The queue snakes for miles along the South Bank. Thousands of ordinary people are giving up hours of their time to spend a moment with the Queen’s coffin as it lies in state. Few mourners are dressed up. One or two wear suits and black ties. Some carry flowers. There’s the odd veteran with his polished medals on display. Mostly they’re the type of people you’d see outside a Waitrose car park in a market town. No one jumps the queue, which would be easy to accomplish, but that’s not the point. A public display of endurance is part of the ritual.
Victoria Street is closed to traffic. Opposite the entrance to Westminster Abbey a huge platform is being built to give TV cameras a clear view of the cortege when it arrives on Monday. The atmosphere is quiet and tranquil. The cops, who are normally hostile and jumpy in Westminster, are relaxed and friendly to everyone.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in