The doors of Westminster Abbey have opened for the first mourners to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
The King’s Guards trooped through the gates of the abbey before 8am, with two soldiers stationed at the metal gates awaiting the start of proceedings as mourners begin to arrive.
The state funeral service will begin at 11am and two members of the public, Pranav Bhanot and Nancy O’Neill, who are attending the funeral after being named in the late Queen’s birthday honours, arrived at the abbey a few minutes later.
Ms O’Neill is a long-serving nurse, recognised for her efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, and Mr Bhanot helped to deliver 1,200 free meals during the pandemic.
They are among around 2,000 attendees expected to attend the funeral, including members of the royal family, prime ministers, presidents and key workers.
People gather ahead of the state funeral and burial of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey
(Getty Images)
Crowds of mourners are filling the streets of London, Windsor and other royal sites around the UK on the bank holiday, and the service is expected to be viewed by millions worldwide.
Along The Mall in London, thousands of people have already lined the route along the barriers ahead of the procession.
At 8.20am security staff allowed members of the public through the barriers near the Queen Vicotria memorial before they plan to shut down The Mall at 9am.
Kaynak: briturkish.com
