snowball at Queen’s car’

Thursday 15 September 2022 07:05 , Will Mata

Canadian musician Grimes has recalled an incident from her childhood in which she was wrongly accused of throwing a snowball at a car carrying the Queen.

The singer, who shares two children with SpaceX founder Elon Musk, said that although the real culprit was never found, the event had been "glorious".

The visit came in 2002 during one of the late monarch's official tours of the Canadian provinces.

"Once the queen was gonna drive past my high school on a snow day, and all day the teachers threatened us 'no snow balls'," Grimes wrote on Twitter.

"As she drove past it was dead silent, all teachers on high alert. And just as the procession was almost past a single snowball arced from the crowd & hit her car."

She added: "Entire crowd erupted into insanity.

"I was wrongfully accused and had to spend many hours in interrogations, still to this day the culprit remains unknown.

"But it was glorious.”

The eccentric artist's first child, named X AE A-12 and known as X, was born in May 2020.

She revealed earlier this year that she and Musk had welcomed a second child in secret via a surrogate, a baby girl named Exa Dark Siderael Musk, Y for short.

Dress rehearsal for funeral

Thursday 15 September 2022 07:18 , Will Mata

Final preparations for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II are taking place in London, as thousands of military personnel took part in a full rehearsal for the procession of her coffin from Westminster Hall to Wellington Arch.

The rehearsal took place before sunrise on Thursday morning, and saw the State Gun Carriage, towed by almost 100 naval personnel and bearing a black coffin, travel from Westminster Hall, on to Westminster Abbey, and then through central London.

Hundreds of mourners who had waited in line overnight to visit the late monarch lying in state left Westminster Hall to see the thousands of military personnel in ceremonial uniform taking part in the preparations for Monday's event.

The sound of bagpipes began at 2.45am, signalling the start of the procession and echoing through the quiet streets of London.

The Scots Guards marched away from New Palace Yard and on to the Abbey, and were followed by the sailors pulling the gun carriage using white ropes, and several members of the Household Cavalry on horseback.

Four soldiers stood either side of the coffin as it was taken into Westminster Abbey, where indoor procedures were also rehearsed.

Mournful brass and drums heralded the coffin leaving the Abbey, and the procession began its next journey, along Whitehall on to Wellington Arch.

Many of London's streets had been sealed off for the operation, and several police officers marshalled members of the public out of Westminster Hall and away from the closed roads.

The drums and trumpets of the procession could be heard from streets away, as the rest of the city remained largely silent.

At around 5.20am, the sound of brass playing God Save The Queen rang out from under the arch, before the state hearse departed through the Apsley Gate of Hyde Park between rows of Household Cavalry.

The procession continued to play in the half-light, and Beethoven's Funeral March and the hymn Jerusalem could be heard before the sun came up.

Given the time of day and the extensive road closures, a far smaller crowd was present for the end of the rehearsal at Wellington Arch.

However, a few had managed to rejoin the procession near Hyde Park after seeing the stepping off in Westminster, and stayed out in the cold until its conclusion.

Aidan Conway, from Islington, watched the rehearsal and told the PA news agency: "I was in the West End at the theatre and I went for a little night cycle just down the Mall out of interest, maybe to see the flowers.

"A policeman told me there was going to be a rehearsal at 2.30, helpfully, so I thought I'd stick around."

He added: "It's peaceful. It's not the real thing, but I think it's almost closer than you're going to get to the real thing unless you're going to queue for a day.

"The city at night is incredible anyway, it's beautiful. The rehearsals are quite remarkable."

The state funeral will take place in Westminster Abbey at 11am on Monday, before the procession makes its way to Wellington Arch and then on to Windsor Castle.

A committal service will then be conducted in St George's Chapel in Windsor.

Thursday: Order of events

Thursday 15 September 2022 07:29 , Will Mata

Here is what to expect on Thursday, September 15 - or what is known as D+6 marking the Queen’s death.

- The lying in state continues its 24-hour access to members of the public.

- King’s Counsel take part in wreath laying after the death of the Queen. Senior barristers, now known as KCs instead of QCs after the proclamation of the King, have been invited to dress in robes and court mourning attire, and gather outside the Old Bailey before walking to Gray’s Inn Chapel for the ceremony.

- The Princess Royal, accompanied by her husband Sir Tim Laurence, will visit Glasgow City Chambers to meet representatives of organisations of which the Queen was patron.

Waiting mourners treated to film of Queen’s life

Thursday 15 September 2022 07:31 , Will Mata

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.

The queue itself is moving at around 0.5 miles per hour.

Pictured: Victoria Tower Gardens gathering

Thursday 15 September 2022 07:36 , Will Mata

Around 4.1bn expected to watch Queen’s funeral on TV

Thursday 15 September 2022 07:38 , Will Mata

‘An enormous changing of the seasons'

Thursday 15 September 2022 07:53 , Will Mata

Labour MP Chris Bryant said the accession of the King feels like "an enormous changing of the seasons".

He said the reception of the Queen's coffin in Westminster Hall on Wednesday was "really moving".

On the King's appearance in Parliament on Monday, he said: "It's very strange, isn't it? I instinctively always call him, still, Prince Charles. Your mind has to make an accommodation to it.

"It feels, I think, like an enormous changing of the seasons."

Reflecting on the Queen's reign, he said: "One thing I referred to in my tribute to Her Majesty was one of the things that has changed dramatically in her lifetime - under her reign, is the way gay couples are seen and the fact that I was able to enter a civil partnership.

"So being able to see that enormous change, I think... some people have referred to her as the rock on which modern Britain was founded. I understand what they mean. It's not how I saw it. I saw her more as a sturdy oak that knew how to bend in the wind. And I think that's a really important principle for monarchy - being able to bend in the wind to accommodate the world as it changes."

Line grows and grows

Thursday 15 September 2022 07:58 , Will Mata

Rest day for new King

Thursday 15 September 2022 08:00 , Will Mata

The King will have a private day of reflection on Thursday and is not expected to attend any public events.

In the detailed planning for the aftermath of the Queen's death - known as "London Bridge" - a day was set aside at this point for the new monarch to have some time away from public duties.

The period will allow Charles to pause, but it is understood he will be working in preparation for his new role and will already be receiving his red boxes of state papers.

Prince and Princess of Wales visit Sandringham

Thursday 15 September 2022 08:02 , Will Mata

William and Kate will travel to Sandringham to view floral tributes left at the estate by members of the public.

Thousands of people have visited the Norfolk estate to pay their respects, with tributes having piled up by the Norwich Gates to Sandringham House since news of the Queen's death was announced last Thursday.

Earl and Countess of Wessex visit Manchester

Thursday 15 September 2022 08:03 , Will Mata

Edward and Sophie will travel to Manchester, where they will light a candle in memory of the Queen at the city's cathedral.

They will also view the floral tributes in St Ann's Square and view the book of condolence at Manchester's Central Library.

Full report: Mourners queue as King Charles takes day of recovery - while other Royals make visits

Thursday 15 September 2022 08:07 , Will Mata

Mourners are queuing overnight in London for the Queen's lying in state while the King is set to take a day away from public duties.

Members of the public can pay their respects to the late monarch's coffin for 24 hours a day at Westminster Hall, with queues along Lambeth Bridge and Albert Embankment continuing to flow all night.

The Queen's coffin continues to be guarded at all hours by units from the Sovereign's Bodyguard, the Household Division or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.

One of the guards suddenly collapsed overnight, with nearby officials quickly rushing to his aid after he appeared to faint.

Metropolitan Police officers, volunteers and stewards are managing the queue while toilets and water fountains are provided at various points along the route.

People waiting in line are being given a coloured and numbered wristband to manage the queue.

It is the first night people can pay their respects to the Queen after the ancient hall opened at 5pm on Wednesday.

At 2.30am on Thursday the queue was almost three miles long and stretched to London Bridge.

On Wednesday afternoon, the King led the royal family in a public display of homage by walking behind the Queen's coffin during a procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where it will lie in state until the state funeral on Monday.

Charles then returned to his Highgrove home in Gloucestershire on Wednesday evening.

He will have a private day of reflection on Thursday and is not expected to attend any public events.

In the detailed planning for the aftermath of the Queen's death - known as "London Bridge" - a day was set aside at this point for the new monarch to have some time away from public duties.

The period will allow the King to pause, but it is understood he will be working in preparation for his new role and will already be receiving his red boxes of state papers.

Elsewhere, King's Counsel will take part in wreath laying after the death of the Queen.

Senior barristers, now known as KCs instead of QCs after the proclamation of the King, have been invited to dress in robes and court mourning attire.

They will then gather outside the Old Bailey before walking to Gray's Inn Chapel for the ceremony.

The Princess Royal, accompanied by her husband Sir Tim Laurence, will visit Glasgow City Chambers to meet representatives of organisations of which the Queen was patron.

Full report: Forces stage early-hours rehearsal for Queen’s funeral procession

Thursday 15 September 2022 08:10 , Will Mata

The State Gun Carriage, towed by almost 100 naval personnel and bearing a black coffin, travelled through central London.

The full report is here.

Queue now at 2.8 miles long

Thursday 15 September 2022 08:32 , Will Mata

The line of people wishing to pay their respects to the Queen is now at 2.8 miles long.

It strectes back to Southwark Cathedral at London Bridge, the government’s live tracker has said.

To see the live YouTube link, click here.

Trinidad and Tobago nationals thank Queen

Thursday 15 September 2022 08:36 , Will Mata

Parbatee and Bobby Manoo, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, said they had come to pay their respects to the Queen after her "long years of service not just to Britain but all of the Commonwealth".

Mr Parbatoo, 53, said: "We have a long history with the monarch. When I was a young chap, the Queen and Prince Philip visited in the early '80s and she passed just in front of our house, so we saw her probably twice or three times."

Mrs Parbatee, 48, said: "I think she has always been a constant and steady in her duty, responsibilities and how she has respected people."

Queue somewhat reduces

Thursday 15 September 2022 08:40 , Will Mata

The line is now back to 2.6 miles long and the end is at Borough Market - having previously stretched to Southwark Cathedral.

Pictures: Thousands stand in line to pay tribute

Thursday 15 September 2022 08:51 , Will Mata

How long is the queue?

Thursday 15 September 2022 08:53 , Will Mata

We have put together all you need to know about following the progress of this very, very long line!

Watch live queue tracker for Queen’s lying in state at Palace of Westminster.

Cinemas showing Queen funeral

Thursday 15 September 2022 09:10 , Will Mata

Some London cinemas will be showing the funeral of the Queen from 11am and will not be charging entry.

Here is what the major chains and other selected independents have said about their policy.

Guidance from the department for culture states “there is no expectation for businesses to close during the mourning period unless they wish to’” and it is “a decision for individual organisations”.

(If I have missed any, please email william.mata@standard.co.uk)

On Monday, September 19

Open as normal but not showing funeral

Prince Charles Cinema

Showing funeral but closed rest of day

Vue cinemas

Arc cinemas

Showing funeral and open for screenings later in the day / evening

Curzon cinemas

Closed all day

Odeon cinemas

Cineworld cinemas

Picturehouse cinemas

Showcase cinemas

BFI and IMAX

The Light

Link for queue moves

Thursday 15 September 2022 09:17 , Will Mata

The department for culture has changed its live feed for the tracking of the queue.

See the latest developments here.

What will happen over the next few days?

Thursday 15 September 2022 09:27 , Will Mata

The Queen's coffin remains lying in state at Westminster Hall in London for members of the public to pay their respects.

Here is a day-by-day account of what will happen next, leading up to and including the Queen's funeral on September 19.

- Thursday, September 15

The King will have a private day of reflection and is not expected to attend any public events, though it is understood he will be working in preparation for his new role and will already be receiving his red boxes of state papers.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will visit Sandringham to view floral tributes left at the estate by members of the public, while the Earl and Countess of Wessex will travel to Manchester, where they will light a candle in memory of the Queen and view floral tributes in St Ann's Square.

The Princess Royal, accompanied by her husband Sir Tim Laurence, will visit Glasgow City Chambers to meet representatives of organisations of which the Queen was patron.

King's Counsel take part in wreath laying after the death of the Queen. Senior barristers, now known as KCs instead of QCs after the proclamation of the King, have been invited to dress in robes and court mourning attire, and gather outside the Old Bailey before walking to Gray's Inn Chapel for the ceremony.

- September 16

The King and Queen Consort are expected to travel to Wales while lying in state continues.

- September 17-18

The lying in state continues and heads of state will begin to arrive for the funeral.

Members of the public are invited to observe a one-minute silence at 8pm on Sunday to remember the Queen.

- September 19

There will be a national bank holiday to allow as many people as possible to watch the Queen's funeral.

Lying in state will continue until 6.30am.

The coffin will be taken in a grand military procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey for the state funeral.

Senior members of the family are expected to follow behind - just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The military will line the streets and also join the procession.

Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000.

The service will be televised and a national two-minute silence is expected to be held.

After the service, the coffin will be taken in procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch and then travel to Windsor.

Once there, the hearse will travel in procession to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle via the Long Walk, after which a televised committal service will take place in St George's Chapel.

Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family.

The Queen's final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel - where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret.

Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's.

Tributes to Queen from Emmanuel Macron

Thursday 15 September 2022 09:36 , Will Mata

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."

Pictured: Public queueing length of South Bank

Thursday 15 September 2022 09:40 , Will Mata

‘Breathtaking’: Members of the public make friends on long queue to palace

Thursday 15 September 2022 09:43 , Will Mata

Three well-wishers who befriended each other during their eight-hour overnight wait to visit the Queen's coffin are going for a pint after finally making it to Westminster Hall.

Amy Harris, 34, and Matthew Edwards, 35, met James Cross, 65, after travelling to London from Birmingham to join the queue at around 1am.

They described a sense of "camaraderie" among the crowd, with people sharing snacks and drinks and "having a laugh".

Ms Harris said: "We were asking for directions and (James) said 'Follow me to the back of the queue'."

Mr Cross said: "Everyone in the queue was very friendly, chatting and having a laugh. It was really quite lovely."

Mr Edwards said: "Everyone was offering biscuits, drinks", adding that the trio are now planning to have a drink together to quench their thirst after the long wait.

Althorp House: Inside Princess Diana’s childhood home and resting place

Thursday 15 September 2022 09:45 , Will Mata

Althorp House, Princess Diana’s childhood home and her final resting place, is currently closed to the public, reopening in 2023.

Take a look inside, with our article here.

Who is invited to the Queen’s funeral and who is confirmed to attend?

Thursday 15 September 2022 09:46 , Will Mata

Here’s a look at the expected guest list, as well as who’s confirmed their attendance so far, and leaders who have not been invited.

See the latest here.

Archbishop of Canterbury describes Queen as someone of ‘remarkable’ wisdom

Thursday 15 September 2022 09:51 , Will Mata

The Archbishop of Canterbury has described the Queen as "someone whose wisdom was remarkable" and said he was not at all surprised by the scale of the turnout for her lying in state.

While walking to meet mourners in the queue through The Victoria Tower Gardens in central London, Justin Welby added that he was feeling "hopeful" for the future.

Speaking about the Queen, the Archbishop told the PA news agency: "She was someone you could trust totally, completely and absolutely, whose wisdom was remarkable, whose experience - I was the seventh Archbishop of Canterbury who she would have known - who really understood things and who prayed."

When asked whether the turnout for the Queen's funeral might be even greater than the crowds seen for Pope John Paul II, he said: "It will be what it will be. We'll see."

On what the Queen's death means for the future of the nation, the archbishop said: "It means we will move seamlessly to another person who will demonstrate service for the country, and see their role not as over everyone, but to serve the country and the constitution."

Queue now three miles long

Thursday 15 September 2022 09:54 , Will Mata

The back of the line is now at around HMS Belfast - three miles away from where the Queen’s coffin rests in Westminster Hall.

A visit from Canada

Thursday 15 September 2022 09:58 , Will Mata

Bernadette Christie, 68, flew into the UK on Wednesday from Canada and plans to camp outside on The Mall for a full week, leaving two days after the Queen's funeral takes place on Monday.

Ms Christie said she booked a flight to London from the Canadian province of Alberta two minutes after the Queen's death was announced last week.

She added: "Thirty-six hours of no sleep and here I am. It's crazy but it's worth it.

"The weather is similar to Alberta, everything is cold and damp."

Ms Christie said that she wanted to show her respect to the Queen by camping outside Buckingham Palace in the colours of the Canadian flag: "She was the only leader on the planet that everybody knew, she was a grandmother to all of us."

‘Wonderful atmosphere'

Thursday 15 September 2022 10:05 , Will Mata

Father Peter Walters and Pauline Allan, from Yorkshire, joined the queue at 1.20am to pay respects at Westminster Hall.

"There was a wonderful atmosphere, people were talking to one another quietly, sharing with one another, and there was even some laughter," Father Walters, a priest working in Colombia, said.

It was "immensely" worth the wait, he said, with the final experience "very personal" and different from viewing the coffin on the TV.

"The atmosphere in there was one of of absolute silence, great reverence, great respect and great reflection. It was really a very memorable experience.

"Everyone had the chance to pause - despite the queues, there was no great sense of rush."

"We had a good five minutes from entering to leaving, it was so slow and dignified," Ms Allan added.

Pictures: Queue stretches along South Bank

Thursday 15 September 2022 10:15 , Will Mata

More than 1.6million have now used the queue tracker set up by the government to help crowds navigate.

William’s Duchy finance team meeting after inheriting £23m per year income

Thursday 15 September 2022 10:18 , Will Mata

The Prince of Wales is the 25th Duke of Cornwall, following in the footsteps of the King.

Read the full article here.

Blessing from the Archbishop

Thursday 15 September 2022 10:27 , Will Mata

The Archbishop of Canterbury has performed a blessing on a 10-year-old girl who was queuing to see the Queen lying in state.

Eva Garcia, who was near the front of the line with her father, Juan Garcia, told PA the moment was “very special” to her.

Mr Garcia, 41, added: “We are Anglicans, my daughter has been baptised, and I was texting my wife outside the grounds saying that we were about to meet the Archbishop of Canterbury, one of the five holy sees, and she said, ask him for a blessing.

“Eva is our oldest and it was really amazing.

“To have a leader of the church pray for your child in that way, I was very emotional.”

The family, originally from the US, moved to London two weeks ago.

Condolences from world leaders

Thursday 15 September 2022 10:29 , Will Mata

French President Emmanuel Macron will be among the world leaders in London on Monday for the funeral of the Queen, as he spoke of the "unbreakable" ties between his country and the UK.

Mr Macron said he spoke to the King on Wednesday to offer his and his country's condolences, promising to "strengthen" the relationship between the UK and France by "following the path" of the late Queen.

The state funeral will see several hundred dignitaries from around the world in London to pay their last respects to the Queen, in what is set to be one of the biggest logistical and diplomatic events in the UK in decades.

They will join members of the royal family, UK prime ministers past and present, and key figures from public life at Westminster Abbey - the historic church which can hold about 2,000 people - at 11am on Monday.

Mr Macron tweeted: "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."

No guest list has been published yet, but US President Joe Biden was among the first to say he will be flying in with his wife, Jill.

The leaders of most Commonwealth countries are expected to attend, with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern saying she will make the nearly 24-hour journey with a delegation of five others.

Her Canadian and Australian counterparts, Justin Trudeau and Anthony Albanese, have also confirmed their attendance.

Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Italy's President Sergio Mattarella, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro are among those attending, along with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

King Felipe of Spain and his wife, Queen Letizia, are among the European royals who will attend.

Emperor Naruhito of Japan is also set to travel to London, in what would be his first overseas trip since ascending the throne in 2019.

Prime Minister Liz Truss is not expected to hold any formal bilateral meetings with world leaders during the mourning period, but the funeral is still likely to offer an opportunity for some informal conversations with allies.

The Times newspaper reported on Thursday that the Prime Minister is expected to hold one-to-one talks with Mr Biden and other allies when they gather in London.

Ms Truss, who during the campaign to become Tory leader sparked controversy by saying the "jury's out" over whether Mr Macron is a "friend or foe", may now get a chance for her first face-to-face conversation with the French leader since becoming prime minister.

There has also been speculation that Ms Truss could speak to Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin on the margins of the funeral, amid strained relations between the two countries over the continuing row about the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Invitations to the Queen's state funeral have not been sent to Russia, Belarus or Myanmar, while Iran will only be represented at an ambassadorial level, it is understood.

Wetherspoon’s says London pubs will remain open on Monday

Thursday 15 September 2022 10:31 , Will Mata

JD Wetherspoon has said its central London, railway station and airport pubs will all remain open on Monday as the Queen's funeral takes place.

The pub giant said the majority of its venues will be shut for the funeral service, only opening for the day from about 1pm after the funeral takes place.

It is the latest hospitality company to confirm its opening plans for Monday September 19, which will be a public bank holiday.

A spokesman for the company said: "Pub company Wetherspoon is opening its pubs in central London, rail stations and airports and all of its hotels (hotels will be open for resident guests only) during normal trading hours from 8am until midnight on Monday September 19.

"The majority of its pubs will open later than usual, after the state funeral, at approximately 1pm and will remain open during normal trading hours after that."

The UK's biggest pub firm, Stonegate, said on Wednesday it plans to keep venues open and show footage of the Queen's funeral.

The Slug & Lettuce owner, which runs about 4,500 pubs and bars, said its managed venues will remain open to allow customers to celebrate the life of the Queen, with those running its leased and tenanted pubs able to independently decide whether they will open.

Heineken's pub arm, Star Pubs & Bars, said it may keep some venues open for the day as well, allowing independent leaseholders to decide.

It comes as the vast majority of retailers have said they will shut their doors during the day as a mark of respect for the Queen.

Downing Street has indicated that it is up to individual businesses how to approach the bank holiday.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said that the day of the funeral will operate as "a standard bank holiday".

"Obviously individual businesses will need to make the decisions about what's right for them and discuss with their employees but there is obviously no one-size-fits-all approach."

TfL reports boom in Tube journeys

Thursday 15 September 2022 10:35 , Will Mata

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 per cent on the total of 581,740 during the previous Tuesday.

Queue reaches Tower Bridge

Thursday 15 September 2022 10:41 , Will Mata

For the first time, the queue is now longer than 5km - the distance of a parkrun.

Calls for Queen’s funeral procession to be extended so more people can pay respects

Thursday 15 September 2022 10:50 , Will Mata

Several MPs back suggestion funeral procession at Windsor be lengthened so more people can pay tribute.

See the full article here.

Yesterday’s cartoon

Thursday 15 September 2022 10:51 , Will Mata

In Westminster Hall the magic of the monarchy lives on after 900 years

Thursday 15 September 2022 11:38 , Will Mata

All you need to know about Westminster Hall - a building getting a lot of airtime this week.

See our explainer here.

Mourners who queued overnight describe ‘serenity’ in Westminster Hall

Thursday 15 September 2022 11:42 , Will Mata

People have travelled from all over the country and waited since 1am to view the Queen lying in state.

See the full article here.

Highgrove: Where the King is spending a day of rest and reflection

Thursday 15 September 2022 11:45 , Will Mata

King Charles is taking time away from public action as he prepares for his mother’s funeral.

He is taking a day of rest and reflection in Highgrove. Find out more about the setting, here.

Who is Trudy Lin and why did she get an invitation to the Queen’s funeral?

Thursday 15 September 2022 11:46 , Will Mata

Dr Lin is one of 10 additional Australians who received an invite.

This is her story.

Queue at nearly four miles

Thursday 15 September 2022 11:49 , Will Mata

The length of queue of people queuing to see the Queen’s coffin in Westminster now stretches to nearly four miles.

Uefa could investigate Rangers

Thursday 15 September 2022 11:55 , Will Mata

Uefa is yet to decide whether to investigate Rangers’ decision to play the national anthem at Ibrox before their Champions League defeat by Napoli.

In defiance of instructions from the governing body, the anthem was sung to commemorate the death of the Queen before Wednesday night’s 3-0 defeat.

Uefa has told the PA news agency that action will only be considered once it has received the necessary information from its match delegate.

A passionate rendition of the anthem followed a minute’s silence at Ibrox that had been permitted by Uefa, which at the same time rejected requests from some clubs to play God Save The King.

A vast silhouette of the Queen amid the colours of the Union Jack could be seen behind one of the goals before the game kicked off.

'The longest handshake I ever shot’

Thursday 15 September 2022 11:59 , Will Mata

The sole photographer to capture the historic moment the Queen greeted Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness has recalled it as the longest handshake he has ever shot.

Paul Faith, from Co Antrim, was asked to take the image of the monarch’s meeting with the former IRA commander inside the Lyric Theatre in Belfast in 2012.

The handshake between the Queen and Mr McGuinness, who was then Stormont deputy First Minister, was a highly symbolic gesture and is considered a landmark moment in Northern Ireland’s peace process journey from conflict toward reconciliation.

The PA news agency was asked to photograph the encounter and Mr Faith, who was then PA’s main photographer in Northern Ireland, was given the high-profile assignment.

Mosque breaks into national anthem

Thursday 15 September 2022 12:01 , Will Mata

A service at London Central Mosque sang the national anthem, God Save The King, in what organisers said was a first in a UK mosque since the Queen's death.

Organisers of the gathering to honour the life of the Queen and mark the accession of King Charles III, held in London's Regent's Park mosque, said it was the first time since the Queen's death that God Save The King has been sung in a UK mosque.

Queue now up to four miles long

Thursday 15 September 2022 12:22 , Will Mata

The queue has now turned a corner towards St Saviour’s and measures around four miles - its longest distance yet.

Bell to ring in new King

Thursday 15 September 2022 12:24 , Will Mata

Lloyds of London is to sound the Lutine Bell to mark the death of the Queen and the reign of Britain's new King.

A single ring of the historic bell will mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II and start the ceremony at the central London headquarters of the insurance and reinsurance marketplace.

The bell will also be rung twice to acclaim the new King Charles III and will bring Thursday's ceremony in the underwriting room to an end.

A spokesman said the ceremony - which is open to Lloyd's passholders, including members of the Lloyd's market and employees of the Corporation of Lloyd's - will provide a chance for people to come together to remember the Queen and express support for the new King.

The bell, which is now only rung rarely, was salvaged from HMS Lutine, whose shipwreck in 1799 was one of Lloyd's largest and most famous claims, cementing its reputation for being able to settle any claim.

The Lloyd's building, the underwriting room and all global offices will close for the Queen's state funeral on Monday.

Princess Royal arrives in Glasgow / Cambridges arrive in Sandringham

Thursday 15 September 2022 12:33 , Will Mata

Princess Anne has arrived in Glasgow. The Princess Royal will view flowers left for the Queen, as will the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who are visiting the royal estate in Sandringham.

British Cycling u-turn on ridiculed ban on riding bikes

Thursday 15 September 2022 12:58 , Will Mata

British Cycling has apologised after their “strong recommendation” that people should not use their bikes during the Queen’s funeral.

The previous statement said: “As a mark of respect to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, British Cycling’s guidance is that no formal domestic activities should take place on the day of the State Funeral, Monday, September 19.”

However, this has now changed.

On Twitter, the organisation said: “We're sorry - we got this one wrong,” and provided a new statement on Thursday lunchtime.

The new guidance says clubs “may consider” adjusting their timings to avoid clashing with the funeral itself, but said cyclists are “under no obligation” to do so.

Thursday ES cartoon

Thursday 15 September 2022 13:03 , Will Mata

How long will queue span?

Thursday 15 September 2022 13:06 , Will Mata

Queen’s coffin to be towed by 98 Royal Navy sailors during funeral - due to cold spell 121 years ago

Thursday 15 September 2022 13:09 , Will Mata

The Queen’s coffin will be carried during Monday’s funeral procession to Westminster Abbey on a 123-year-old gun carriage towed by 98 Royal Navy sailors in a tradition dating back to the funeral of Queen Victoria.

On the day of Victoria’s funeral in 1901, her coffin was to be carried on the gun carriage through the streets of Windsor.

See the full story here.

The Queen’s children: Where do King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Prince Andrew live?

Thursday 15 September 2022 13:12 , Will Mata

Many changes will continue to take place in the Royal Family, including titles and official residences.

Here is our explainer on where Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and the Princess Royal will be living now the Queen has died.

New details of Queen’s funeral revealed

Thursday 15 September 2022 13:22 , Josh Salisbury

The Queen will be interred with the Duke of Edinburgh in King George VI's Memorial Chapel in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in a private service at 7.30pm on Monday, it has been announced.

The burial service conducted by the Dean of Windsor and attended by the King and royals will remain entirely private, as a "deeply personal family occasion".

The King, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex will also mount a 15-minute vigil around the Queen's coffin as it lies in state at 7.30pm on Friday.

After the funeral, the King and members of the royal family will walk behind the Queen's coffin to Wellington Arch when it leaves Westminster Abbey, before it is driven to Windsor on the state hearse.

King will march behind coffin as it moves to Westminster Abbey for funeral

Thursday 15 September 2022 13:27 , Josh Salisbury

The King will once again lead his family in marching behind the Queen's coffin when it is moved, at 10.44am on Monday, from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey for the Queen's funeral service.

He will walk with the Anne, Princess Royal, Andrew, Duke of York and Edward, Earl of Wessex. Behind them will be the Queen's grandsons Peter Phillips, Harry, Duke of Sussex and William, the Prince of Wales.

They will be followed by the late monarch's son-in-law Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of Gloucester, the Queen's cousin, and her nephew the Earl of Snowdon.

The Queen's coffin will be carried during the procession on a 123-year-old gun carriage towed by 98 Royal Navy sailors in a tradition dating back to the funeral of Queen Victoria.

Two minutes of national silence to be observed on Monday

Thursday 15 September 2022 13:33 , Josh Salisbury

A two-minutes national silence will be observed across the UK on Monday at around 11.55am, after the Last Post has sounded at the Queen’s funeral.

In fresh plans announced today, it was revealed that the funeral procession will arrive at the west gate of Westminster Abbey at 10.52am when the bearer party will lift the coffin from the gun carriage and carry it into the Abbey for the state funeral service.

The service will begin at 11am and will be conducted by the Dean of Westminster.

The Prime Minister and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth will read Lessons, while the Archbishop of York, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and the Free Churches Moderator will say prayers.

The sermon will be given by the Archbishop of Canterbury who will also give the commendation, while the Dean will pronounce the blessing.

Then at around 11.55am the Last Post will sound, followed by two minutes of silence to be observed in the Abbey and throughout the UK.

Mourners coming to London told to ‘stay for lunch’ to prevent exodus overwhelming the Tube

Thursday 15 September 2022 13:38 , Josh Salisbury

Mourners travelling to London by train for the Queen’s funeral are being urged to stay a few hours after to prevent a “New Year's Eve-type mass exodus" overwhelming services.

A source told the PA news agency that mourners should “take a picnic, spend time in London, raise a glass to Her Majesty and keep reviewing live travel information”.

A normal weekday service will operate, despite the bank holiday, with some mainline companies putting on additional services and overnight trains.

TfL also said that most Tube lines will remain open for an additional hour on the night after the funeral, to ensure people can “travel around the capital safely”.

Public showing ‘great response’ by queueing to pay respects to Queen - No10

Thursday 15 September 2022 14:06 , Josh Salisbury

The British public are showing a "great response" by queueing in large numbers to pay their respects to the Queen, Downing Street has said.

Prime Minister Liz Truss's spokesperson said: "The people of the United Kingdom are demonstrating not only respect for each other in queuing in such a responsible way and showing sort of a great response to this situation."

He said there are "large numbers of people on hand to help" and that it is "great to see everyone pitching in".

Ms Truss has no plans to visit Westminster Hall for the lying in state again, after witnessing it on Wednesday, the official said. She also has no plans to speak to people in the queue.

Nearly 200 people recognised in Queen’s birthday honours to attend funeral

Thursday 15 September 2022 14:10 , Josh Salisbury

Nearly 200 people recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours have been invited to attend the Queen's state funeral on Monday, Downing Street has confirmed.

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".

The first campers on the Mall for the Queen’s funeral

Thursday 15 September 2022 14:34 , Will Mata

Royalists have already started gathering on the Mall for the Queen’s funeral procession - which will not be until Monday.

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.

Supermarkets and shops closing on the Queen’s funeral bank holiday: From Tesco and Asda to IKEA and Harrods

Thursday 15 September 2022 14:42 , Will Mata

Many stores have also announced that they’re closing, including much-loved supermarkets

You can see the full details here.

Queen Elizabeth II: The London buildings and Tube stations opened during her 70-year reign

Thursday 15 September 2022 14:44 , Will Mata

In her seven decades on the throne, the Queen opened over 100 buildings in the capital alone.

See our run-down of some of the highlights from each decade here.

Liz Truss hopes for Biden meeting around time of funeral

Thursday 15 September 2022 14:45 , Will Mata

Liz Truss hopes to hold a private meeting with Joe Biden when the US President visits Britain for the Queen’s funeral.

Their first meeting since she became Prime Minister would take place against a backdrop of disputes over the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol and difficulties working towards a trade deal with the White House.

Downing Street is set to confirm who she will be meeting on Friday, but a number of head-to-heads with visiting world leaders are due to take place between No 10 and the Chevening country residence over the weekend.

Heathrow to stop all flights for 15 minutes before and after two minute silence

Thursday 15 September 2022 14:47 , Will Mata

Heathrow Airport has announced it will stop all flights for 15 minutes before the two-minute national silence on Monday, until 15 minutes after it has finished.

Flights will also be grounded during the arrival of the funeral cortege and procession at Windsor Castle, and diverted around the castle to minimise noise during the private family service on Monday night.

Around 15 per cent of Heathrow's schedule for Monday will be disrupted.

A Heathrow spokesman said: "Heathrow, Nats (the air traffic control provider) and airlines are supporting the ceremonial aspects for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral at Westminster Abbey and the committal service at Windsor Castle on Monday.

"As a mark of respect, operations to and from the airport will be subject to appropriate changes in order to avoid noise disruption at certain locations at specific times on Monday."

The Earl and Countess of Wessex light candles in Manchester

Thursday 15 September 2022 14:51 , Will Mata

The Earl and Countess of Wessex have lit candles at Manchester Cathedral in memory of the Queen.

Crowds in the city gave Edward and Sophie a warm welcome on Thursday as they also viewed floral tributes in St Ann’s Square and a book of condolence at the Central Library.

The couple travelled to Manchester a day after they paid their respects with the rest of the royal family at Westminster Hall, where the Queen is lying in state.

Members of the public have flocked to the cathedral since the monarch’s death to sign a book of condolence and light a candle.

The earl and countess were invited by the Dean of Manchester, the Very Rev Rogers Govender, and the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, to each light a candle.

They were also shown photographs of the Queen’s last visit to the cathedral, to mark the 600th anniversary celebration of the collegiate church in July 2021.

Earlier, city council leader Bev Craig showed Edward and Sophie similar books of condolences opened at the library’s reading room, where they also looked at a number of cards written by local children.

The royal couple then moved on to St Ann’s Square which, in May 2017, was filled with bouquets of flowers and heartfelt messages and tributes in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing in which 22 people were killed.

Has the queue length peaked?

Thursday 15 September 2022 14:54 , Will Mata

It is still 4.2 miles long, but the length of the queue to see the Queen’s coffin is not as long as it has been.

Since 1.15pm, the government’s tracker has not suggested the length of waiting time is getting any longer.

Those waiting have reported needing to stand in line for up to 30 hours to enter Westminster Hall.

Today’s headlines

Thursday 15 September 2022 14:59 , Will Mata

Here is a recap of some of the royal stories making the news on Thursday:

One by one, thousands pay silent tribute to the Queen

Royal guard collapses next to Queen’s coffin on first night of lying in state

Queen’s coffin to be towed by 98 Royal Navy sailors during funeral - due to cold spell 121 years ago

Huge surge in Tube journeys as people pay their respects to the Queen

British Cycling apologise in Queen’s funeral U-turn: ‘We got this one wrong’

The King’s agenda

Thursday 15 September 2022 15:00 , Will Mata

The King will have a busy few days ahead of his mother's funeral including a trip to Wales and hosting a state event at Buckingham Palace.

On Friday, Charles and the Queen Consort will travel to Wales by helicopter where they will attend a service of prayer and reflection at Llandaff Cathedral.

The couple will then go to the Welsh Parliament where they will receive condolences and meet members of the Senedd.

From there they will travel to Cardiff Castle where Charles will hold a private audience with Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford and the presiding officer, before attending a reception hosted by the Welsh Government.

A spokesman for the King said the couple hope to meet members of the public throughout their visit to Wales.

When he returns to Buckingham Palace, the King will host faith leaders in the Bow Room before travelling to the Palace of Westminster where he will mount a vigil at the Queen's coffin with his brothers and sister.

On Saturday, Charles will meet the Chiefs of Staff at Buckingham Palace before visiting police headquarters.

The King's spokesman said his aim is to thank representatives from all the emergency services involved in the planning and delivery of the events during this period.

Later, Charles and Camilla will attend a lunch for governors general, and then the King will meet Realm prime ministers at Buckingham Palace.

On Sunday, the King and Queen Consort will host heads of state and official overseas guests at the palace in what the King's spokesman described as an "official state event".

The tourists who happened to be in London - and joined mourners

Thursday 15 September 2022 15:01 , Will Mata

Twins Nicole and Nathalie Nojszewski arrived in London from Canada on the day the Queen died last week.

Nicole, 23, said: “We wanted to come to Buckingham Palace to pay our respects. She was such a dignified lady.

“A lot of people still looked up to her with Canada being in the Commonwealth.”

Cheryl Discher, 73, on holiday from Austin in Texas, US, also took the opportunity to visit Buckingham Palace.

Ms Discher said: “I just happened to be here in this time of history.

“So, I think it’s fitting and right that I pay respect for the Queen who has led her country for 70 years.”

Among the many mourners at Buckingham Palace are tourists who happened to be in London on holiday.

Pictures: People queue up on Thursday afternoon

Thursday 15 September 2022 15:10 , Will Mata

Windsor preparations 'well under way’

Thursday 15 September 2022 15:22 , Will Mata

Preparations for the Queen's funeral were well under way outside Windsor Castle on Thursday.

Railings roughly a mile long now line either side of the famous Long Walk leading up to the castle.

Tents, speakers and portaloos are also being put in place while stalls advertising coffee and refreshments have been set up intermittently along the road.

The Queen will be interred alongside her husband the Duke of Edinburgh in St George's Chapel, within the walls of Windsor Castle, on Monday.

Flights cancelled due to Queen’s funeral

Thursday 15 September 2022 15:23 , Will Mata

More than 100 Heathrow Airport flights will be cancelled due to the Queen’s funeral.

The west London airport announced that 15% of its 12,000 flights due to take off or land on Monday will be disrupted “to avoid noise”.

The airport said it wants to ensure the skies over London will be quiet during the two-minute national silence as the Queen’s funeral at Westminster Abbey nears its end shortly before noon.

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.

A Heathrow spokesman said: “Heathrow, Nats (the air traffic control provider) and airlines are supporting the ceremonial aspects for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey and the committal service at Windsor Castle on Monday.

“As a mark of respect, operations to and from the airport will be subject to appropriate changes in order to avoid noise disruption at certain locations at specific times on Monday.””

Prince William: Procession brought back memories of Diana’s death

Thursday 15 September 2022 16:07 , Miriam Burrell

Prince William has told a mourner how walking behind the Queen‘s coffin brought back memories of his mother’s funeral.

Jane Wells, who had come to lay flowers at Sandringham House, told the Mirror: “He told us yesterday had been particularly difficult and following the coffin had reminded him of his mother’s funeral, of Diana.

“He said it had been very difficult.”

Another crowd member also allegedly told the prince she was close to tears, to which he replied: “Don’t cry now - you’ll start me.”

Canada’s PM leads tributes to Queen in Ottawa

Thursday 15 September 2022 16:10 , Miriam Burrell

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has led tributes to the Queen in a special session of the House of Commons in Ottawa, saying “her sudden absence has struck us all palpably and profoundly”.

Mr Trudeau, whose father was also a Canadian prime minister, said he first met the Queen when he was a child.

“ The first time I met her was in 1977 when I was just a little boy.

“When I would meet with her as Prime Minister almost four decades later in 2015, I joked that the last time that we had met she had been taller than me – she responded with a quip about my making her feel old.

“Her sense of humour was one of her many great qualities and one of the many reasons why she was one of my favourite people in the world.”

Queuers warned of 9-hour wait

Thursday 15 September 2022 16:18 , Miriam Burrell

Mourners queueing to see the Queen lying in state have been warned of at least a nine-hour wait.

The line has now stretched 4.2 miles, from Westminster to Bermondsey beach, according to a Government livetracker.

Meanwhile a crowd of visitors to Buckingham Palace has been steadily growing throughout Thursday.

Mourners have been taking photos in front of the gates – which are empty of flowers, with visitors instructed to instead place floral tributes in nearby Green Park.

MPs return to Commons on Thursday

Thursday 15 September 2022 16:20 , Miriam Burrell

MPs are expected to return to the Commons on Thursday next week after the Queen’s mourning period, a parliamentary business paper shows.

They will then be asked to sit a day longer before going into their conference break so Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng can set out his mini-budget on September 23.

The note says MPs will consider a motion proposing the Commons returns from the conference recess early, on October 11.

Pictured: Queue continues to grow

Thursday 15 September 2022 16:44 , Miriam Burrell

What is planned for Monday?

Thursday 15 September 2022 16:53 , Miriam Burrell

More details have been released about the Queen’s state funeral on Monday September 19:

6.30am – Doors will close to the public for the Queen’s lying in state in Westminster Hall

10.35am - A procession will see the Queen’s coffin travel from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey

11am – The state funeral service begins

11.55am – The Last Post will sound followed by a national two-minute silence

12pm – Reveille, the national anthem and a lament, played by the Queen’s Piper, will bring the state funeral service to an end

12.15pm – A procession will set off for Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner

1pm – The procession will arrive at Wellington Arch. The King and and members of the royal family will depart for Windsor by car

4pm – A committal service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor will begin

7.30pm – A private burial service will be conducted by the Dean of Windsor, attended by the King and members of the royal family

The Queen is to be buried together with the Duke of Edinburgh at the King George VI Memorial Chapel

Mourners try to smuggle dogs into Westminster Hall - reports

Thursday 15 September 2022 17:35 , Miriam Burrell

Officials have stopped half a dozen people trying to smuggle their dogs into Westminster Hall under their coats, Daily Mail Political Editor Jason Groves has reported.

He tweeted that a parliamentary source said six dogs had been stopped from entering Westminster Hall, where the Queen is lying in state.

What have the royals been up to today?

Thursday 15 September 2022 17:48 , Miriam Burrell

While the King had a day out of the public eye, his sister, the Princess Royal, visited Glasgow.

She travelled to Glasgow City Chambers to meet representatives of organisations for which the Queen was patron. While in the city she greeted mourners.

Meanwhile the Earl and Countess of Wessex viewed cards and floral tributes in Manchester Cathedral.

The Prince and Princess of Wales did the same outside Windsor Castle. Prince William told one mourner standing behind the Queen’s coffin reminded him of his mother’s death.

Queue now 4.6 miles long

Thursday 15 September 2022 18:06 , Miriam Burrell

The queue snaking along the South Bank from Westminster to Bermondsey beach is now 4.6 miles long.

Many have been waiting all day to see the Queen’s coffin at Westminster Hall.

Volunteer assistants estimated it may be another six or seven hours journey for well-wishers who were in the queue outside Tate Modern at 5.30pm.

A government livetracker estimates an eight-hour wait for anyone joining the queue now.

Protest planned for King’s visit to Wales

Thursday 15 September 2022 18:26 , Miriam Burrell

A protest against the monarchy has been planned to take place during the King’s first visit to Wales since ascending the throne.

The silent demonstration will begin from 1pm at Cardiff Castle, organisers have said.

The castle is one of three locations Charles will visit during his day-long tour of the capital, and where he will meet charitable organisations and faith leaders after having a private audience with First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Those attending the rally are expected to stand and hold signs with slogans such as “Why a Monarchy?” and “Real democracy now”.

Campaigners say they want the Welsh public to consider whether a future without the monarchy is possible.

Queue almost 5 miles long to Southwark Park

Thursday 15 September 2022 18:32 , Miriam Burrell

A line of mourners waiting to see the Queen’s lying in state is now almost five miles long.

A government livetracker shows the queue to be 4.8 miles long, ending at Southwark Park.

Pictured: Queue almost 5 miles long

Thursday 15 September 2022 18:34 , Miriam Burrell

Queen’s funeral to be screened at Cathedrals

Thursday 15 September 2022 19:32 , Miriam Burrell

Mourners will be able to watch live coverage of the Queen’s funeral on large screens at a number of cathedrals on Monday.

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.

You can read more about details of the state funeral here.

Pictured: Spotted in queue

Thursday 15 September 2022 19:40 , Miriam Burrell

Flying restrictions for Queen’s funeral

Thursday 15 September 2022 20:11 , Miriam Burrell

Flying restrictions have been imposed in central London and Windsor on Monday for the Queen’s funeral.

Between 6am and 8.59pm on September 19, no aircraft, including drones, are to fly below 2,500ft over the areas, where services will take place including a state funeral at Westminster Abbey and a committal service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

The ban includes any small balloon, any kite weighing not more than two kilograms, any unmanned aircraft and any parachute including a parascending parachute or paramotor.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that it “decided that it is necessary in the interests of security” to bring in the measures.

Pictured: Julian Beever’s artwork of Queen

Thursday 15 September 2022 20:20 , Miriam Burrell

Pavement chalk artist Julian Beever applied finishing touches to an artwork depicting Queen Elizabeth II in central London on Thursday.

Beever created a similar artworks of Princess Diana.

Sex Pistols respond ‘tasteless Queen cash-ins’ claims

Thursday 15 September 2022 20:35 , Miriam Burrell

The Sex Pistols have said they “cannot understand” what former bandmate John Lydon was talking about when he claimed the band were “cashing in” on the death of the Queen.

Former Pistols frontman Lydon, 66, claimed the band were endorsing requests in connection with punk anthem ‘God Save The Queen’.

A spokesperson for the band said: “We cannot understand what he would be referring to.

“Other than a couple of requests for use of imagery or audio in news reports on the Queen and her impact on culture, there’s nothing new relating to God Save The Queen being promoted or released in any way.”

Lydon, known by his stage name Johnny Rotten, wrote the lyrics to the 1977 hit which was released during the monarch’s Silver Jubilee year, before being banned by the BBC.

Pictured: Inside Westminster Hall

Thursday 15 September 2022 20:51 , Miriam Burrell

7-hour wait to see Queen’s coffin ‘worth it'

Thursday 15 September 2022 20:53 , Miriam Burrell

Marc Carney, 58, filed past the Queen’s coffin at 6.40pm after travelling from his home in Kent on Thursday morning.

He said: “It hits you how moving it all us and how much love and support there’s for the Queen.”

Mr Carney joined the queue at about 11.30am.

“It was great once you got there and was part of it. You just amble along with everyone and it was a great atmosphere,” he told PA.

“It was so rewarding and peaceful in lots of ways. You also got to see London under a different cloud.

“It was worth it making that long journey. It makes you focus on what you are here for.”

Live coverage ends

Thursday 15 September 2022 21:12 , Miriam Burrell

That’s all for tonight’s coverage.

Please check back in tomorrow. Goodnight.