Many people arrived amid chilly temperatures either late on Sunday night or early Monday morning to secure a spot opposite the Houses of Parliament and the Abbey or along Parliament Street. A woman who was present on The Mall for the Queen’s coronation in 1953. Live updates: Queen’s coffin lowered into Royal Vault as she and Prince Philip reunite Stephanie Carter, 74, who wore her father’s medals, said she felt she had seen Queen Elizabeth II’s service to the nation “from the beginning”. Ms. Carter’s father served in the Army from 1941 until he retired in 1978. Explaining what her father’s medals were for, she said two honored him for his service in the military during World War II. one was the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal and the other the Good Conduct and Long Service Medal. Image: Stephanie Carter was also on The Mall for the Queen’s coronation in 1952 Asked what it meant to her to be here today, Ms Carter said: “Pretty much everything. I was on The Mall the day of her coronation. So I’ve seen it from the beginning. “(The Queen) was (her father’s) commander-in-chief and my parents are long gone, so I’m representing them and all my friends from the service who couldn’t get here because they’re all over the place or unwell. enough.” Before the service, the crowd chatted eagerly with each other and passed out snacks and drinks, but as loudspeakers began to broadcast the funeral, some bowed their heads and some gently bowed to the children. Many stood in quiet contemplation while others wiped away tears. During the two minutes’ silence for the Queen, this typically busy street in central London was so quiet you could hear the rustling of coats and the odd cough. Image: The State Carriage carries the coffin during the procession after the service at Westminster Abbey Image: The Imperial Crown of State rests on the Queen’s coffin during the funeral procession The crowd then held their phones up in the air to take photos and videos of the Queen’s coffin as it passed, followed by members of the royal family. After the procession passed, members of the crowd turned to friends they had made during the day to wish them a safe journey home and share how nice it was to meet them. Image: Crowds gather in Parliament Square to watch the state funeral Image: Crowds in London bow their heads to pay their respects Several told Sky News how important they felt they were here for the service and the procession. Day’s witness was an “important part of our history”, said Michael Day, 56. “We do pomp and ceremony in this country so well. We couldn’t fault it. And also the weather held up – how wonderful was that?” Image: Witnessing the day was an “important part of our history”, Michael Day told Sky News Several commented on how the friendliness and camaraderie of the crowd contrasted with the complete silence when the Queen’s funeral began. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:13:43 Watch in detail: The Queen’s funeral “Everyone used to have a great time, talking to people we didn’t know, but once it started there was total silence,” said Brenda Cook, 69. She said the service was “very simple and very appropriate.” . “We wanted to be here all our lives,” said her husband David, 68. “It was wonderful. Everyone was very friendly and talkative, sharing cookies.” Image: David and Brenda Cook said the day was ‘unforgettable’ Image: Sisters Carol Martin, 64, and Debbie Chitty, 62, listened to the service as it was played over loudspeakers in Parliament Street Mrs Cook added: “It was great to be here. It was one of those things you won’t forget.” Read more: In pictures: Thousands gather in London to bid farewell to Queen King as Queen’s coffin makes final public appearance Sisters Carol Martin, 64, and Debbie Chitty, 62, described hearing the service to the Queen and watching the procession go by as an “amazing” and “amazing” experience. “We really had spine tingling the whole time,” Ms Martin said.
