Queen Elizabeth II Dies at 96

I agree. It came across and genuine, warm, and heartfelt.

If we all contributed ÂŁ5 to feed people in lieu of flowers, a lot of people would have full bellies. The flowers are pretty though and the florists are happy.

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One of my daughters and her husband are in London now (a trip started before the Queen’s death). They saw King Charles outside Buckingham Palace! They didn’t expect that but waved back. They were bummed that Westminister Abbey was closed, but realize they are there at a historic moment.

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I saw online that the line (or queue as British say) to see the Queen lying in state is 2 miles long. People are told that they may have to wait for hours and even overnight. It’s open to the public 24 hours and apparently people camped out overnight.

I heard on the news that the line is now 4 miles long, and people may wait as long as 30 hours.

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I cannot imagine waiting in line that long simply to walk by a casket. For anyone. I understand it’s paying respect, not just the act of seeing the casket, but still. Nope.

But I’m not British and not big on the concept of monarchy. RIP Elizabeth.

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Wow! I was looking on CNN.com and they had a video of various parts of the line
it’s so long!

I’d maybe do it if it was an hour wait
but not that long, doesn’t seem very comfortable. I did hear that when people enter the line, they get a wristband, so they can leave the line to get food and use the restroom and then re-enter the line. They also have police and first aid stations along the way.

The BBC says the queue (that’s what British people call lines) is now 4.2 miles long. And the wait is about 9 hours. Queen's lying-in-state: How long was the queue?

They even have a queue tracker where people people can see where the end of the queue is.

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My SIL is a Brit, and he is not a fan of a monarchy!

I just saw a YouTube of a Royal guard collapsed near the Queen’s coffin, he’s pretty senior, but there was a young lady near us collapsed when we were there. I think people probably don’t want to drink water while waiting and that’s maybe a reason for the dehydration.

I see that line, 7 hours, slow walking, and Standing, impressed how many people are physically willing and able to do that.
I see the line and see lots of lower back spasms.
Wonder if Advil. Tylenol sales are going up in London. :pleading_face:

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From what I’ve read, they give you a number in the line, you can exit and use the toilet. When I was there, I saw lots of portable toilets were transporting in, possibly in preparation for the funeral.

The 8 grandchildren will stand vigil with Wililiam at the head and Harry at the foot of the casket. The news is reporting that Harry will wear his military uniform.

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In the UK, unlike the US, retired military do not wear uniforms to events such as weddings and funerals, unless they hold honorary appointments. This is why Andrew and Harry, who hold no honorary appointments (they were stripped), were in suits while following the Queen’s coffin while their siblings were in full uniform.

Interestingly, of the 6, Andrew (22 years) and Harry (10 years) actually served in the military the longest. Edward washed out and Anne never served.

To be clear, I have no issue with honorary appointments or with having them taken away or with uniform protocol. However, I do think the optics look bad in this implementation.

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Andrew was given permission to wear his uniform but Harry was not. The public outcry was loud and expected. Since Harry’s sins are very inconsequential and Andrew’s are not. Both are not working royals and why someone thought that the original plan was ok is beyond me.

Harry sent out a gracious statement but I’m happy that the family is doing the right and correct thing

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He’s now allowed to wear uniform at the Queen’s vigil.

I heard that too! That’s a good idea. I bet restaurants along the line are doing good business. I also hear they have a bag drop, since you’re limited in what you bring inside to see the casket. According to the BBC the queue is 5 miles long and is at capacity and they’re not letting anyone else join it.

Queen's lying-in-state: How long was the queue?]

Also, David Beckham waited in line for 12 hours along with all the regular people!

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I have to give props to Becks for not jumping the queue, unlike (insert huge air quotes) celebrities like Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby. You guys aren’t that special.

For the benefit of the Yanks asking “Who???” they’re TV presenters (what Americans call “hosts”) on a morning show.

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Yes, it’s very down to earth of him!

I’ve heard of Holly Willoughby, but not Phillip Schofield


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I never heard of them. My biggest worry is I will have to be in that area to check in a hotel and I will be stuck with lots of people.

I’m very happy that Charles allowed Harry to wear his uniform. I hope this will make Harry want to tone down all the rhetoric. I know his book comes out soon, it will be interesting to read.