Queue for the Queen Grows to 7.5 km – See What the Crowd Looks Like
London, Sept 13 – The palace has announced that up to a 7.5 km line of mourners could be waiting to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Hall. That’s roughly the distance from the Houses of Parliament to the Tower Bridge and back again.
What’s the Plan?
- From 5 pm (Tuesday), the coffin will be held for about 750,000 people to line up inside the historic halls.
- Those joins will be funneled along the southern bank of the Thames, past the iconic London Eye and a rebuilt stage that once hosted Shakespeare.
- Every visitor gets a wristband – a handy pass to squeeze in a bathroom break or grab a bite.
Why So Many?
When the Queen passed last week at 96 in Scotland, grief was nothing short of a national storm. In Edinburgh, 33,000 people watched her lie in front of St Giles Cathedral for 24 hours. Now the London memorial will stretch nearly five days, ending just before the funeral.
Official Words & Sirens
The government says, “be respectful, be quiet, keep your camera out of Parliament.” Police, stewards and volunteers will keep the crowds in check. And for the impatient masses with a “queue-jumping” itch or an alcohol binge, authorities warn: no unacceptable behaviour will be tolerated. And if you slip past the line, you’ll be pulled away.
Small Stories Among the Mourners
One notable figure is Andrew Israels‑Swenson from Minnesota, who carried his 82‑year‑old mother’s instructions to “represent the family” and was among the first to line up for the coffin. “This is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime event to honour a once‑in‑a‑lifetime woman,” he told officials.
Keeping the Tribute Alive
- Some cafes, theatres and venues have opened their doors to offer refreshments.
- The British Film Institute will set up an outdoor screen to stream footage of the Queen’s reign.
- Expect a quiet, solemn atmosphere—though don’t be surprised if you find a friend or two sharing an emotional hug for a moment.
In a time that feels oddly quiet in day-to-day life, the collective breath held in Westminster Hall stands as a grand, moving tribute to a monarch who oversaw a century of change.
