Elizabeth II: in London, preparations are accelerating for the arrival of the queen’s coffin


Stéphane Place (special correspondent in London), edited by Romain Rouillard
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9:19 p.m., September 13, 2022

This is Elizabeth II’s last voyage. This Tuesday, the coffin of the late sovereign left Edinburgh Cathedral and arrived in the early evening at Buckingham Palace in London. The English capital is expecting record crowds in the streets where thousands of Britons will pay their last respects to the Queen. An exceptional day which requires great preparation, especially in the district of Westminster where the coffin will be exhibited.

Semi-trailers come to deliver hundreds of barriers that a small army of employees, dressed in fluorescent orange jackets, hastens to place all around Parliament and Westminster Abbey. The two buildings are closely watched by the British Bobbies, the British police, many more than usual while the military, on their side, seal the manhole covers.

A neighborhood under high protection

The district is therefore under high protection pending the 750,000 people who will come to pay their last respects to Elizabeth II from Wednesday, according to the Times. Among them, Steven has already settled on the promenade bordering the Thames where he will spend the night while waiting for the doors to open.

“I have a wonderful duvet made from 100% plastic bottles. I have fruit, water, an umbrella, a poncho, I’m fine. It may snow, it may rain, it may thunder , there may be lightning or even a tornado, I’m staying here I can tie myself up and chain myself but I’m not leaving this place until we can advance to Westminster Hall so I can return homage to my queen,” he said.

Dozens of Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom, dress the Mall, this long avenue which leads to Buckingham Palace where the coffin of Elizabeth II arrived this Tuesday evening.



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