Queen death: ‘A life well lived’ - queuing mourners in Westminster pay tribute to Elizabeth II

“I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when she met some of the politicians and world leaders.”
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Mourners among thousands queuing for miles across central London to pay their respects to QueenElizabeth II have spoken of “a life well lived”.

Her Majesty died at Balmoral in Scotland last Thursday and her coffin is now lying-in-state in Westminster Hall in central London.

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Queues to file past the coffin are currently almost three miles long, with Millennium Bridge marking the end point.

Police horses in Westminster ahead of the Queen’s arrival. Photo: GettyPolice horses in Westminster ahead of the Queen’s arrival. Photo: Getty
Police horses in Westminster ahead of the Queen’s arrival. Photo: Getty

While the official route map marks the queue area from the Palace of Westminster to Southwark Park near Bermondsey Station.

Speaking to LondonWorld, Kate Hogg, 72, from Brigg, in north Lincolnshire, said: “I’m here to celebrate the life of a woman that has been well lived.

“There have been so many changes [over her reign] and I just wanted to say thank you, and to say we’re all part of empowering [the] community together.”

Kate Hogg, Pat Alston and James Lewis. Photo: LWKate Hogg, Pat Alston and James Lewis. Photo: LW
Kate Hogg, Pat Alston and James Lewis. Photo: LW
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Asked about the best qualities of the Queen’s reign, Ms Hogg said: “Consistency, definitely. She was a very dutiful Queen.

“I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when she met some of the politicians and world leaders.”

While James Lewis, 59, from Radlett, in Hertfordshire, said: “I’ve come here today, really to feel very much part of the history.

“We’ll never have another monarch who reigns for 70 years, and she gave time and devotion to our country.

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“It’s a mark of respect to her community during that period.”

Leo Kiernan. Photo: LWLeo Kiernan. Photo: LW
Leo Kiernan. Photo: LW

When asked what the Queen’s passing meant to them, Pat Alston, 77, also from Brigg, added: “It’s the passing of a generation. I remember the coronation.”

And Leo Kiernan, 59, from Dublin but living in London, added: “[Her best qualities were] her sense of humour, the ability to keep secrets.

“I’m here today to pay my respects to the Queen.

“I think she was a wonderful lady; she’s done great things for the country.”

Police barriers in Westminster. Photo: LWPolice barriers in Westminster. Photo: LW
Police barriers in Westminster. Photo: LW
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Rachel DeSouza Neto, 51, from Mauritius and France, and Sylvia Zskoda, 48, from Poland, are friends who came to visit the procession together.

Rachel said: “I’m here because I think I’m lucky enough to be living in London. I’m lucky enough to be living here when all of this is happening.

“You can’t really miss it, because it’s so historic.

Rachel DeSouza Neto and Sylvia Zskoda. Photo: LWRachel DeSouza Neto and Sylvia Zskoda. Photo: LW
Rachel DeSouza Neto and Sylvia Zskoda. Photo: LW

“I’m Mauritian. I grew up within a former British colony. I always grew up with British traditions, with the tea, and the Queen has always been part of my life.

“I think she was down to earth and really ruled with a heart.

“So, I think I need to pay my respects.”

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And Sylvia said: “My story is different, but in some ways similar, because I’ve lived in London for under two years.

“Everything is new for me, I’m very lucky to be here and I’m grateful that the Queen of this country is so powerful, there’s freedom.

“She was magnificent at communicating with people. Her focus was on real people.

“I have a lot of pride that I could pay respect.”