Weeping mourners stand in mile-long queue to see the Queen in Edinburgh

Thousands of sorrowful mourners camped overnight to pay their final respects to the Queen in Edinburgh as well-wishers and royal fans from all across Scotland – and even as far south as London – stood in a mile-long queue that wound around the capital to bid a final farewell to Britain’s longest reigning monarch.

Around 26,000 people have filed past Her Majesty’s oak coffin at St Giles’ Cathedral since it was carried 1,200 yards up the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse yesterday during a solemn military procession led by King Charles III and his grief-stricken siblings.

The Scottish Government said that the queue to view the late monarch – which wound down the Royal Mile, up George IV Bridge and past the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street – has now closed and that further efforts will be made to ensure all those already waiting will be able to pay their respects before the lying at rest in Edinburgh ends at 3pm.

The Queen is lying in rest in the Scottish capital until the late monarch is flown to London from Edinburgh Airport by the RAF at 6pm. She will stay at Buckingham Palace overnight, then will lie in state at the Palace of Westminster for four days before her state funeral at Westminster Abbey and burial at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on Monday, September 19.

Mourners described being ‘overwhelmed with the power and emotion of the occasion’ with many wiping away tears as they briefly stood in prayer looking at the coffin. Most bowed or curtseyed when they arrived. Dozens came to queue after travelling from England. Some came from London, believing that it would be easier to see her in Scotland with 30-hour queues predicted in the English capital.

Corey Burgher joined the very back of the queue with his stepdaughter Giovanna Giambastiani at 2.30am. He said: ‘We wanted to say our goodbyes to the boss. I’m in the military, I work on the submarines. Was surprised how much the news hit me. I didn’t know her personally, but I met her when I was a kid. I got quite emotional about it, it was quite a shock.’ 

Dawn Legge, from Manchester said: ‘I needed to come. We needed to pay our respects and mourn our Queen before we want to celebrate our King’. Catherine Gray, from London, said with tears in her eyes that she had made the 800-mile round trip because she felt ‘weird’ without Her Majesty in her life. She said seeing the coffin was ‘surreal’ and ‘one of the most emotional moments of my life’.

And one man in the Edinburgh queue said this morning: ‘If she could do 70 years, I can do 12 hours’. 

Hundreds filed past the casket last night when King Charles III and his three siblings staged a silent 10-minute vigil at the four corners of Her Majesty’s oak coffin. 

Police officers on duty as people queue to view the Queen’s coffin at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh

People queue to view the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as she lies at rest at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

People queue to view the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as she lies at rest at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

Two women sit along the route at dawn to queue to see the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as she lies at rest at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

Two women sit along the route at dawn to queue to see the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as she lies at rest at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

People in Edinburgh queueing to pay their respects to the Queen as she lies in state at St Giles' Cathedral

People in Edinburgh queueing to pay their respects to the Queen as she lies in state at St Giles’ Cathedral

King Charles and his siblings the Princess Royal, the Earl of Wessex and the Duke of York bow their heads as they hold a vigil for their late mother the Queen at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh yesterday evening

King Charles and his siblings the Princess Royal, the Earl of Wessex and the Duke of York bow their heads as they hold a vigil for their late mother the Queen at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh yesterday evening

People queue to see the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as she lies at rest at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

People queue to see the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as she lies at rest at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

The queues to see the Queen's coffin stretched for a mile through the night. Mourners got there in the middle of the night to get their chance

The queues to see the Queen’s coffin stretched for a mile through the night. Mourners got there in the middle of the night to get their chance

Scots - and many from across the UK - are desperate to pay their respects before Her Majesty's coffin leaves Edinburgh

Scots – and many from across the UK – are desperate to pay their respects before Her Majesty’s coffin leaves Edinburgh

People have slept on benches and street furniture to ensure they get into the Kirk. In this photo children were seen sat on the floor reading books

People have slept on benches and street furniture to ensure they get into the Kirk. In this photo children were seen sat on the floor reading books

Mourners in Edinburgh have shown up in their tens of thousands to pay their respects to the Queen, with many queueing for hours overnight

Mourners in Edinburgh have shown up in their tens of thousands to pay their respects to the Queen, with many queueing for hours overnight

A steward places a flower on a statue for Queen Elizabeth II as she lies at rest

A steward places a flower on a statue for Queen Elizabeth II as she lies at rest

Well-wishers chant ‘God Save the King!’ as Charles III touches down in Belfast on latest leg of UK tour ahead of Northern Irish church service honouring the Queen 

King Charles III has arrived in Northern Ireland to raucous applause as he warmly greets well-wishers and heads to a church service honouring his late mother on the latest leg of his tour of the United Kingdom.

Clad in black, the new monarch and Queen Consort shook the hand of official dignitaries before departing for the historic village of Hillsborough, where they greeted mourners outside the official royal residence.

Ella Smith and Lucas Watt, both 10, of Forge Integrated Primary School in Belfast, presented the King with a gift of truffles with an image of the Giant’s Causeway on the tin, while Camilla was given a small posy of flowers taken from the gardens of Hillsborough Castle.

The royals were met with huge roars of approval as they exited their blacked-out BMW and started their walkabout, grabbing onto outstretched hands, accepting flowers and speaking with those who turned out to greet them.

Chants of ‘God Save the King’ and rounds of applause could be heard from the crowd as the new sovereign and Queen Consort paused by the historic gates to inspect a sea of floral tributes left in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles and the Queen Consort were met with cheering supporters furiously waving their flags as their royal motorcade arrived at Hillsborough Castle. A local corgi was also seen snuggling up to Charles as he shook hands with well-wishers, before he received a 21-gun salute as they entered the historic residence’s grounds.

The jet carrying His Majesty touched down at the George Best Belfast City Airport shortly before midday for his 40th visit to the province – but his first as King, and his saddest.

It is the latest in Charles’ tour of the UK, after the new King spent last night in the Scottish capital where he and his three siblings held a silent vigil for their mother the Queen by forming a guard of honour around her coffin.

Swathes of people young and old were pictured waiting outside Hillsborough Castle on Tuesday morning, some waving flags bearing the Union Jack and others holding colourful homemade signs aloft as they prepared for the arrival of the King.

Mitch Stevenson, who queued for just under five hours with his sister, made it into the cathedral at just after 1am. He said: ‘It was a very important occasion for us – we lost our mum earlier this year and she would have loved to have been able to go, so we went for her memory also’.

Luke McIlwain, 34, joined the queue with his partner Felicity Baines, 31, at just after 3am. He said: ‘It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We might never see another Queen’. He said it was very cold, adding: ‘We wanted to join the line overnight to avoid the crowds – unsuccessfully’.

Mourners raced to central Edinburgh early this morning to pay their respects.

Those wanting to see the Queen’s coffin must first obtain a coloured wristband in George Square before they join the queue.

At 7am numbers had dwindled overnight so members of the public were able to walk to the cathedral doors almost uninterrupted.

But by 9am a steady flow footfall had grown but mourners had to wait no more than an hour.

Among those queuing were Tom and Jane Baker from York.

Tom, 42, a security guard, explained: ‘We really wanted to pay our respects and it’s not that much longer to drive to Edinburgh than it is to London so we drove up last night.

‘We stayed in a little hotel outside the city but we’re here now and hopefully we’ll get to take part in the vigil shortly.

‘The Queen has always been there for me. I was a Cub Scout, a Scout and I served in the British Army.

‘This is the least I can do to serve my Queen.’

Jane, 38, added: ‘The Queen was a wonderful woman. Christmas Day will not be the same without the Queen’s Speech.’

People traveled from across Scotland, the UK and the Commonwealth to offer prayers to the Queen as she lay at rest.

Council workers Janet Mattheson and Danielle Gartland-Quinn got up early to did the monarch farewell before going to work this morning.

Janet, 55, from Edinburgh told MailOnline: ‘It felt very peaceful to be so close to the Queen and to see her for the last time.

‘There is a feeling of quiet serenity in the church. It was very moving to see her coffin with the crown.’

Danielle, 29, from Edinburgh, added: ‘It was very peaceful.’

Friends Jenny Baker and Cathie Paterson had traveled from the west coast of Scotland to pay their respects for the last time.

Jenny, 74, from Loch Lomond told MailOnline: ‘We are royalists and have always supported the monarchy.

‘So we decided to get up early this morning and vibe to pay our respects. She has been such a constant presence in our lives we wanted to say goodbye. She is being really well looked after and that was great to see.’

Cathie, 82, from the Isle of Lewis, said: ‘I have always followed the royal family and do I felt I had to come and pay my respects to the Queen. We are in Scotland but we will always fly the Union Jack.’

Amanda Rawlins and her family learned of the Queen’s death as the flew to London from Melbourne, Australia.

Amanda, 52, told MailOnline: ‘We were on the plane to London when we learned that the Queen had died. So we decided we wanted to come to Edinburgh to pay our respects to our monarch. We felt that this was a moment in history and we wanted to witness it first hand.

‘I was very impressed by the vigil – the sense of tradition, respect and love. It was so moving.’

Amanda was accompanied by her husband Shaun Kempton, 49 and children Ruby, 14, and Max, 12.

Respectful well-wishers have been overcome with emotion, as they solemnly walked past the Queen's coffin, reflected on her historic 70-year reign, and bowed their heads or even curtsied, after queueing for hours through the streets of the Scottish capital

Respectful well-wishers have been overcome with emotion, as they solemnly walked past the Queen’s coffin, reflected on her historic 70-year reign, and bowed their heads or even curtsied, after queueing for hours through the streets of the Scottish capital

Many more Scots continue to queue and are expected to file past Her Majesty all through the night, before her body begins the journey to London at 5pm ahead of the funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19

Many more Scots continue to queue and are expected to file past Her Majesty all through the night, before her body begins the journey to London at 5pm ahead of the funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19

People react outside St Giles' Cathedral after paying their respects to the Queen in Edinburgh tonight, following her death on Thursday

People react outside St Giles’ Cathedral after paying their respects to the Queen in Edinburgh tonight, following her death on Thursday

People queuing in the Scottish capital to catch a glimpse of the coffin of Her Majesty before her body is flown to London later today

People queuing in the Scottish capital to catch a glimpse of the coffin of Her Majesty before her body is flown to London later today

A man carries a child as they and others queue to enter St Giles Cathdral and pay their respects to the late monarch following her death

A man carries a child as they and others queue to enter St Giles Cathdral and pay their respects to the late monarch following her death

A man plays the bagpipe as members of the public queue in George Square Gardens to pay their respects before the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II lying at rest in Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh

A man plays the bagpipe as members of the public queue in George Square Gardens to pay their respects before the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II lying at rest in Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh

Thousands of mourners are queuing into the night to catch a glimpse of the Queen's coffin in Edinburgh before the late monarch's body is flown to London later today

Thousands of mourners are queuing into the night to catch a glimpse of the Queen’s coffin in Edinburgh before the late monarch’s body is flown to London later today

King Charles III, Anne, the Princess Royal, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward each stood on one of the four corners of the coffin in a ceremony known as the Vigil of the Princes on Monday night

King Charles III, Anne, the Princess Royal, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward each stood on one of the four corners of the coffin in a ceremony known as the Vigil of the Princes on Monday night

The Queen's children stood vigil over her coffin at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh on Monday evening. Pictured is King Charles (centre front), Princess Anne (left), Prince Andrew (centre back) and Prince Edward (right)

The Queen’s children stood vigil over her coffin at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh on Monday evening. Pictured is King Charles (centre front), Princess Anne (left), Prince Andrew (centre back) and Prince Edward (right)

The King kept his hands joined and also looked towards the floor as members of the public filed past on Monday evening

 The King kept his hands joined and also looked towards the floor as members of the public filed past on Monday evening

Members of the public - who had been filing past the coffin in their thousands throughout the afternoon - were briefly held back to allow the royals to take their place. However, they continued to file past once the vigil began, offering them an extraordinary perspective on the historic moment

Members of the public – who had been filing past the coffin in their thousands throughout the afternoon – were briefly held back to allow the royals to take their place. However, they continued to file past once the vigil began, offering them an extraordinary perspective on the historic moment

The Duke of York kept his eyes closed for a period of time during the vigil, while the Princess Royal and Earl of Wessex had their eyes fixed towards the floor on Monday evening

The Duke of York kept his eyes closed for a period of time during the vigil, while the Princess Royal and Earl of Wessex had their eyes fixed towards the floor on Monday evening

An aerial photo showing the Queen's four children walking down the central aisle of St Giles' Cathedral towards the Queen's coffin

An aerial photo showing the Queen’s four children walking down the central aisle of St Giles’ Cathedral towards the Queen’s coffin 

The Queen's children walk down the central aisle of St Giles' Church following the 10-minute ceremony on Monday evening

 The Queen’s children walk down the central aisle of St Giles’ Church following the 10-minute ceremony on Monday evening

Members of the royal family leave by car following the end of the Vigil of the Princes at St Giles' Cathedral on Monday evening

Members of the royal family leave by car following the end of the Vigil of the Princes at St Giles’ Cathedral on Monday evening

King Charles III and Camilla Queen Consort drive down the Royal Mile following the vigil at St Giles Cathedral

King Charles III and Camilla Queen Consort drive down the Royal Mile following the vigil at St Giles Cathedral

‘I will remember it until my dying day’: Mourners tell of filing past the Queen’s coffin  

By David Pilditch in Edinburgh for MailOnline  

Today, the first mourners to witness the Queen lying in state told how they felt ‘privileged’ to be a part of history.

Sharon Baum, 53, and her partner Alison Evans, 50, were at the front of the queue as members of the public paid personal tributes to the monarch they loved. The couple queued up for nearly 11 hours and told MailOnline of their extraordinary experience on an historic day at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.

Sharon, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire said: ‘It was really serene and peaceful and solemn. ‘We feel so privileged to be allowed to see it and do what we did. We felt like we were involved in a little bit of history.

‘You can’t prepare yourself for how you are going to feel when you go through the door. I knew I would be upset. As soon as you are there it brings it all home. We are really big Royalists. I shed a tear – several.

‘I said a little prayer and bowed my head. We probably could have stayed a little bit longer. There was nobody rushing you but there were so many people waiting. It was one of the most memorable and sad experiences of my life. I will remember it until my dying day. It was so emotional.’

Members of the public queued up for up to five hours before being given white wristbands. They were led to a second queue close to the cathedral and were able to hear the service taking place before going through an airport-style security search in a marquee which was set up for the occasion.

Sharon, a retail manager for a local charity, said: ‘We arrived at 7.30am and we were surprised to find ourselves right at the front of the queue. You have to go a little way into the cathedral and the Queen is on the left hand side.

‘It was all really well organised. They didn’t have much time to organise it but everyone knew what we were doing. We’re glad we arrived when we did because the queue just got longer and longer.’

The couple set off from their home at 10pm on Saturday and drove through to travel to Ballater near Balmoral at 5am as the Queen made her final journey from the castle. Last night the couple were returning home but are hoping to be in London for the Queen’s funeral.

Eleanor Wardrop, 72, and her twin sister Jennifer Davis were among the first in the queue arriving at 8am. The former executive PA said: ‘It was a priceless moment. It really was very, very special. It was completely serene, just so dignified and quiet. It was just so beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

‘People were taking their time, walking slowly. Men were saluting to the Queen, bowing to the Queen and the women were curtseying. I did a little curtsy as I went past. I was so glad that I was able to honour her in that way.

‘It was very quiet. There were two ministers on duty saying prayers as we walked through. It was very dignified. There were the archers standing there with their heads bowed and there were police guards as well.’

Describing the experience Eleanor said: ‘We wanted to come to the vigil to pay a personal tribute. We grew up with the Queen. She has been a constant in our lives. She was our true north. 

‘She took an oath and she stood by it her whole life. As a young woman she promised to do her duty and she did that right to the end. She was a remarkable woman and nobody else will ever be like her. She has been a role model to us all.’

Peter Binder, 60, travelled down with wife Georgina from the north of Scotland arriving at 7am. He said: ‘There were literally half a dozen people but that changed very quickly. It’s been a very long day but it has certainly been worthwhile.

‘There has been a very good spirit in the crowd. Everyone has got to know each other. We have been supporting each other and there has been a good camaraderie. I suppose we are proud British monarchists. It has been a very moving experience.’

Sharon Baum, 53, and her partner Alison Evans, 50, were at the front of the queue yesterday, as members of the public paid personal tributes to the beloved monarch. 

The couple queued up for nearly 11 hours and told MailOnline of their extraordinary experience on an historic day at St Giles’ Cathedral. 

Mrs Baum, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire said: ‘It was really serene and peaceful and solemn. 

‘We feel so privileged to be allowed to see it and do what we did. 

‘We felt like we were involved in a little bit of history. 

‘You can’t prepare yourself for how you are going to feel when you go through the door. I knew I would be upset. 

‘As soon as you are there it brings it all home. We are really big Royalists. 

‘I shed a tear — several. I said a little prayer and bowed my head. We probably could have stayed a little bit longer. 

‘There was nobody rushing you but there were so many people waiting. 

‘It was one of the most memorable and sad experiences of my life. I will remember it until my dying day. It was so emotional.’

The couple set off from their home at 10pm on Saturday and drove through to travel to Ballater near Balmoral at 5am as the Queen made her final journey from the castle. 

Last night the couple were returning home but are hoping to be in London for the Queen’s funeral.

Eleanor Wardrop, 72, and her twin sister Jennifer Davis were among the first in the queue arriving at 8am yesterday. 

The former executive PA said: ‘It was a priceless moment. It really was very, very special. It was completely serene, just so dignified and quiet. It was just so beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

‘People were taking their time, walking slowly. Men were saluting to the Queen, bowing to the Queen and the women were curtseying. 

‘I did a little curtsy as I went past. I was so glad that I was able to honour her in that way.

‘It was very quiet. There were two ministers on duty saying prayers as we walked through. It was very dignified. 

‘There were the archers standing there with their heads bowed and there were police guards as well.’

Describing the experience Eleanor said: ‘We wanted to come to the vigil to pay a personal tribute. We grew up with the Queen. She has been a constant in our lives. She was our true north. 

‘She took an oath and she stood by it her whole life. As a young woman she promised to do her duty and she did that right to the end. 

‘She was a remarkable woman and nobody else will ever be like her. She has been a role model to us all.’

Peter Binder, 60, travelled down with wife Georgina from the north of Scotland arriving at 7am. 

He said: ‘There were literally half a dozen people but that changed very quickly. It’s been a very long day but it has certainly been worthwhile.

‘There has been a very good spirit in the crowd. Everyone has got to know each other. We have been supporting each other and there has been a good camaraderie. I suppose we are proud British monarchists. It has been a very moving experience.’

King Charles III, his sister the Princess Royal and brothers the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex all arrived at St Giles’ Cathedral after the sun had set over the Scottish capital, then kept a vigil by their mother’s coffin from 7.46pm until 7.56pm while members of the public walked past silently. 

The King’s warring sons, the Duke of Sussex and the Prince of Wales, did not attend.

The King, who was wearing the Prince Charles Edward Stuart tartan and white heather in his lappelle from Balmoral, kept his hands joined and looked towards the floor as he stood alongside four suited members of the Royal Company of Archers, who were standing guard dressed in long-feathered hats and armed with arrows and quivers. 

Afterwards, tears appeared to fill his eyes as the monarch completed an emotional day which began with him addressing MPs in the Palace of Westminster. 

On Tuesday morning, people were waiting in line to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth at St Giles' Cathedral

On Tuesday morning, people were waiting in line to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth at St Giles’ Cathedral

The sun rises as people wait in line to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth at St Giles' Cathedral, where she will rest until 5pm

The sun rises as people wait in line to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth at St Giles’ Cathedral, where she will rest until 5pm

A man, looking emotional, stands in the queue of people waiting to pay their respects to the late monarch in Edinburgh

A man, looking emotional, stands in the queue of people waiting to pay their respects to the late monarch in Edinburgh 

A child waves the Union Jack flag during the arrival of King Charles III at St Giles' Cathedral ahead of the vigil last night

A child waves the Union Jack flag during the arrival of King Charles III at St Giles’ Cathedral ahead of the vigil last night

Emotional visitors to St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh take comfort in their loved ones as they wait to pay their respects to the Queen

Emotional visitors to St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh take comfort in their loved ones as they wait to pay their respects to the Queen

Members of the public file past the Queen's coffin in St Giles' Cathedral as they pay their respects

Members of the public file past the Queen’s coffin in St Giles’ Cathedral as they pay their respects

Two women embrace with sorrow etched on their faces after seeing the Queen's coffin in St Giles' Cathedral

Two women embrace with sorrow etched on their faces after seeing the Queen’s coffin in St Giles’ Cathedral

Well-wishers weep as they leave St Giles' Cathedral after filing past the Queen's coffin to pay their respects

Well-wishers weep as they leave St Giles’ Cathedral after filing past the Queen’s coffin to pay their respects

Two women hug after filing past and paying their respects to Her Majesty the Queen

Two women hug after filing past and paying their respects to Her Majesty the Queen

Scots queue the length of George IV Bridge to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II

Scots queue the length of George IV Bridge to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II

King Charles III and other members of the royal family hold a vigil at St Giles' Cathedral as members of the public walk past

King Charles III and other members of the royal family hold a vigil at St Giles’ Cathedral as members of the public walk past

King Charles holding a vigil by his late mother's coffin at St Giles' Cathedral yesterday evening

King Charles holding a vigil by his late mother’s coffin at St Giles’ Cathedral yesterday evening

Prince Andrew and Princess Anne kept a vigil beside their mother's coffin in St Giles' Cathedral

Prince Andrew and Princess Anne kept a vigil beside their mother's coffin in St Giles' Cathedral

Prince Andrew and Princess Anne kept a vigil beside their mother’s coffin in St Giles’ Cathedral

The Queen's children stand by their mother's coffin in the sombre ceremony. The tradition has been honoured since the death of King George V in 1936

The Queen’s children stand by their mother’s coffin in the sombre ceremony. The tradition has been honoured since the death of King George V in 1936

Princess Anne, Princess Royal, arrives to attend a Vigil at St Giles' Cathedral

Princess Anne, Princess Royal, arrives to attend a Vigil at St Giles’ Cathedral

Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York and King Charles III outside St Giles' Cathedral

Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York and King Charles III outside St Giles’ Cathedral

King Charles and his grief-stricken siblings arriving at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh for a vigil

King Charles and his grief-stricken siblings arriving at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh for a vigil 

Members of the public queue as they wait to enter St Giles' Cathedral

Members of the public queue as they wait to enter St Giles’ Cathedral

Members of the public waiting to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II lying in state at St Giles Cathedral

Members of the public waiting to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II lying in state at St Giles Cathedral

People leave St Giles' Cathedral weeping and brushing away tears after paying their respects to the Queen

People leave St Giles’ Cathedral weeping and brushing away tears after paying their respects to the Queen 

People react as they leave St Giles' Cathedral after paying respects to Queen Elizabeth

People react as they leave St Giles’ Cathedral after paying respects to Queen Elizabeth

Two people hug after filing past the Queen's coffin in St Giles' Cathedral

Two people hug after filing past the Queen’s coffin in St Giles’ Cathedral

People wait in a queue to view Queen Elizabeth lying in state at St Giles' Cathedral - even as the sun sets

People wait in a queue to view Queen Elizabeth lying in state at St Giles’ Cathedral – even as the sun sets

Members of the public enter St Giles' Cathedral after queuing for hours to see the Queen's coffin

Members of the public enter St Giles’ Cathedral after queuing for hours to see the Queen’s coffin 

Members of the public enter St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, to view and pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II's coffin

Members of the public enter St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh, to view and pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin

Thousands queue up George IV Bridge and up the Royal Mile to see Queen Elizabeth II's coffin at the cathedral

Thousands queue up George IV Bridge and up the Royal Mile to see Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin at the cathedral

Members of the public form huge queues through the streets of Edinburgh to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II

Members of the public form huge queues through the streets of Edinburgh to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II

A woman waves a Union flag as she joins a big queue to see the Queen's coffin on the Royal Mile

A woman waves a Union flag as she joins a big queue to see the Queen’s coffin on the Royal Mile 

People queueing to get inside St Giles' Cathedral to pay their respects to the Queen

People queueing to get inside St Giles’ Cathedral to pay their respects to the Queen

Left to right: Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, King Charles III, Camilla, Queen Consort, The Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence sat alongside the Queen’s coffin at St Giles’ Cathedral 

The King and The Queen Consort enter the Garden Lobby at the Scottish Parliament

The King and The Queen Consort enter the Garden Lobby at the Scottish Parliament

King Charles III during an audience with the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

King Charles III during an audience with the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

As God Save the King was sung in the church, Charles looked mournfully at his mother's coffin

As God Save the King was sung in the church, Charles looked mournfully at his mother’s coffin

The Queen had herself held the crown in the same church - St Giles' Kirk - just after her coronation

The Queen had herself held the crown in the same church – St Giles’ Kirk – just after her coronation

King Charles III during a Service of Prayer and Reflection for the Life of Queen Elizabeth II at St Giles' Cathedral

King Charles III during a Service of Prayer and Reflection for the Life of Queen Elizabeth II at St Giles’ Cathedral

King Charles III and the Queen Consort during a visit to the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood

King Charles III and the Queen Consort during a visit to the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood

King Charles III and the Queen Consort during a visit to the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh

King Charles III and the Queen Consort during a visit to the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh

King Charles III and the Queen Consort during a visit to the Scottish Parliament

King Charles III and the Queen Consort during a visit to the Scottish Parliament

King Charles III at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh, to receive a Motion of Condolence

King Charles III at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh, to receive a Motion of Condolence

King Charles III with Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament Alison Johnstone

King Charles III with Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament Alison Johnstone

King Charles III and the Queen Consort leave St Giles' Cathedral after the service of thanksgiving

King Charles III and the Queen Consort leave St Giles’ Cathedral after the service of thanksgiving

King Charles quotes Robert Burns as he addresses Scottish MSPs for the first time as monarch 

The King quoted Robert Burns as he spoke to MSPs in Holyrood for the first time as monarch.

Responding to a motion of condolence tabled as the Scottish Parliament, Charles paid tribute to his late mother, who he said he was ‘determined’ to emulate in her service to the country.

Addressing assembled MSPs, former first ministers, presiding officers and leading figures from Scottish civil society, the new King quoted from the famed Scottish poet as he praised his mother’s life of ‘incomparable service’.

‘If I might paraphrase the words of the great Robert Burns, my dear mother was the friend of man, the friend of truth, the friend of age and guide of youth,’ he said.

‘Few hearts like her with virtue warmed, few heads with knowledge so informed.’

The quote was taken from Burns’ Epitaph On My Own Friend.

Charles went on to say: ‘While still very young, the Queen pledged herself to serve her country and her people and to maintain the principles of constitutional government.

‘As we now mark with gratitude a promise most faithfully fulfilled, I am determined with God’s help and with yours to follow that inspiring example.’

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tabled the motion of condolence and described the late monarch in her speech as the ‘anchor of our nation’.

‘In an ever changing and often turbulent world, Her Majesty has been our constant,’ the First Minister said.

Ms Sturgeon also assured the new King he would have the support of Scotland in carrying on the legacy of his mother.

‘Scotland ‘stands ready’ to support King Charles III as he continues his mother’s legacy of public service, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

‘We are honoured by the presence today of His Majesty, King Charles III, and the Queen Consort,’ she said.

‘Your Majesty, we stand ready to support you, as you continue your own life of service – and as you build on the extraordinary legacy of your beloved mother, our Queen.

‘Queen Elizabeth, Queen of Scots – we are grateful for her life.

‘May she now rest in peace.’

In a lighter moment from the proceedings, the First Minister told of how her husband saved one of the Queen’s corgis from being electrocuted during a stay at Balmoral.

The First Minister said Peter Murrell stopped the dog, a puppy named Sandy, from chewing through a lamp switch after a light began to flicker at Balmoral.

‘To my great alarm, he was, after all, in the presence of Her Majesty, my husband suddenly leapt up and darted across the floor,’ the First Minister said.

‘Peter had spotted the cause of the flickering light.

‘One of the Queen’s young corgis, a beautiful pup called Sandy, was eating through a lamp switch.

‘Thankfully, tragedy was averted and Sandy emerged unscathed, though not before a ticking off from his mistress.’

The First Minister was joined by the leaders of all parties in Holyrood in expressing their sympathies, as well as Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone.

The text of the motion read: ‘That the Parliament expresses its deepest regret and grief at the death of Her Majesty The Queen; conveys its sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and other members of the Royal Family in their bereavement; affirms the great affection and esteem in which Her Majesty was held, and expresses gratitude for her life of exceptional public service and her long and close association with Scotland and the Scottish people.’

The proceeding in the Scottish Parliament came just hours after the Queen’s coffin passed thousands of onlookers on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile on its way from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral.

The monarch arrived back at the Scottish Parliament after being part of a procession that walked from the Palace at the foot of the Royal Mile to the cathedral and was met by Ms Johnstone who – after introducing him and the Queen Consort to Deputy Presiding Officers Annabelle Ewing and Liam McArthur – escorted the monarch to the Garden Lobby to meet the leaders of Scotland’s political parties.

There, they spoke with the First Minister, Tory leader Douglas Ross, Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater and Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton.

MSP Stuart McMillan played the bagpipes from the gallery as the Presiding Officer escorted the King and Queen Consort from the chamber, before the monarch met with young people in the main hall of the parliament.

As the Queen’s four children completed their vigil, they silently left the cathedral while mourners queueing outside applauded the royals. 

The King then smiled and waved to royal fans before leaving the cathedral. Outside, he was greeted by the Queen Consort, before the royal couple were driven in a state Rolls-Royce back to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where earlier the monarch had performed his first official engagement as head of state and also held an audience with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. 

Members of the crowd cheered as Charles arrived at the cathedral, and as he departed. As he drove past them, they took pictures and video and said: ‘Here he is. Here he is. It’s the King.’

One woman was heard to say: ‘I missed him earlier and travelled up from Glasgow to see him. I waited five hours – I finally saw him.’

The tradition has been honoured since the death of King George V in 1936, with Princess Anne becoming the first female royal to take part. 

Charles and Camilla had earlier been at the Scottish Parliament to receive condolences over the late monarch’s death after leading a solemn military procession carrying the Queen’s body from the Palace of Holyroodhouse up the Royal Mile to the cathedral.

Members of the public queued up for up to five hours before being given white wristbands. They were led to a second queue close to the cathedral and were able to hear the service taking place before going through an airport-style security search in a marquee which was set up for the occasion. 

Sharon, a retail manager for a local charity, said: ‘We arrived at 7.30am and we were surprised to find ourselves right at the front of the queue. You have to go a little way into the cathedral and the Queen is on the left hand side. It was all really well organised. 

‘They didn’t have much time to organise it but everyone knew what we were doing. We’re glad we arrived when we did because the queue just got longer and longer.’ 

Alison said: ‘It was so emotional. We felt very privileged that we could show our respects. We just wanted to be a part of it.’ 

The couple set off from their home at 10pm on Saturday and drove through to travel to Ballater near Balmoral at 5am as the Queen made her final journey from the castle. On Sunday night, the couple were returning home but are hoping to be in London for the Queen’s funeral. 

Eleanor Wardrop, 72, and her twin sister Jennifer Davis were among the first in the queue arriving at 8am. 

Eleanor, a former executive PA, said: ‘It was a priceless moment. It really was very, very special. It was completely serene, just so dignified and quiet. It was just so beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. 

‘People were taking their time, walking slowly. Men were saluting to the Queen, bowing to the Queen and the women were curtseying. 

‘I did a little curtsy as I went past. I was so glad that I was able to honour her in that way. It was very quiet. There were two ministers on duty saying prayers as we walked through. It was very dignified. There were the archers standing there with their heads bowed and there were police guards as well.’ 

Describing the experience Eleanor said: ‘We wanted to come to the vigil to pay a personal tribute. ‘We were surprised when we arrived that we would be so far up the queue but it soon started to build up and became very busy. We queued from 8am to 1pm before we were given wristbands. 

‘They guided us up to barriers near the cathedral where we were able to hear the service.’ 

She added: ‘We grew up with the Queen. She has been a constant in our lives. She was our true north. She took an oath and she stood by it her whole life. As a young woman she promised to do her duty and she did that right to the end. She was a remarkable woman and nobody else will ever be like her. She has been a role model to us all.’ 

Peter Binder, 60, travelled down with wife Georgina from the north of Scotland arriving at 7am. He said: ‘There were literally half a dozen people but that changed very quickly. It’s been a very long day but it has certainly been worthwhile. 

‘There has been a very good spirit in the crowd. Everyone has got to know each other. We have been supporting each other and there has been a good camaraderie. I suppose we are proud British monarchists. It has been a very moving experience.’ 

Karen Whitehouse left her home in Loweswater, Cumbria, at 2am yesterday morning to start queuing to pay her respects to the late monarch in the Scottish capital.

Speaking about her moment with the royal coffin this evening, the 64-year-old said: ‘It was surreal. It was very quiet, everyone was very still. It was like they were all statues. I can’t believe I’ve done it and I was that close. I paid my respects, it was just beautiful.’

Ms Whitehouse said the Queen’s coffin was lying on a tall plinth inside the cathedral.

She added: ‘The wreath was on the top, and a cushion, and the crown on top of that. There’s a lot of officials in there, in their robes. Everyone is very still, it’s a beautiful experience. It was worth the 12 hours to get here.’

Amy Calvert, from Stoke-on-Trent, is on holiday in Edinburgh and was one of the first in line to pay her respects to the late Queen at a vigil in the Scottish capital.

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for a vigil by the coffin of Queen Elizabeth in St Giles' Cathedral

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for a vigil by the coffin of Queen Elizabeth in St Giles’ Cathedral

King Charles waves from the car as he and Camilla arrive for a vigil by the coffin of Queen Elizabeth in St Giles' Cathedral

King Charles waves from the car as he and Camilla arrive for a vigil by the coffin of Queen Elizabeth in St Giles’ Cathedral

Members of the Royal Family arrive by car to attend a vigil at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh

Members of the Royal Family arrive by car to attend a vigil at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh

Members of the public queue to enter St Giles' Cathedral, in Edinburgh

Members of the public queue to enter St Giles’ Cathedral, in Edinburgh

Members of the public leaving St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh after paying their respects to the Queen

Members of the public leaving St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh after paying their respects to the Queen

Members of the public queue to enter St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh

Members of the public queue to enter St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh

People queue to enter St Giles Cathedral where Queen Elizabeth's coffin arrived earlier in the day

People queue to enter St Giles Cathedral where Queen Elizabeth’s coffin arrived earlier in the day

People overcome with emotion leave after filing past and paying their respects to Her Majesty the Queen

People overcome with emotion leave after filing past and paying their respects to Her Majesty the Queen

Members of the public enter St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh to view and pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II's coffin

Members of the public enter St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh to view and pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin

Alison Evans from Derbyshire (in a wheelchair) and Sharon Baum wait in a queue on George IV Bridge

Alison Evans from Derbyshire (in a wheelchair) and Sharon Baum wait in a queue on George IV Bridge

Thousands of mourners formed huge queues through the streets of Edinburgh to pay their respects to the Queen

Thousands of mourners formed huge queues through the streets of Edinburgh to pay their respects to the Queen

(left to right) The Countess of Wessex, the Earl of Wessex, the Duke of York, King Charles III, the Queen Consort, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence during a Service of Prayer and Reflection for the Life of Queen Elizabeth II at St Giles' Cathedral

(left to right) The Countess of Wessex, the Earl of Wessex, the Duke of York, King Charles III, the Queen Consort, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence during a Service of Prayer and Reflection for the Life of Queen Elizabeth II at St Giles’ Cathedral 

The Queen's coffin arrives at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

The Queen’s coffin arrives at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

King Charles III, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex walk behind Queen Elizabeth II's coffin during the procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles' Cathedral

King Charles III, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex walk behind Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin during the procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral

King Charles III, Princess Anne, Princess Royal and Prince Andrew, Duke of York walk behind the procession of Queen Elizabeth II's coffin, from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles' Cathedral

King Charles III, Princess Anne, Princess Royal and Prince Andrew, Duke of York walk behind the procession of Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin, from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral

Pallbearers carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, into St Giles' Cathedral for a service of Thanksgiving for her life

Pallbearers carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, into St Giles’ Cathedral for a service of Thanksgiving for her life

The Queen's coffin entering St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh

The Queen’s coffin entering St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh

The bearer party carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in to a Service of Prayer and Reflection for her life at St Giles' Cathedral

The bearer party carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in to a Service of Prayer and Reflection for her life at St Giles’ Cathedral

The from above as the coffin is placed in the church followed by Her Majesty's four children

The from above as the coffin is placed in the church followed by Her Majesty’s four children

The Royal Family process past the Queen's coffin as they as they take their seats in the Cathedral

The Royal Family process past the Queen’s coffin as they as they take their seats in the Cathedral

King Charles III and the Queen Consort, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke of York, follow the coffin as they enter the cathedral for a Service of Prayer and Reflection

King Charles III and the Queen Consort, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke of York, follow the coffin as they enter the cathedral for a Service of Prayer and Reflection

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort are seen outside St Giles Cathedral as The Queen's funeral cortege makes its way into the cathedral

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort are seen outside St Giles Cathedral as The Queen’s funeral cortege makes its way into the cathedral

Nicola Sturgeon tells Kind Charles how her husband saved one of the Queen’s corgis from being electrocuted – as she vows Scotland ‘stands ready’ to support the new monarch 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told how her husband saved one of the Queen’s corgis from being electrocuted – as she vowed Scotland ‘stands ready’ to support King Charles III as he continues his mother’s legacy of public service.

Speaking as she moved a motion of condolence in honour of the late monarch, Ms Sturgeon told of how Peter Murrell stopped the dog, a puppy named Sandy, from chewing through a lamp switch after a light began to flicker at Balmoral.

‘To my great alarm, he was, after all, in the presence of Her Majesty, my husband suddenly leapt up and darted across the floor,’ the First Minister said.

‘Peter had spotted the cause of the flickering light.

‘One of the Queen’s young Corgis, a beautiful pup called Sandy, was eating through a lamp switch.

‘Thankfully, tragedy was averted and Sandy emerged unscathed, though not before a ticking off from his mistress.’

She continued: ‘We are honoured by the presence today of His Majesty, King Charles III, and The Queen Consort. Your Majesty, we stand ready to support you, as you continue your own life of service – and as you build on the extraordinary legacy of your beloved mother, our Queen.

‘Queen Elizabeth, Queen of Scots – we are grateful for her life. May She now rest in peace.’

She said: ‘It’s really surreal. I haven’t quite taken it in that we are here. But I can’t wait to pay my respects. It will be a time for reflection. The example she’s set within her faith is just incredible.’

Hundreds of thousands of Scots had earlier crammed into Edinburgh’s narrow streets to catch a glimpse of the Queen’s coffin yesterday as King Charles led senior royals in a solemn military procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse – where the late monarch’s body had been resting overnight after the 180-mile drive from Balmoral yesterday – to the cathedral.

The King walked solemnly in step with his younger brothers and sister behind the Queen on the march up the Scottish capital’s Royal Mile. The assembled well-wishers fell silent as the hearse appeared. The crowd then broke out in spontaneous applause as the cortège approached and many shouted God Save the King and God Save the Queen.

Around 30 minutes later the Queen arrived at St Giles’ Cathedral and Her Majesty’s coffin was lifted out of the hearse and brought into the place of worship – with the King, his wife the Queen Consort, the Princess Royal, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of York, and the Earl and the Countess of Wessex all walking behind. 

The Crown of Scotland – which was made in 1540 for King James V – was then placed upon the coffin, which was draped with the Royal Standard in Scotland and dressed with a wreath of flowers consisting of white Spray Roses, white Freesias, white button chrysanthemums, dried white heather from Balmoral, spray eryngium, foliage, rosemary, hebe, and pittosporum.

Before arriving at the cathedral, the procession was greeted by the Guard of Honour and Band in front of the fountain, with the High Constables and the Baillie’s Guard in position under the Colonnade. When the coffin arrived, the guard of honour gave a royal salute and the band played one verse of the national anthem.

The bearer party, found by the Royal Regiment of Scotland, then took up their flanking position. The escort party, found by the King’s Body Guard for Scotland, and royal cars, flanked by members of the royal family, walked at the rear of the procession, and took their positions close to the hearse.

The guard of honour was accompanied by a pipe band with drums, draped and muffled.

The crowd outside the cathedral joined in with the congregation during the national anthem – some singing God Save the King while others sang God Save the Queen. There was then spontaneous applause from many of those gathered at the end of the hour long service. There was more applause as King Charles left the cathedral in a waiting car. 

Her Majesty’s coffin was lifted out of the hearse and brought into the place of worship, with the King, the Queen Consort, the Princess Royal, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of York, and the Earl and the Countess of Wessex walking behind.

As the coffin made its way through the cathedral the choir sang Thou Wilt Keep Him In Perfect Peace, Whose Mind Is Stayed On Thee.

The Queen’s coffin was placed on a wooden catafalque as the congregation continued to stand.

The King, Queen Consort, and other members of the royal family, then walked to their seats alongside the coffin.

The Queen's coffin was placed into the hearse from the Palace of Holyroodhouse on its way to St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh

The Queen’s coffin was placed into the hearse from the Palace of Holyroodhouse on its way to St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh

The Queen's casket was draped with the Royal Standard in Scotland and dressed with a wreath of flowers consisting of white Spray Roses, white Freesias, white button chrysanthemums, dried white heather from Balmoral, spray eryngium, foliage, rosemary, hebe, and pittosporum.

The Queen’s casket was draped with the Royal Standard in Scotland and dressed with a wreath of flowers consisting of white Spray Roses, white Freesias, white button chrysanthemums, dried white heather from Balmoral, spray eryngium, foliage, rosemary, hebe, and pittosporum.

King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward walk behind the cortege carrying Queen Elizabeth II

King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward walk behind the cortege carrying Queen Elizabeth II

Princess Anne has not left her mother's side since her death on Thursday. Charles has been in London while Andrew and Edward were also in Scotland

Princess Anne has not left her mother’s side since her death on Thursday. Charles has been in London while Andrew and Edward were also in Scotland

Huge crowds lined the streets of Edinburgh to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II

Huge crowds lined the streets of Edinburgh to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II

Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward line up to follow the hearse carrying their mother on her final journey

King Charles watches mournfully as he watches the coffin be moved on its journey to St Giles' Kirk

King Charles watches mournfully as he watches the coffin be moved on its journey to St Giles’ Kirk

Prince Andrew walks behind the cortege. He wore medals but not military dress like his siblings. He was heckled by one man in the crowd

Prince Andrew walks behind the cortege. He wore medals but not military dress like his siblings. He was heckled by one man in the crowd

The cortege carrying Queen Elizabeth II from Palace of Holyroodhouse arrives at St Giles Cathedral

The cortege carrying Queen Elizabeth II from Palace of Holyroodhouse arrives at St Giles Cathedral

King Charles III (L), Britain’s Princess Anne, Princess Royal (2L), Britain’s Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Britain’s Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex walk behind the procession of Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin, from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral, on the Royal Mile

The city was rammed with people desperate to catch a glimpse of the Queen and her family

The city was rammed with people desperate to catch a glimpse of the Queen and her family

King Charles is handed keys to Edinburgh at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in his first official engagement as monarch  

In his first official engagement as King of Scotland, Charles III arrived at his official residence for an ancient ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The monarch was in Edinburgh for the historic Ceremony of the Keys.

Upon his arrival, the King inspected the Guard of Honour and was welcomed to Edinburgh by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, where he was symbolically handed the keys to the city.

The Queen Consort accompanied the monarch at the ceremony.

Tradition dictates that the monarch returns them, entrusting their safekeeping to the city’s elected officials.

The Queen had been lying in rest in the Palace’s throne room following her death on Thursday.

The ceremony was last held in June as the Queen arrived in Edinburgh to open a week of traditional events for the royals in Scotland.

The trip followed the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Elizabeth II.

Following the ceremony, Charles joined the procession of the Queen’s coffin to St Giles’ Cathedral.

The King was joined by his siblings Anne, Andrew and Edward as the Queen’s coffin travelled up the Royal Mile to St Giles’ Cathedral.

The streets were lined with thousands of well-wishers paying their respects.

Members of the royal family then accompanied the King at a special service of thanksgiving to celebrate the Queen’s life.

The King had his wife to his left and the Duke of York to his right.

At the beginning of the service, Reverend Calum MacLeod welcomed the royal family, ‘representatives of our nation’s life’ and ‘people whose lives were touched by the Queen in so many unforgettable ways’.

He said: ‘And so we gather to bid Scotland’s farewell to our late monarch, whose life of service to the nation and the world we celebrate.

‘And whose love for Scotland was legendary.’

The Queen’s coffin arrived at St Giles’ Cathedral followed by her four children on a sorrowful journey through the Scottish capital lined by hundreds of thousands of mourners who stood in silent revelry punctuated by the sound of gun salutes from the city’s castle.

Led by a lone piper from Balmoral playing a lament, Her Majesty was carried from the Palace of Holyroodhouse where she was lying in rest since a six-hour journey from her Aberdeenshire home on Sunday. 

As the national anthem played the coffin was gently lowered into the hearse, watched by a visibly emotional King Charles and his siblings, Anne, the Princess Royal, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, who then marched dolefully for 1,200 yards behind their beloved mother. 

The Duke of York was not in military uniform like his siblings after Her Majesty stripped him of his titles because of the Epstein scandal. He was briefly heckled during the procession. Police Scotland said a 22-year-old man had been arrested.

Hundreds of thousands lined the streets and applauded as the Queen was taken to the cathedral where her family, and a congregation drawn from all areas of Scottish society, attended a service of thanksgiving for her life. 

Bagpipes played the National Anthem from Holyrood Palace as the Queen’s coffin cortege began the walk up the Royal Mile. The hearse was flanked by a Bearer Party found by The Royal Regiment of Scotland and The King’s Body Guard for Scotland. Mounted police in ceremonial dress rode ahead of the parade. 

Earlier the King met with well-wishers who lined the streets of Edinburgh to see him yesterday in an unplanned walkabout as Scotland’s capital welcomed the new monarch and mourned the Queen – with so many people turning up that police were forced to turn many away. 

Senior church officials stood patiently at the entrance to the church as the procession made its way up the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Crowds packed in 10 deep along the narrow pavements of the historic old town while others took up positions in windows along the route during the solemn procession.

Military personnel saluted as two police officers on horseback signalled the arrival of the Queen’s body.

All four of the Queen’s children led by the new King Charles followed close by as the hearse arrived at the iconic place of worship.

Princess Anne’s husband was also among the party.

Camilla, the Queen Consort and Prince Edward’s wife Sophie arrived in a following car.

The silence was perfectly preserved during a pause as military guards removed the flag draped casket from the vehicle before carrying it into the cathedral with the Royal party following close by.

Sophia Bruce, from Edinburgh, said: ‘It was very moving to be here and watch the Queen followed by her children enter St Giles for the last time.

‘There was an dignified silence from the whole crowd. You could have heard a pin drop.

King Charles III and members of the royal family join the procession of Queen Elizabeth's coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles' Cathedral

King Charles III and members of the royal family join the procession of Queen Elizabeth’s coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral

People gather in tribute as the cortege carrying the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II passes

People gather in tribute as the cortege carrying the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II passes

King Charles III and members of the royal family join the procession of Queen Elizabeth's coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse

King Charles III and members of the royal family join the procession of Queen Elizabeth’s coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Queen's children followed by the Princess Royal's husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence (centre left)

The Queen’s children followed by the Princess Royal’s husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence (centre left)

A soldier looks moved by the scene with a mournful King Charles behind him

A soldier looks moved by the scene with a mournful King Charles behind him

The procession travels through the Scottish capital yesterday

The procession travels through the Scottish capital yesterday

King Charles follows the hearse carrying the coffin of Britain's Queen Elizabeth on the Royal Mile

King Charles follows the hearse carrying the coffin of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth on the Royal Mile

The Queen's children follow their mother along the 1,200-yard route to the church

The Queen’s children follow their mother along the 1,200-yard route to the church

The Royal Family follow Her Majesty down the world famous Royal Mile

King Charles, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew walk behind the hearse carrying the coffin of Britain's Queen Elizabeth

King Charles, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew walk behind the hearse carrying the coffin of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth

Huge crowds turned out to see the Queen for the last time in Scotland before she is taken to London later today

Huge crowds turned out to see the Queen for the last time in Scotland before she is taken to London later today

The Queen leaves the Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Queen leaves the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Royal guards carry Queen Elizabeth II's coffin at the start of the procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles' Cathedral

Royal guards carry Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin at the start of the procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral

Hundreds of thousands turned out for the procession - with Police Scotland forced to stop letting people into the city centre

Hundreds of thousands turned out for the procession – with Police Scotland forced to stop letting people into the city centre

Charles looked emotional yet again as his mother's body was moved from Holyroodhouse

Charles looked emotional yet again as his mother’s body was moved from Holyroodhouse

King Charles III meets well-wishers who welcomed him to Edinburgh for the first time as King

King Charles III meets well-wishers who welcomed him to Edinburgh for the first time as King

King Charles travels in a convoy of cars to Holyrood to return with the Queen's coffin to St Giles Cathedral, where the Vigil of the Princes will take place

King Charles travels in a convoy of cars to Holyrood to return with the Queen’s coffin to St Giles Cathedral, where the Vigil of the Princes will take place 

The monarch inspects the Guard of Honour as he arrives to attend the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

The monarch inspects the Guard of Honour as he arrives to attend the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Charles and Camilla inspected flowers, cards and other tributes outside Holyroodhouse

Charles and Camilla inspected flowers, cards and other tributes outside Holyroodhouse

King Charles III took part in the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh yesterday

King Charles III took part in the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh yesterday

Charles inspects an honour guard waiting for him in Edinburgh

Charles inspects an honour guard waiting for him in Edinburgh

Britain's King Charles and Britain's Queen Camilla arrive at the Palace of Holyroodhouse,

Britain’s King Charles and Britain’s Queen Camilla arrive at the Palace of Holyroodhouse,

King Charles III shaking hands with Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge during the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

King Charles III shaking hands with Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge during the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

There were cheers and clapping as the limousine passed through the Scottish capital

Camilla, Queen Consort, smiles as she and Charles are driven along the Royal Mile towards the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Camilla, Queen Consort, smiles as she and Charles are driven along the Royal Mile towards the Palace of Holyroodhouse

King Charles III and the Queen Consort leave Edinburgh Airport by car after travelling from London, ahead of joining the procession of Queen Elizabeth's coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles' Cathedral

King Charles III and the Queen Consort leave Edinburgh Airport by car after travelling from London, ahead of joining the procession of Queen Elizabeth’s coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was waiting for the King on the tarmac along with civil servants and police chiefs

‘It was very respectful with everyone wanting to say their last goodbye. I’ve been here for three hours and there had been a tremendous camaraderie amongst the whole crowd.’

Enormous queues of royal fans were seen lining up with Union Flags and colourful homemade signs outside St Giles’ Cathedral as the sun’s first light began to break through the morning clouds yesterday.

But by midday, Police Scotland officers were preventing any newcomers from joining the swelling crowds that had lined the narrow streets around the 12th-century stone cathedral as city officials warned of significant disruption ahead of the proceedings.

The coffin was lifted out of the hearse and brought into the place of worship, with the King, the Queen Consort, the Princess Royal, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of York, and the Earl and the Countess of Wessex walking behind.

As the coffin made its way through the cathedral the choir sang Thou Wilt Keep Him In Perfect Peace, Whose Mind Is Stayed On Thee.

Charles steps off his plane at Edinburgh Airport yesterday afternoon as he heads to Holyroodhouse

Charles steps off his plane at Edinburgh Airport yesterday afternoon as he heads to Holyroodhouse

King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla land in Edinburgh before they follow the Queen's coffin

King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla land in Edinburgh before they follow the Queen’s coffin

King Charles boards a jet for Edinburgh where followed his mother's coffin through the streets of Edinburgh

King Charles boards a jet for Edinburgh where followed his mother’s coffin through the streets of Edinburgh

King Charles III and the Queen Consort depart by plane from RAF Northolt in west London

King Charles III and the Queen Consort depart by plane from RAF Northolt in west London

Prince Harry is ‘banned’ from wearing military uniform at final vigil for The Queen at Westminster Hall but Prince Andrew is allowed to ‘as special mark of respect’ 

King Charles III’s son Prince Harry has been banned from wearing military uniform if he attends the final vigil for Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall – but the monarch’s shamed younger brother Prince Andrew will be allowed to don his Armed Forces outfit ‘as a special mark of respect’ for their late mother, it has been claimed today.

Royal sources have said the disgraced Duke of York – a Falklands War veteran who exiled from public life amid the fallout from his role in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal – will be entitled to wear military colours if he attends the ceremonial event on Wednesday.

However, Meghan Markle’s friend and preferred journalist Omid Scobie claimed that the Duke of Sussex – who has also seen military action by serving two tours of Afghanistan – has been banned from wearing his uniform at all ceremonial events during mourning for Her Majesty.

‘I understand that, unlike Prince Andrew, Prince Harry will NOT be allowed to wear uniform at the final vigil in Westminster Hall. No doubt a huge blow for the Duke of Sussex, who served for 10 years and this morning spoke of the Queen being his ”commander-in-chief”’, he tweeted this afternoon.

The Queen will lie in state at Westminster Hall from Wednesday at 5pm until 6:30am Monday 19 September, the day of the state funeral.

A ceremonial procession is due to take place, which will see the Queen’s coffin travel from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster for the lying in state. Her coffin will be closed and will rest on a raised platform, called a catafalque, in the hall and will be draped in the Royal Standard with the Orb and Sceptre placed on top. It will be guarded around the clock by a vigil of units from the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division, or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.

Buckingham Palace has yet to confirm what time the vigil will take place and which royals will attend the event, though it is believed that it will take place before the late monarch’s lying in state opens to the public that evening.

The Queen’s coffin was placed on a wooden catafalque as the congregation continued to stand.

The King, Queen Consort, and other members of the royal family, then walked to their seats alongside the coffin.

The King has his wife to his left and the Duke of York to his right.

At the beginning of the service, Reverend Calum MacLeod welcomed the royal family, ‘representatives of our nation’s life’ and ‘people whose lives were touched by the Queen in so many unforgettable ways’.

He said: ‘And so we gather to bid Scotland’s farewell to our late monarch, whose life of service to the nation and the world we celebrate.

‘And whose love for Scotland was legendary.’

The Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields told the congregation: ‘It is clearly evident and without doubt that the Queen’s Christian faith was genuine, and often gave clear and sincere expression when there were those remarkable Christmas broadcasts.

‘She spoke unashamedly of her trust in God and of the example and teaching of Jesus Christ whom she sought to follow as best she could – indeed of that faith, she said she had no regret.

‘Her focus on family, on community, on reaching across divisions and differences were evident to us throughout these short yet meaningful festive messages.

‘For 70 years, she reigned as our Queen. She has been present among us as a follower of Christ and a member of his church. And for that and much else beside we give thanks to God together here this day.

‘Today we mourn her passing. But we also celebrate the long and happy reign that we experience with her.

‘And we pray God’s blessing upon King Charles who will surely draw strength from his mother’s example and the many affectionate tributes of these days and from our assurance to him as a church of our steadfast prayers at all times and of our unstinting support to him, as was offered to his mother, the Queen.’

During the St Giles’ Cathedral service, Morag Mylne, Elder of the Church of the Scotland, said: ‘Most gracious God, with all our hearts we thank you for the long life, the shining example, the steadfast commitment to duty, the strong faith, and the good humour of our wise and great Queen.

‘We thank you for the deep love she has inspired from all her subjects, for the myriad ways in which she met and welcomed people from all walks of life, for the diplomacy with which she resolved conflict, and for the stability she brought to her realms and to the Commonwealth.’

The national anthem, God Save The King, was sang near the end of the service.

The Queen Consort, Duke of York, Earl of Wessex, Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence could be seen singing as they stood alongside the King in front of the late Queen’s coffin.

Members of the public will be able to view the coffin to pay their respects for 24 hours before it is taken to London to lie in state.

At 7.20pm the King and his brothers will perform the Vigil of The Princes. The coffin is expected to be flown to London this evening, again with Princess Anne accompanying her mother.

On arrival at RAF Northolt in west London at 6.55pm, the coffin will be transferred to the State Hearse. At Buckingham Palace, a guard of honour will receive the coffin. 

A bearer party of the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, will carry it to the Bow Room where it will be placed on trestles, witnessed by King Charles and the Queen Consort. Chaplains to the King will keep watch over the coffin.

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