Queen’s coffin seen for the first time as it leaves Balmoral on start of journey to final resting place | UK News
The Queen’s coffin was first seen as it began its slow journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh.
Decorated to Scottish Royal standards and with a wreath on top, the oak coffin is making its way from the royal castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
As the hearse left the Balmoral estate, members of the public lined the road and stood silently to pay their respects and a mourner threw flowers at the vehicle, as staff The policeman bowed his head.
The Queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, walked behind the hearse.
The seven-car vehicle, accompanied by police escort, slowly made its way towards the Scottish capital, as people turned to see it pass, including in Ballater.
Crowds of three to four watched as the train made its way through the village, including passing by the local church.
Following the Queen’s death on Thursday, the coffin was laid to rest in the Balmoral ballroom to give the estate agents there a chance to say their final goodbyes.
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Six of the estate’s custodians lifted the coffin into the hearse at 10am, marking the beginning of the coffin’s six-hour journey to Edinburgh.
Nicola Sturgeon, the country’s first Minister, said the “pervasive” journey would give Scots the opportunity to come together to “mark the common loss of our country”.
Today’s itinerary will:
• Passing through Aboyne, Banchory, Peterculter
• Arrive in Aberdeen around 11:20 a.m., moving through the outskirts of the city
• Move through Porthleven, Stonehaven before going inland
• Through the Angus countryside and through Brechin
• Arrive in Dundee around 2:15pm where it will circumnavigate the city on Kingsway
• Head towards Perth, cross the Friarton Bridge and get off the M90
• Go through Queensferry Crossing towards Edinburgh
• Entering Edinburgh from the west, surrounded by Edinburgh Castle
• Travel the entire length of the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse around 4pm
The plan boss said:
Ms Sturgeon and other party leaders in Scotland are expected to observe the coffin as it passes the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
After arriving at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, it will be moved to St Giles’ Church, where it will lie for 24 hours so that the public can pay their respects.
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Secrets behind some of the Queen’s most famous photos
Public viewing of coffins begins at 5pm on Monday but people have been warned about long waits and photography and video recording are strictly prohibited.
Princess Anne will fly to London with her mother’s body on Tuesday.
The events in Scotland are the first meticulously planned steps that lead to Funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September – one day will be a bank holiday.