The Long Walk home: Breath-taking scene as thousands fall silent before claps and applause ripples through the crowds when the Queen's coffin finally enters Windsor Castle
- Crowds lining the Long Walk in Windsor watched as the Queen's coffin made its way to its final resting place
- Royal hearse covered in flowers arrived at Windsor Castle from London just before 4pm on Monday
- The Long Walk closed earlier on Monday as 'it would not be safe to allow access to any more visitors'
- Scenes of well-wishers lining the streets mirrored those seen in London as thousands paid final respects
- Follow MailOnline's LIVEBLOG for updates as state funeral is held for Queen Elizabeth II in London today
- The Queen's funeral: All the latest Royal Family news and coverage
Thousands of mourners fell silent before claps and applause rippled through the crowds as the Queen's coffin made its way along the Long Walk at Windsor Castle as it reached her final resting place.
The royal hearse, covered in flowers thrown by well-wishers on the 90-minute journey from London, arrived at Windsor Castle just before 4pm as the procession swept up the Long Walk in a military procession, to tolling bells and ceremonial gunfire.
Shortly before, tens of thousands of people sang the national anthem as they watched the state funeral while awaiting the arrival of the Queen's coffin.
Upon arriving, the state hearse was led along the Long Walk by the Dismounted Detachment of the Household Cavalry Regiment, the 1st Division of the Sovereign's Escort and massed pipes and drums.
The procession approached the Castle to the applause of members of the public lining the route, ahead of a final committal service at St George's Chapel.
Earlier in the day, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead closed the Long Walk as it said 'it would not be safe to allow access to any more visitors'.
'If you are just arriving now, you will be redirected to Home Park Public viewing screen,' they added.
The scenes of well-wishers weeping as they lined the Long Walk mirrored those seen just hours earlier in central London, where many were moved to tears by the Queen's poignant funeral service which paid tribute to Britain's longest-reigning monarch.
Up to two million people are thought to have lined the funeral procession route on the national Bank Holiday, created especially for the public to be able to say a final farewell to Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8, aged 96.
Westminster Abbey filled up with world leaders, foreign royals and several hundred ordinary Britons chosen by the Queen, as the 2,000-strong congregation began arriving up to three hours before the service.
Tens of thousands of well-wishers line the path to pay their respects to the late monarch, as the Queen's coffin was led down the Long Walk at Windsor Castle
A woman holding a Union Jack flag wipes away tears as the royal hearse carrying the Queen's coffin passes along the Long Walk at Windsor Castle on Monday afternoon
A woman wiped away a tear as she watched the royal funeral procession to the Queen's final resting place at Windsor Castle
A woman appears upset as she stood to watch the Queen's coffin travelling to her final rest place at Windsor Castle
The royal hearse was covered in flowers which had been thrown by well-wishers on the 90-minute journey from central London
An aerial picture of the Long Walk shows the large crowds that had lined the funeral procession route as the Queen's coffin made the last leg of the journey towards Her Majesty's final resting place
The hearse carrying the Queen's coffin is escorted along the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle as tens of thousands of well-wishers line the path to pay their respects to the late monarch
In a touching gesture the late Queen's two corgis, Muick and Sandy, were part of the day and made an appearance at Windsor Castle
The crowds fell silent as the state hearse carrying the Queen's coffin entered the Long Walk in Windsor, then broke out into applause as the end of the funeral procession passed by.
In a touching gesture the late Queen's two faithful friends, her corgis Muick and Sandy, were part of the day and made an appearance.
Among those at the top of the Long Walk were Windsor Castle warden Shannon Carroll, 27, and her pals Samantha Geraghty, 24, and Heidi, 26, who declined to give her surname.
Shannon told MailOnline they had arrived at 6am after getting up at 4am to walk from nearby Maidenhead where they all live.
She added: 'I'm here to pay my respects to an incredible woman who also happens to be my boss. I've worked at the Castle for five years and it's the least I can do.
'The Queen was a great employer and an inspirational leader. I don't think we will ever see anyone like her again.'
Shannon said: 'I queued up for 12 hours overnight Friday into Saturday and that was a very poignant and sombre experience.
'It was incredibly quiet and still but it was at the same time very respectful and I wouldn't have missed it for anything.'
Heidi said: 'We are prepared for the day with snacks and drinks and it looks like it will stay dry. We will have a great view of the procession as it comes up the Long Walk and goes into the castle.
'When we go here there were quite a few people here already but up the front where we are was surprisingly empty. I think we have the best spot to see history in the making.'
Samantha said: 'It was an early start but well worth it. We will have a great view but we will have to watch the funeral service itself on our phones as we can't see the big screens.'
Members of the crowd who gathered at The Mall were visibly upset as they listened to the State Funeral
Mourners gathered together for Queen Elizabeth's II funeral felt the solemnity of the occasion
A woman wipes a tear from her eye as she gets emotional listening to the State Funeral of the Queen
A woman who had travelled to the capital shed tears during the Queen's state funeral on Monday
Also among those at Windsor were David and Maureen Goodhead who had travelled down from Burton-on-Trent to see the procession along the Long Walk and spoke to MailOnline.
Window salesman David, 72, said after the Westminster Abbey service: 'That was so emotional, so touching and so well done.
'It was history and I'm glad we came down for it. We wouldn't have missed it for anything. It's history isn't it. I can just about remember the Coronation so to see this is is very emotional.'
Retired bar worker Maureen said: 'We came down on Saturday and stayed with friends in London and had a look at all the flowers in Hyde Park and they were wonderful.
'It's been amazing to watch the service here on the screens but when the hearse passes by later with her coffin it will really sink home she has gone and we won't see her again.'
Maureen, who knew both verses of the National Anthem, said: 'I learned it off by heart in the Girl Guides and it brought a lump to my throat.
' We were here in Windsor for when Prince Philip and we took flowers to Althorp for Diana. We won't be moving from this spot until it's all over. We have a good view and we are here for the long run.'
Retired teacher Susan Luppetti, 72, who came from her home in Somerset for the funeral, said: 'I did not expect it to be so emotional when it went past. It is the ending an era.
'What surprised me is how everyone went silent. It felt very personal and it did not feel like a state funeral at all.
'The silence was wonderful and to see that level of respect was quite amazing.'
Her daughter Janine Boyce 44, a housewife of Maidenhead, said: 'I felt very nervous when you could hear the soldiers and the sound of the horses coming nearer. It was all a very historic moment but it was also a very personal moment.'
Another person who travelled to Windsor to pay his respects to the Queen was Malcolm Caudren, who served for 22 years in the RF Regiment.
Mr Caudren, 57, from Buckinghamshire, left the forces as a Corporal and recalled seeing her during the Guard of Honour ceremony in the 1980s.
A woman sheds a tear with her two children as the Queen's coffin is carried down the Long Walk at Windsor Castle on Monday afternoon
Many who had gathered to see the coffin pass were visibly upset during the State Funeral
A woman sat atop a fence at The Mall reacts on the day of the State Funeral for Queen Elizabeth II
A woman wearing a Union Jack hat appears emotional as the funeral procession makes it way up the Long Walk in Windsor
Earlier in the day, the Long Walk was closed to visitors as authorities said it would not be safe to allow access to any more visitors
The Long Walk: Thousands line the route up to Windsor Castle to pay their final respects to the late monarch who died on September 8
Crowds gather to watch as the hearse carrying the Queen's coffin is escorted along the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle
Crowds at Windsor Castle after the Queen's coffin is driven by state hearse to her final resting place on Monday afternoon
Speaking at the Long Walk ahead of the late monarch's final arrival to Windsor Castle, he said: 'It's an honour to serve. She was ultimately our boss that we loved and respected, which is why lots of guys around here have their medals on.'
Mr Caudren added that this was a 'special' occasion to be reunited with other service personnel and that it was an important day for his family as his eldest son was working on security in London and his son's girlfriend was part of those parading during the event at Windsor.
He said the past couple of weeks had been 'emotional' for them all, adding: 'It is almost like losing a member of your family as when you're in the forces you are in the family.
'The Queen and all the royal family make us feel as part of that as well.
Kirsty Jones, 44, said that watching the final part of the Queen's coffin procession from the Long Walk in Windsor 'really felt final' while her husband David, 50, said it marked 'the end of an era'.
Clad with union flags and a toy Paddington bear, the couple had stayed overnight in a nearby hotel with their children, Amelia, 11, Hadley, nine, and Hattie, seven, after paying their respects in their home town of Sandringham, Norfolk.
Ms Jones, a former nurse, said: 'It was very moving, it made it real.
'You do see more when you watch it on the television from home, but I wanted the children to actually be part of it and feel the sadness and the grief that everyone is feeling.'
When asked whether it was particularly poignant being present for the final leg of the procession, she said: 'I really, really felt that. It really felt final.'
Mr Jones added: 'It's about making memories - somebody said on the television this morning that it marks the end of the post-war era - and it does feel like the end of an era.'
A woman dressed in black with a rose headdress and holding a tea cup was moved to tears during the funeral, which was shown at Hyde Park in central London
Crowds watch as the state gun carriage carries the Queen's coffin along Whitehall following her funeral at Westminster Abbey
Crowds on The Mall stand for a two minutes silence during the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
People react as the State Gun Carriage carrying the Queen's coffin pass by during the Ceremonial Procession
Spectators comfort each other as they stand to watch the State Funeral of the Queen
Members of the public in the crowd at The Mall get tearful ahead of the funeral
In London, many had spent a cold night outdoors as they camped in order to reserve prime viewing spots for the late monarch's funeral procession, while many more got up at dawn to journey into the capital.
Anyone arriving after 9.10am was re-directed to Hyde Park after public viewing areas were declared full. At least 215,000 people watched the Queen's funeral in central London's ceremonial viewing areas, according to City Hall figures.
Hyde Park was packed as Her Majesty's funeral began at 11am, with people congregating in the central London park to watch the momentous event on four big screens installed especially for the occasion.
Ahead of the service, well-wishers lining the Mall clapped in support of King Charles, and his sons Princes William and Harry, as they made their way from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.
Emotions were running high as the funeral got underway, with some mourners in Whitehall and Parliament Square moved to tears while others could be seen hugging and consoling each other at a time of national grief.
As the crowds listened to the funeral, with the proceedings from Westminster Abbey relayed by speakers above the street, some sang quietly along with the hymns.
When the time came for the two-minute silence, not a sound could be heard the length of Whitehall as many in the crowd bowed their head or closed their eyes for a period of silent reflection.
Even as the two-minutes elapsed, many remained hushed and quiet as many bowed their heads to remember the late head of state.
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.
Not far away, tears streamed down the faces of mourners among the crowds on Constitution Hill as the service drew to a close, ending with two minutes of silence, the Last Post and the national anthem.
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.
People wrapped in Union Jack flags stand as they watch the Queen's state funeral from Hyde Park on Monday
A woman standing in quiet reflection in Hyde Park, where thousands gathered to watch the Queen's state funeral
A little girl holds a love-heart shaped balloon with a picture of the Queen emblazoned on it in Hyde Park on Monday afternoon
People stood to watch the royal funeral procession make its way through the streets of Whitehall on Monday afternoon
A woman holding a bouquet of flowers and flag with a picture of the Queen was among spectators in Hyde Park on Monday
A little girl waves a Union Jack flag as she watches the Queen's state funeral from Hyde Park in central London on Monday
A woman is consoled by a man after becoming emotional during the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
People bow their heads in quiet contemplation as they gather to remember the life of Queen Elizabeth II in London on Monday
Two women draped in Union Jack flags looked visibly upset as they stood outside Buckingham Palace for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
A woman could be seen wiping away a tear as she listened to the funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II, which took place at Westminster Abbey
A woman removed her sunglasses to wipe away a tear as she gathered to remember the late monarch, who died at her Balmoral estate on September 8
Two women hugged each other and appeared visibly upset as they gathered to watch the Queen's state funeral on Monday
A member of the public wipes away a tear as she stands along The Mall for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday
A woman removed her glasses to wipe away a tear as she watched the funeral proceedings from Hyde Park in central London
People cried in Hyde Park and bowed their heads as they stood to remember Queen Elizabeth II during her state funeral on Monday
Two women showed an outpouring of grief as they joined thousands of people to watch the funeral service from Hyde Park in central London
A well-wisher held a portrait of the late monarch as she waited along the funeral procession route on Monday morning
In Windsor, a woman tears up on the day of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral
Among those at Windsor were David and Maureen Goodhead who had travelled down from Burton-on-Trent to see the procession along the Long Walk and spoke to MailOnline.
Window salesman David, 72, said after the Westminster Abbey service:'That was so emotional, so touching and so well done.
'It was history and I'm glad we came down for it. We wouldn't have missed it for anything. It's history isn't it. I can just about remember the Coronation so to see this is is very emotional.'
Retired bar worker Maureen said:'We came down on Saturday and stayed with friends in London and had a look at all the flowers in Hyde Park and they were wonderful.
'It's been amazing to watch the service here on the screens but when the hearse passes by later with her coffin it will really sink home she has gone and we won't see her again.'
Maureen, who knew both verses of the National Anthem, said:'I learned it off by heart in the Girl Guides and it brought a lump to my throat.
' We were here in Windsor for when Prince Philip and we took flowers to Althorp for Diana. We won't be moving from this spot until it's all over. We have a good view and we are here for the long run.'
As the national anthem was sung after the service, the clouds parted and the sun shone through the trees in Green Park.
There was a hush from the crowd in Whitehall, as the funeral procession moved past the Cabinet War Rooms, the Cenotaph and Downing Street on its final journey to Windsor Catle.
Some emerged to watch the pomp and pageantry from balconies and windows, clad in black, while those on the street craned their necks and clutched cameras as they awaited the chance to say goodbye.
Throughout the duration of the procession, Minute Guns were fired in Hyde Park by The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, as Big Ben tolled.
Ex-Service Association standard bearers, mustered by the Royal British Legion, flanked the Cenotaph on Whitehall and saluted as the Queen's coffin moved past, while thousands lined South Carriage Drive to be the first to see the hearse as it carried the Queen's coffin to Windsor.
In some places the crowds were 30 people deep. Mourners were seen waving Union Jack flags and carrying flowers.
In a moving gesture, staff from Buckingham Palace stood outside the gates of the royal residence and watched as the late monarch was taken past for the last time on its way to Wellington Arch, where her hearse to Windsor was waiting
Well-wishers told of their pride at being in the crowd to watch Her Majesty's final journey today.
Paul Griffiths, 48, and wife Brenda, 46, from Newport, South Wales stayed at his brother David's home in Surrey last night.
Paul, a driving instructor, said: 'I'm so proud to have been here in the flesh. It was marvellous to see the procession and gear the bands 'It brought a lump in my throat.
'We had a bit of a journey and had an early start this morning.
'But I will never forget being here today. I was a really spectacular performance.'
Brenda added: 'I always admired the Queen. Ever since I was s little girl I have wanted to meet her. And somehow I felt close to her being here today, 'She was a wonderful figure and an inspiration to us all.'
Ends Fahey, 44, who had travelled from Ennislkillen for the funeral, said the trip was well worth it.
'She meant so much to so many people in Northern Ireland and I had to come and pay my respects to her.
'The planning has been meticulous and we're very impressed so far. We're a bit worried about getting out of London and the trip home but we're so pleased we came.'
John Ridley, 36, of South Shields travelled down for funeral last night and was pleased he came.
'I stayed at a friend's house and came early this morning and got a good spot to watch the proceedings. I wish the service had been broadcast live to crowds outside but I believe something went wrong with the system.'
He said: 'In the end it has been a very good trip. It seems like we were all here to say goodbye to an era and welcome in a new one.'
Luke Barnes, 21, and his mum Jane, 47, travelled to London from Kettering to watch the funeral.
Luke, a student, said: 'We've always followed the Royal family and it was great to be here today.
'It was very moving. I'm not embarrassed to say that it brought me to tears seeing the coffin. Mum cried too.'
Jane added: 'it was really good. Everyone was really professional and respectful.
'I couldn't really see Prince Garry and Meghan but I'm sure they were very dignified, King Charles and Prince William have been really good.'
Suzanne Dinnadge , 52, and Amanda Johnson, 48, from Eltham, south-east London, had camped out in Whitehall last night with a group of five other family members.
As she was 'kettled' by police outside Westminster Tube station, Suzanne told MailOnline: 'It was an amazing day - once in a lifetime, but standing here has taken the edge off it - it's very frustrating as the procession is long past now.'
Amanda added: 'It was very emotional and I'm glad we all came - she was our Queen all my life and more and I really wanted to be here.
'I cried a few times, especially when the soldiers were all marching past in step.
'I guess we'll never see an event like this again.'
After the funeral service concluded with the sounding of the Last Post, the two-minute silence which followed was impeccably observed by those lining the streets.
The national anthem boomed out from the Abbey on loudspeakers and applause erupted from the crowd after some joined in singing 'God Save the King'.
Mourners stood silently as a BBC radio commentary was played over the loudspeakers as the bearer party carried the Queen's coffin to the gun carriage.
Shortly afterwards, the hour-long procession past Buckingham Palace to Wellington Arch began.
King Charles III led the solemn procession with Princes William and Harry following behind.
As the crowd of mourners stood 10 deep, hundreds of mobile phones were raised in the air to capture images as the procession went by.
Many others in the crowd had no hope of even getting a glimpse of the state gun carriage or members of the Royal Family as they solemnly followed behind.
But they didn't mind. One member of the crowd said: 'We came overnight and slept on the pavement but we still weren't able to get anywhere near the front.
'The most important thing is just to be here. People are sharing a moment and it has been incredibly moving just to do that.
'You get a better overview watching it all on TV at home but unless you are here you can only imagine the atmosphere and what it is really like.'
A woman wipes away tears as crowds gathered to watch the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
A woman holding a bunch of flowers bowed her head as she commemorated the life of Queen Elizabeth II
People all over the UK to watch the State Funeral of the Queen and many were visibly upset
Emotional mourners were seen wiping away tears and consoling each other as Queen Elizabeth II's funeral got underway on Monday morning
Hyde Park was packed with members of the public who had gathered at the central London park to watch the Queen's state funeral from big TV screens set up there
Emotional mourners were seen wiping away tears and consoling each other as Queen Elizabeth II's funeral got underway on Monday morning
Emotional mourners were seen wiping away tears and consoling each other as Queen Elizabeth II's funeral got underway on Monday morning
Best friends Ruben Roads, 11, and Roman Hutchings, 12, woke up at 5.30am to travel into London from their home in Westerham, Kent, with Roman's dad.
Ruben, 11, said: 'We wanted to come here. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
'The Queen reigned for 70 years. We will never see another day like this in history. It is important to so many people. It is the end of one chapter but the start of a new one.'
Roman, 12, added: 'We wanted to pay our respects and pay tribute to the Queen. She pretty much was queen of the world.
'It is the end of the Elizabethan era. She has done so much for Britain and now that she's gone everything is going to change. It's so sad. I just hope Charles will be a very good king but we will have to wait and see.'
In Windsor, crowds along the Long Walk fell silent to observe the two minutes' silence in respect of the Queen.
The atmosphere grew eerily quiet, still and sombre as the sound of The Last Post sounded from large screens broadcasting the state funeral at Westminster Abbey.
Members of the largely black-clad crowd could be seen bowing their heads.
Among those at Windsor were David and Maureen Goodhead who had travelled down from Burton-on-Trent to see the procession along the Long Walk.
Window salesman David, 72, said after the Westminster Abbey service: 'That was so emotional, so touching and so well done.
'It was history and I'm glad we came down for it. We wouldn't have missed it for anything. It's history isn't it. I can just about remember the Coronation so to see this is is very emotional.'
Retired bar worker Maureen said: 'We came down on Saturday and stayed with friends in London and had a look at all the flowers in Hyde Park and they were wonderful.
'It's been amazing to watch the service here on the screens but when the hearse passes by later with her coffin it will really sink home she has gone and we won't see her again.'
Maureen, who knew both verses of the national anthem, said: 'I learned it off by heart in the Girl Guides and it brought a lump to my throat.
'We were here in Windsor for when Prince Philip and we took flowers to Althorp for Diana. We won't be moving from this spot until it's all over. We have a good view and we are here for the long run.'
Mourners looked emotional as they paid farewell to Her Majesty during her state funeral on Monday
People had brought camping chairs to watch the Queen's funeral service from a large television screen outside Windsor Castle, where she will be laid to rest alongside her late husband Prince Philip
Windsor Castle was packed with people paying their respects to the late monarch during her state funeral in London on Monday
A group of women watched the funeral proceedings from a mobile phone as they lined the streets of central London on Monday
One mourner was seen covering her face as she lined the streets to say a final goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II
Crowds listened to the service on Horse Guards Avenue during the Queen's state funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday
Crowds lined Horse Guards Avenue in central London ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral
Two women hugged each other as they mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster on Monday
A woman wiped tears from her face as she joined the crowds of people paying their respects to the late monarch on Monday
Earlier that morning, mourners had taken up their positions along the funeral procession route in central London, where Her Majesty would begin her last journey on a two-and-a-half ton gun carriage pulled by 98 Royal Navy sailors
Every available view of Westminster Abbey had been occupied before dawn - with City Hall declaring all public viewing spots full by just after 9.10am.
Overnight, Parliament Square and Whitehall transformed into a giant campsite as thousands claimed their spots and sat behind barriers in neat rows.
Shortly after 5am, cheers greeted the arrival of the historic gun carriage first used at the funeral of Queen Victoria in 1901.
It was brought in on the back of a low loader before being hauled into position by a team of waiting Royal Navy ratings.
Police officers taking part in ceremonial duties were applauded as they marched in file along Whitehall in the darkness towards the Abbey.
Some well-wishers' journeys began at 2am as they travelled to the capital to watch the Queen's state funeral.
Christine Birch, 61, her husband Stephen Birch, 58, and friend Margaret Frost, 68, left Bakewell, Derbyshire, in the early hours of Monday to pay their respects to the late monarch from Constitution Hill.
An emotional Mrs Birch said: 'It's strange to come down to London for something so sad, because normally we come to all the celebrations.
'It's going to be very emotional for everyone.
'I think it's very important that the whole country has come together for this.
'The least we could all do is to make an effort to pay our respects.
'She's given her entire life for all of us.'
Many of those who had travelled to London insisted they believed it was their duty to be there to help the nation pay a fitting tribute to the Queen's remarkable 70-year reign.
Grandmothers Christine Whitby and Shirin Thorpe, both, 61, were the first mourners to arrive for the funeral - setting up camp in Westminster at 8am on Thursday morning.
The pair from Sevenoaks, Kent, were moved three times by police before finding a spot on the edge of Parliament Square.
They hung two Union Flags from metal barriers in front of them and brought tents, inflatable mattresses, sleeping bags and winter coats to endure four cold nights on the streets.
Shirin, a retired vintage clothing seller, said: 'There's going to be millions of people here and we didn't want to miss out.
'I did feel like it was my duty to be here and I feel a part of it.
'To me it would have been like not going to your mother's funeral.
'I wanted to pay my condolences to the family, do my bit and grieve with them.
'As far as I'm concerned the Queen put the Great in Britain and I'm not sure what life will be without her.
'She has been in my life as far back as I can remember.
'It sounds really stupid but it feels like she is part of the family.'
'I take a lot from her strengths. She was a mechanic during the war, raised kids and worked up until the day she died. She did so much for women.'
As she spoke she burst into tears saying: 'I'm sorry. The enormity of it all is finally hitting home.
'I lost my mother five years ago aged 95 so I feel that too.'
Christine said: 'Our families thought we were crazy. They told me I wouldn't even make one night but that made me even more determined to see it through.
'I wanted to be here. She's been my Queen my entire life. I wanted to pay my respects and until the day I die, along with the births of my son and grandson, this will be my everlasting memory.'
Stephen Garner, 53, from Canterbury, Kent, said: 'The Queen was part of the fabric of our lives - she was always there and now she's gone.
'There's never going to be another monarch like her, certainly not in any of our lifetimes and there will never be another day like to day.'
Meanwhile, sisters Patty and Cindy caught a flight from Dulles, Virginia in the US on Friday especially to attend the funeral.
The pair then queued outside Westminster Hall before taking their place in the crowd at Parliament Square at 4am this morning.
Patty said: 'I'm a huge admirer of how the Queen has lived her life. My sister, who lives in Ohio, and I just had to come over for this.
'This is history in the making and we'll probably never see someone like the Queen again. To rule without blemish like she has for 70 years if a huge, huge thing.'
Patty, who lives in Ashburn in Loudoun County, said: 'Where I live, it's like a mini version of London. We are both huge admirers of the Royals and what they do but my sister is the real fan.'
One new mother told of her decision to travel to London from Portsmouth and brave the crowds while carrying her 11-month-old baby daughter in a sling.
Laura Rand had previously been to other Royal events before having kids and felt she couldn't miss this 'moment in history' - even if it meant bringing a baby along.
The nurse had brought plenty of snacks and drinks - and a dress that meant she could breastfeed without taking Sophia out of the sling.
The mum-of-two said: 'The more I saw what was happening over the past 10 days the more I felt I wanted to go - and I couldn't leave my husband with both kids!
'Sophia has slept all the way here and is chilled so hopefully that will last.
'It will be busy but we will get to the procession when we get there and leave when we can leave, we will just be chilled and go with the flow.
'I know there are quite a lot of people bringing their young children - shout out to all the other mums who have brough their babies!'
But she joked: 'There was no why I'd have brought my three-year-old too, I'm not completely bonkers.'
People have gathered in Hyde Park to watch Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on Monday
A family watched television coverage on a mobile phone on Monday as they gathered in London to watch the Queen's funeral
A little girl being held up by her dad in Westminster ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on Monday morning. Crowds have gathered to say one final farewell to the late monarch, who died on September 8, aged 96
Crowds outside Parliament Square in Westminster ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on Monday, September 19
Mourners have lined the Mall ahead of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey this morning
Mourners arrived early to line the funeral procession route of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday morning. Viewing areas have now reached capacity and people are being sent to Hyde Park to watch the historic event from there
Mourners arrived early to line the funeral procession route of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday morning. Viewing areas have now reached capacity and people are being sent to Hyde Park to watch the historic event from there
Mourners arrived early to line the funeral procession route of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday morning. Viewing areas have now reached capacity and people are being sent to Hyde Park to watch the historic event from there
Hyde Park was packed with members of the public who had gathered at the central London park to watch the Queen's state funeral from big TV screens set up there
While some royal fans camped out days prior to the funeral, others arrived on Monday morning and were left concerned that they may not be able to watch from the procession route.
One pearly king and queen said they would be heartbroken if they cannot watch the Queen's funeral after the public viewing areas in central London filled up.
Jimmy Jukes, 67, pearly king of the London boroughs of Camberwell and Bermondsey, said: 'I'll be totally devastated.
'It means a lot to us and it'll break our hearts if we can't see it.'
Mr Jukes, who was given an MBE for charity work by the Queen in 2015, added: 'We just wanted to pay our final respects to her.'
Michelle Thorpe, 55, pearly queen of Southwark, said: 'Considering the queen loved the pearlies, it's especially tough. I'm nearly in tears already.'
People heading to the capital spoke of their mixed emotions as they prepared to say a final farewell to the Queen.
A couple from Lewisham got up before dawn so they could get a 'last look' at Her Majesty the Queen and 'say goodbye' at the state funeral today.
Yan Lung, 36, and Lulu Lee, 30, had brought fold up chairs, a blanket, food and drink to sustain them through their wait.
Yan, a wholesaler, said: 'We got up early because we want to get a good spot so we can get a last look at the Queen and say goodbye.
'This is a big international event and we want to be there. It's a part of history.'
The couple, who are originally from China, have lived in the UK for 15 years and grown to love the Queen.
Lulu explained: 'The Queen is a very kind person. She has always been here caring for the people. So we want to say goodbye.'
Another couple told how they had travelled to London from Edinburgh to 'pay their respects' after they were unable to honour Her Majesty in Scotland.
Becky Knight, 32, a doctor, and Michael Rutherford, an IT worker, stayed overnight at a friend's house in Lewisham.
Ms Knight explained: 'I was there last Sunday when the Queen came to Edinburgh from Balmoral.
'But I wasn't able to get to the procession or pay my respects when she lay in rest because I was at work.
'So we decided to come to London and be here at the funeral. I have great admiration for the Queen.
'She stands for integrity, respect, devotion to duty and our country. She will be sorely missed.'
Mr Rutherford added: 'she was a wonderful lady and I want to pay my respects.'
Mourners have lined the Mall ahead of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey this morning
Mourners have lined the Mall ahead of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey this morning
Hyde Park was packed with members of the public who had gathered at the central London park to watch the Queen's state funeral from big TV screens set up there
Crowds outside the Treasury across Parliament Square from Westminster Abbey on Monday morning
Metropolitan Police officers were seen walking in formation down The Mall on Monday morning ahead of the Queen's state funeral
City Hall said on Monday morning that all procession viewing areas are now full and there will be no entry to any new arrivals
While many expressed their sadness at attending the state funeral, they also said they were privileged to be attending a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Among them was Brian McBride, the President of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), who will be among the 2,000 in the congregation at Westminster Abbey.
He said he was proud to be representing British business at the service.
'When you look at what has been going on in the last week and you cannot help but be proud,' he said.
'I am very honoured to be attending the service and will be there as a representative of British industry. I have been so impressed by everything that has taken place.'
Mr McBride travelled from his home in Camberley, Surrey, to Richmond station in southwest London to board a 6.18am train to Waterloo.
He was among more than two dozen people who arrived at the station in darkness to make sure they were in London and secure their place with up to two million other expected on the funeral procession route.
Mourners start to start on the Long Walk in Windsor ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral in London on Monday morning
Police officers patrolled the Long Walk in Windsor as mourners begin to line the procession route where Queen Elizabeth's II coffin will be led
Crowds begin to line the Long Walk at Windsor Castle. Queen Elizabeth II will be buried inside the King George VI Memorial Chapel within St George's Chapel alongside her late husband the Duke of Edinburgh, who died last April
Mourners are gathering in Windsor ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral in London on Monday morning
Mourners start to start on the Long Walk in Windsor ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral in London on Monday morning
Mourners are gathering in Windsor ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral in London on Monday morning
Friends Victoria Ingram and Jenna Anderson said they were attending their third royal event together.
Ms Anderson, 37, had travelled to Richmond from her home in Royal Leamington Spa and stayed overnight at her friend's home in Royal Ascot.
Ms Ingram, 37, said:' We go to royal events together and were at Kate and Wills wedding. We also went to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations but were unable to get tickets for the most recent Platinum celebrations.
'It is incredibly sad, but to see all the pomp and ceremony that has been going on in the last 10 days has been so inspiring.'
'We just wanted to be part of something that will probably never happen again in my lifetime,' Ms Anderson added.
Both women had dressed in black and Jenna clutched a foldaway chair. They had decided to get one of the first underground trains from Richmond to guarantee a front row position.
Paul and Jo McKenna drove from their home in Basingstoke, Hampshire and parked at Richmond station. They caught the 6.03 district line train to Embankment and were hoping to get a place on The Mall to view the funeral procession.
Mr McKenna, 61, said: 'We wanted to be part of something and also to say farewell to someone who has served this country with such distinction.'
Mourners have lined the Mall ahead of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey this morning
Mourners have lined the Mall ahead of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey this morning
Mourners have lined the Mall ahead of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey this morning
Military veterans said they felt compelled to attend the funeral as they had sworn an oath to serve the Queen.
'I would not have missed this for the world, said David Wood, 51, who had travelled from his home in Bournemouth in Hampshire to meet with friends at Waterloo station.
'When I joined the Royal Artillery, I swore an oath to serve the Queen and that stays until she has gone.
'There will be a lot of veterans here and all of them very proud to have served in the military and to know they were serving the Queen.'
Mr Wood, who served for nine years in the Royal Artillery, now runs a charity helping homeless veterans.
Another veteran making his way from Waterloo station to watch the funeral procession was Joseph Todd who served for 28 years in the Royal Navy.
The former chief medic on the aircraft carrier Ark Royal said he had met the Queen on several occasions during his military career, including a reception at St James's Palace.
'I knew I had to be here and it is going to be very emotional,' he said.
'I think all of us who served in the military and took an oath to serve the Queen will find it hard to say goodbye. It is an end of an era.'
Joseph had travelled to London from his home in Portsmouth, Hampshire, with his partner Debbie Langley.
A beefeater is seen walking past the crowds which have gathered outside Parliament Square in Westminster ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on Monday, September 19
Mourners have lined the Mall ahead of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey this morning
Mourners have lined the Mall ahead of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey this morning
Mourners arrived early to line the funeral procession route of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday morning. Viewing areas have now reached capacity and people are being sent to Hyde Park to watch the historic event from there
Another ex-miltary vet Ken Blaydon had travelled from his home in Salisbury.
A former member of the RAF Regiment, he said that during his 12 years of service he had always been proud to serve the Queen.
'She gave 70 years of service to our country and I don't think there is a single person who was in the military past and present who does not admire her.
'She was the stalwart of our country and a reassuring presence. I know King Charles will be a resounding success and he will have the support of the nation.'
One Metropolitan Police officer came straight from a shift that included a duty at the Queen's lying in state to be on the funeral procession route with his family.
Darren O'Brien, 53, part of the Met's parliamentary diplomatic and protection group, said it was 'surreal' to be at Westminster Hall between 1.30 and 2am on Monday.
'You're overcome by what you see,' he said, adding that people 'pass you and the next minute they are crying'.
Mr O'Brien, from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, who served in the Army for over five years and participated in 18 Trooping the Colour events, said being at the hall gave him a 'much closer attachment' to the funeral.
Speaking at Constitution Hill, he added that it was 'the right thing to come down and pay my respects'.
One woman who has camped on Horseguards Road for two days is celebrating her 59th birthday today.
Marion King, and her sister Carol Argent, both from Ashford in Kent, set up camp on Saturday night.
Ms King said: 'We've been here since Saturday evening at 9pm to find the spot and for the atmosphere.
'We've been doing this since the age of 10. I used to be a girl guide. We brought a gas stove, tea, coffee and three bottles of wine which have already run out.
'But there's a Tesco over the road so we'll go there soon!'
'We've met loads of nice people: Kiwis, South Africans and Canadians.
'We have all made a WhatsApp group and will meet again for the coronation. First our group was just from the UK, now we have the whole commonwealth around us.'
Crowds have been told that all public viewing areas for the Queen's funeral procession are full, according to City Hall, and are being sent to Hyde Park where they can watch the Queen's state funeral on four big screens installed for the occasion
Mourners are lining the route that Queen Elizabeth II's coffin will be pulled along on a gun carriage following her state funeral service at Westminster Abbey this morning
Mourners have lined the Mall ahead of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey this morning
The group sang happy birthday to Ms King at 9:30am on Monday morning.
Ms King has laid flowers for the Queen, attended the vigil and went to Westminster Hall for the lying in state since Her Majesty's death.
Sean Hamer, 57, who was a gunner in the Royal Artillery attended on behalf of his regiment after travelling down from Cumbria.
He said: 'A lot of my ex-gunner friends couldn't make it today, so I'm just happy I can be here for them.
'It means a great deal to me to be here for the Queen.'
Mr Hamer had ankle surgery last week, which he said 'was terrible timing for today.'
Meanwhile people are being allowed into St James's Park and are forming a line along the Mall but a handful became frustrated that they could not get out.
Robert Costello, 34, came with a veteran friend from the Armed Forces Scooter Club.
They parked their bikes in Battersea and walked but were stuck in the park as the crowds swelled.
'The bill told me to get out down there but they won't let me through,' he said. 'It's ridiculous.'
As he became frustrated a police office told him: 'There is no exit at the moment, it's just a loop.'
A respectful hush fell over the 20-deep crowds around Parliament Square from the moment Big Ben began its mournful tolling and the Queen's coffin was loaded onto the gun carriage.
Compared to the hours before when people had been chatting happily as they waited for hours and even days to see the funeral, the atmosphere suddenly changed.
'It all feels very real now,' said one woman waiting in Great George Street, straining to see the procession above a forest of outheld arms with phones held aloft.
As the Naval Ratings slowly with their precious cargo snaked their way across the square and into Westminster Abbey, the crowds began to slowly disperse in order to watch the procession after the service.
Mourners have lined the Mall ahead of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey this morning
Mourners arrived early to line the funeral procession route of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday morning. Viewing areas have now reached capacity and people are being sent to Hyde Park to watch the historic event from there
Mourners arrived early to line the funeral procession route of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday morning. Viewing areas have now reached capacity and people are being sent to Hyde Park to watch the historic event from there
Thousands of mourners streamed through Windsor and Eton Riverside station as they made their way towards Windsor Castle ahead of the Queen's final journey.
The central station of the town is experiencing disruption due to a fault with overhead wiring meaning there are no trains running between Paddington and Reading, affecting those travelling to Windsor from the west of the country.
A spokesperson for National Rail advised passengers heading from London to Windsor to travel from Waterloo instead of Paddington at this time.
They added they are working on imminently adding diesel trains to their services rather than electric to and from Paddington to improve the situation.
Great Western Railway (GWR) said all lines between the west London station and Slough, Berkshire, are blocked due to damage to overhead electric wires.
The problem is affecting journeys for passengers travelling from Reading and Heathrow Airport. Services run by GWR, Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth line are disrupted.
The lines between Reading and Newbury are also closed due to a person being hit by a train. This is causing GWR trains to be diverted, delaying journeys to the capital.
The issues come during one of the UK's biggest transport operations as mourners descend on London and Windsor.
One passenger said they were stranded on a train which was stationary outside Paddington for 30 minutes.
Heathrow Airport had previously urged airline passengers to use rail or Tube services on Monday due to road closures in the Windsor area.
Meanwhile, at Waterloo Station, hundreds of security guards are on duty ready for the influx of mourners expected to travel to the capital for the funeral.
Authorities in the capital have already warned mourners that central London is extremely busy, with Transport for London (TfL) expecting 'one of the busiest days [it] has ever faced'.
National Rail has encouraged mourners to go to pubs and cafes after the state funeral to ease the pressure on the rail network.
A post on the network's Twitter account read: 'Cafes, pubs and other hospitality providers around London are expected to be open this afternoon, so please don't rush home immediately following the state funeral and final procession so you can continue marking this historic day and help ease pressure on the rail network.'
Crowds have gathered along the Long Walk in Windsor to watch the Queen's state funeral and pay their respects to the late monarch
Crowds have gathered along the Long Walk in Windsor to watch the Queen's state funeral and pay their respects to the late monarch
Crowds have gathered along the Long Walk in Windsor to watch the Queen's state funeral and pay their respects to the late monarch
The M25, usually packed on a Monday morning , was eerily quiet with barely any vehicles.
At Staines-upon-Thames, which has a through rail service to Windsor, the car park was full by 7am with marshals on hand to guide people to trains.
Once in Windsor later this afternoon, the funeral procession will travel up The Long Walk and through the Castle grounds to St George's Chapel, where Her Majesty will be buried alongside her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.
There is capacity for 96,000 within the public viewing areas alongside The Long Walk, but the town is preparing for 150,000 visitors on Monday.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council said they have no idea how many will turn up. There will be over-spill areas where mourners can watch on large screens just off the main viewing areas.
Refreshment vans and dozens of portaloos have been installed along the Long Walk and flowers that were laid over the last few days by mourners at the Castle's Cambridge Gate entrance have been cleared away.
They will be placed on the ground lining the edge of the road as the hearse makes its way to St George's Chapel while cellophane on flowers has been removed for recycling and the thousands of cards gathered up ready to be presented to the Royal Family.
Council Leader Andrew Johnson said: 'It will eclipse all that has gone before and rightly so. We are expecting a huge turnout of people in the town, which does of course present us with challenges.
'We want people to be safe and to be secure but also to take part in a dignified and respectful service as well.
'It is really is a once in a lifetime moment not only for the country, but also for the town as well.
'It's an event that has been in preparation for a long time, but like any event what happens on Monday I'm sure will be driven as much by the people here and how they want to remember and pay their respects to their Queen.'
The car park at Windsor and Eton Riverside station has been closed and barriers put up to zig zag thousands of mourners back to trains after the funeral which are expected to be picked.
Shops and businesses in Windsor were shut with the only ones open being newsagents, cafes and convenience stores but even these planned to close during the funeral.
The Council is asking for members of the public not to pitch up tents, to come early and to use public transport where possible.
People were sent to Hyde Park in central London to watch the Queen's funeral on one of four big TV screens installed for the occasion, after procession viewing areas reached capacity just after 9am.
But during the service, the screens went down for roughly three minutes in an apparent technical glitch.
Up to 100,000 people are expected to watch the late monarch's funeral from the royal park, with a site supervisor saying the number of spectators could 'easily' surpass the 62,000 that showed to watch Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018.
Speaking ahead of the Queen's funeral, the SES Group site manager said last week: 'Put it this way, you know all that green grass? You're not going to see a blade of it on Monday'.
Food vans started setting up last week in preparation for the influx of mourners, while portaloos have been installed for those watching from the park.
The Queen's funeral will be broadcast live to more than 200 countries and territories worldwide - with projected viewing figures of up to 4.1 billion people meaning it could be the most-watched broadcast of all time - and screened to crowds in parks and public spaces across the UK.
Crowds have gathered along the Long Walk in Windsor to watch the Queen's state funeral and pay their respects to the late monarch
Crowds have gathered along the Long Walk in Windsor to watch the Queen's state funeral and pay their respects to the late monarch
Crowds have gathered along the Long Walk in Windsor to watch the Queen's state funeral and pay their respects to the late monarch
Hyde Park has begun to fill up as members of the public gather at the central London park to watch the Queen's state funeral from big TV screens set up there
People begin to gather in Hyde Park in central London to watch Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on big screens
People begin to gather in Hyde Park in central London to watch Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on big screens
People begin to gather in Hyde Park in central London to watch Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on big scree
Mourners are lining the route that Queen Elizabeth II's coffin will be pulled along on a gun carriage following her state funeral service at Westminster Abbey this morning
Mourners have lined the Mall ahead of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey this morning
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