The extraordinarily lengthy line to see Queen Elizabeth II mendacity in state is at capability, the U.Ok authorities mentioned Friday morning. Entry to the queue can be closed for at the very least six hours, the Division for Digital, Tradition, Media and Sport mentioned at 9:50 a.m. GMT (10:50 a.m. in London; 5:50 a.m. EDT).
There's a reside "queue tracker" streaming on YouTube that gives updates on the road, and it suggested folks to not try to affix the road till it reopens.
The queen is mendacity in state at Palace of Westminster till her funeral on Monday. A big procession carried her coffin there from Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
Whereas folks can go to to pay their respects 24 hours a day, the huge variety of these lining up means extraordinarily lengthy wait instances. Friday morning, the road stretched 4.9 miles and the federal government estimated the wait can be at the very least 14 hours.
The federal government warned folks that there can be little alternative to take a seat down whereas within the queue, as it's repeatedly transferring. When folks lastly attain the entrance of the road, they need to undergo airport-style safety to get inside.
An official map of the queue exhibits its route snaking alongside the south financial institution of the River Thames, with the tip of the road close to London's Southwark Park.
There are bogs and first help stations alongside the route, and a bag drop the place folks can go away their belongings earlier than going inside. Capability on the bag drop facility can also be restricted and ready for bag cupboard space may improve somebody's wait time.
The queen's mendacity in state provides the general public a chance to pay their respects earlier than her funeral. Guests can stroll previous the closed coffin, which rests on a raised platform in the course of Westminster Corridor. Every nook is guarded across the clock by items from the Sovereign's Bodyguard, Foot Guards or the Family Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
The coffin is draped within the Royal Customary flag. The Orb and Sceptre, that are a part of the Crown Jewels and are used on the monarch's coronation, are positioned on prime.
For individuals who can not go in particular person, there may be an on-line e-book of condolence the general public can signal.