Huge Numbers Line the A40 to Say Farewell to The Queen


Cortege travels through west London on way to Buckingham Palace

The cortege makes its way towards Ealing from RAF Northolt
The cortege makes its way towards Ealing from RAF Northolt

Tens of thousands of people lined the side of the A40 this Tuesday evening (13 September) to watch the Queen’s coffin on its way from RAF Northolt to Buckingham Place.

The plane from Edinburgh landed as the light was starting to fade and then was loaded into a specially designed hearse and took to the road travelling though Perivale, Ealing, Acton and White City before turning off the Westway near Paddington.

The eastbound carriageway was closed but residents poured out of their homes to get a view of the cortege. The westbound carriage way remained open but drivers, realising the significance of the moment, pulled over onto the outside lane and stood in the central reservation all along the route.

Some watching cheered and clapped while others threw bouquets into the path of the hearse.

The Queen on an electronic billboard in Perivale as the cortege passes
The Queen on an electronic billboard in Perivale as the cortege passes

Three outriders in triangle formation led the hearse, which was lit up inside so that those present by the road could see the oak coffin with the Royal Standard draped over it. It is understood that The Queen was personally involved in the design of the state hearse which incorporated this feature in case mourners needed to view the vehicle at night.

The state hearse was lit up inside to allow the coffin to be seen
The state hearse was lit up inside to allow the coffin to be seen

The Princess Royal along with her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, accompanied the Queen’s coffin on the six hour trip from Scotland to London. She issued a statement saying, “It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys”.

The journey finished at Buckingham Palace where the King, the Queen Consort, the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex along with other members of the Royal Family were waiting to receive it. The Queen was taken to the Bow Room before being transferred to Westminster Hall where she will lie-in-state until the day of her funeral.

The Queen's coffin is taken off the plane at RAF Northolt
The Queen's coffin is taken off the plane at RAF Northolt

Borough of Ealing residents are welcome to sign a Book of Condolence at Ealing Town Hall, which is open to the public between 9am and 10pm. There is also an online Book of Condolence which has been set up by the Royal Household.

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September 14, 2022