Edinburgh Witnesses a Touching Tribute to Queen Elizabeth
After waiting for what felt like an eternity, a handful of brave souls finally crossed the threshold of St. Giles Cathedral to pay homage to Britain’s longest‑living monarch. The visit happened on Monday, September 12, following the Queen’s passing on Thursday at Balmoral.
Steady Lines & Quiet Reverence
Marie Claire Cross, 55, a National Health Service nurse, reports a scene that was “beautiful, very peaceful and quiet.” She stood in line from 11 am, looking every bit the long‑awaiting pilgrim—she finally slipped in over seven hours later.
“Walking into the cathedral with the Queen’s coffin feels like a dream,” she laments. “It’s both awe‑struck and heartbreaking.”
Videos captured the slow, respectful procession: the coffin draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, topped with a white fleur‑de‑lis wreath and the Crown of Scotland—symbols of the old Scottish monarchy.
- Some mourners bowed as they passed.
- Others wiped away tears.
- Thousand‑plus people queued outside, continuing the tribute into the night.
Personal Stories of Loss & Connection
Retired music teacher Michael Hainsworth, 70, was one of the first to enter. He described the moment as “super emotional” and the experience “all‑encompassing.” He comforted his tearful wife as they left.
In a subtle but powerful display, the Royal Company of Archers guarded the coffin’s corners while King Charles III and his three siblings held a silent vigil.
“Seeing the royal family here really hits you,” said Peter Cliff, 66, a retired businessman. He added, “When you witness them grieving, it’s like a sobering reality check.”
Next‑Step: From Edinburgh to London
Tuesday: The coffin will be flown to London. Wednesday: It will lie in state until September 19 atop a catafalque at Westminster Hall, culminating in the state funeral. The journey is a final send‑off for the Queen who shaped a generation.
Regardless of the distance, Edinburgh remains a place where people walked in reverence and left with a blend of solemnity and a sense of peace. The tribute has become a shared story—one that will echo in the pages of history for years to come.
