Britain's last goodbye: Mourners shed tears in final farewell to Queen

The Queen's state funeral has caused an outpouring of emotion across the UK.

Many people in crowds who had gathered to watch the event were reduced to tears.

Thousands gathered in London and other parts of the UK as the state funeral service took place in Westminster Abbey.

There were also tears inside the church as the life of the Queen was celebrated by the Royal Family and guests.

Read more: Queen's funeral - royals from around the world arrive to pay respects

In Whitehall and Parliament Square, the funeral service moved some to tears.

As a crowd of thousands listened to the funeral, the proceedings from Westminster Abbey relayed by speakers above the street, some sang quietly along with the hymns.

Watch: Queen's coffin arrives for state funeral

As the funeral service began at Westminster Abbey, the crowd around Parliament Square began to drift – some for a much-needed sit down, others to grab a quick sandwich or a bite to eat.

But slowly, many edged back towards Whitehall and to the best viewing points in Parliament Square to await the final procession of the Queen’s coffin through London and onwards to Windsor.

When the time came for the two-minute silence at the end of the funeral, not a sound could be heard the length of Whitehall as many in the crowd bowed their head or closed their eyes.

Even as the two-minutes elapsed, many remained hushed and quiet. It was not until the time came, a few moments later, to sing the national anthem that the crowd roused itself, applause breaking out across the length of Whitehall when it came to a close.

Tears streamed down the faces of mourners among the crowds on Constitution Hill.

Others began putting away iPads and tablets, which they streamed the service on and held up to allow those further back to watch, in anticipation for the passing of the cortege.

The street was lined with a half-company from the Royal Air Force (RAF) standing alongside police officers.

As the national anthem was sung after the service, the clouds parted and the sun shone through the trees in Green Park.

In Birmingham’s Centenary Square, up to 500 people braved a downpour to watch a screening of the Queen’s funeral.

There was a hushed silence throughout the service, save for the occasional pointing out of a brief observation or explanation of a detail, from a parent to a child.

Some wiped away tears, while others simply hugged one another through shared grief.

During the service in Westminster Abbey, the Countess of Wessex was spotted dabbing a tear from her eye and Princess Beatrice looked overcome with emotion at one point.

During the funeral service, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby contrasted the outpouring of emotion for the Queen with how leaders who “cling to power and privileges” will be regarded.

In an address to a congregation packed with world statesmen, current British politicians and former prime ministers, the archbishop said “leaders of loving service” would be remembered when others are “long forgotten”.

In his sermon, the archbishop said: “People of loving service are rare in any walk of life. Leaders of loving service are still rarer.

“But in all cases those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and privileges are long forgotten.”

Hundreds of people gathered inside Bristol Cathedral to watch the funeral on a large television screen.

Will Spencer, from Bristol, said afterwards: “It was a lovely service actually and a fitting tribute to our Queen."

Lara Elliott, also from Bristol, said: “It was very moving and beautiful. The music was incredible – it gave me goosebumps.”

Peter Watkinson, 53, who served with the Grenadier Guards, and Tony Ross, 55, who served with the Welsh Guards, watched the funeral service together in Manchester’s Exchange Square, where it was shown on a big screen.

Watkinson, from Manchester, said: “It’s definitely more poignant watching it among other people.

“The guys carrying Her Majesty’s coffin, I was in that company, so it’s more poignant for me and I feel pride.”

Ross, who is originally from Cardiff but now lives in Didsbury, south Manchester, said: “When I found out she had died I was gutted but I know for a fact she would want us to carry on regardless so it’s just about embracing and enjoying it now and respecting who she was.”

Read more: Queen's state funeral in pictures

James Davies, 30, from Bridgend, South Wales, was in Manchester for the weekend and decided to watch the funeral service on the big screen in Exchange Square.

He said: “It’s amazing seeing the diversity of people here paying their respects. It’s a momentous day.

“It was a beautiful service. It was a little bit emotional because you’re watching someone burying their grandmother.”

Jeannie Thorpe, from Sheffield, admitted she shed tears as she watched the service on a screen in the city’s cathedral.

Thorpe said: “I thought it was impeccable. The people spoke so eloquently. It was just beautiful.

“Very, very moving. We shed lots of tears in there but it was for a worthy cause.

“She was an amazing lady and we’ll all take inspiration from the way she’s led her life.”

Watch: Final mourners attend Queen's lying in state as queue closes