Queen’s death: Mourners gather at Buckingham Palace to pay their respects to the Queen | UK News
The majority of British people live only during the reign of the Queen.
And thousands of them have chosen to pay their respects Britain’s longest reigning monarch by gathering outside Buckingham Palace in the pouring rain.
While the atmosphere was gloomy, the sudden explosions of “God Save the Queen“constantly erupting from the crowd.
People of all ages and from countries across the globe have chosen to battle the inclement weather for an emotional farewell to the country’s 70-year-old king.
Emotional scenes outside Buckingham Palace – Latest tributes to the Queen
Some brought flowers to lay outside the palace gates, others chose to toast their spontaneous purchase along the way – a Union Jack umbrella.
All have different personal reasons for flocking to Buckingham Palace this evening.
But all wanted to witness a historic moment.
Sarah headed straight to Buckingham Palace after finishing her 12-hour shift at the John Lewis retail store. She told Sky News she felt compelled to order some flowers for the Queen because “she’s been strong for so long”.
“She’s our Queen, she’s the only one I’ve ever known.”
Linda jumped on the train to London from Brighton as soon as she heard the news.
Linda said she felt it was her ‘duty’ to visit the Queen’s residence in London
“I feel it is my duty to be here tonight,” she said, “she is such an incredible woman – an inspiration.”
Speaking of her grandfather having worked for the Metropolitan Police around Buckingham Palace, she added: “That’s what he wanted.”
Mohammed, Awale and Alice took pictures of themselves with a Union Jack with the Queen’s portrait on it.
Mohammed, Awale and Alice said they were shocked to hear of the Queen’s death
Awale said he cried when he heard the news. He told how his friend joined the palace-affiliated youth leadership program and got to meet the Queen.
“I just thought she wasn’t going to die – she’s been by my side all my life,” he said.
Working in technology, Awale praised the Queen for “making the world better connected”.
Meanwhile Alice said she made her way to central London to find a nanny who wanted to go there herself, but mobility problems prevented her from doing so.
“She is our inspiration,” she said. “I will always remember this day.”
Read more:
A country of mourning: People pay their respects across the country to Queen Elizabeth II
Six defining moments of the Queen’s reign
‘She was my mother and the Queen’: Elizabeth’s relationship with her four children
Hundreds of flower bouquets were placed in front of the palace’s wrought iron gates
Collette, Sarah and Nicki changed their evening plans to pay their respects.
“It’s sad,” said Collette, “we have to be here tonight.”
Noting that the Queen formally appointed new Chancellor Liz Truss just two days ago, the group said she “carried out her duties to the end”.
Chris, Aron and Drew placed flowers along with a letter to the Queen signed by those who were unable to make it to Buckingham Palace this evening but wanted to pay their respects.
Chris, Drew and Aron left a letter and flowers for the Queen
Chris said: “After serving for a while, it feels very fitting to be here tonight.
“This news is extremely sad but it was expected at some point – she is 96 years old.
“When I heard the news, I just wanted to call all the people I love.
“We brought a card because we have friends who can’t be here and we think it’s a great way to show respect and gratitude.”
Myla and Teddy, 16, said they felt they had grown up with the Queen just like their parents and grandparents.
Myla and Teddy said that day was both sad and celebratory
They described the day as “sad” but also “a celebration” as the Queen “lived such a long life”.
Others were further away but still felt close to the Queen and wanted to visit Buckingham Palace to enjoy the atmosphere.
Consuelo and Treena, from Chile, said they felt the atmosphere outside Buckingham Palace was “special” and wanted to be a part of it.
Consuelo said: “She was loved so much.
“People think of the UK and they think of the Queen.”
Juliette, from France, said she felt today was “the end of an organization”.
“I love the royal family, she touched all of our lives,” she said. “As a woman, she was very empowering.”
Ange, visiting the UK from New Zealand, is asked by her grandmother to return home to lay a bouquet of flowers at the palace’s wrought iron gates.
She described the Queen as a “faithful servant” to the Commonwealth and said she was “deeply heartbroken” to hear of her passing earlier in the evening.
“You think she’ll be around forever,” she added.
Olga and Jo, from Poland, said it was a “very sad day”, adding: “We feel lucky to be here.”
Olga and Joe say they feel lucky to be able to visit Buckingham Palace this evening
They said they chose to arrange sunflowers for the Queen because “she was always smiling”.
While Gee, from London, wanted to pay tribute to the Queen in a “quintessentially British” way – sitting outside Buckingham Palace with a bottle of Prosecco to toast and a pack of deep-fried shrimp cocktail.
“It was just such a moment in history,” she said.
Heading out of Buckingham Palace, dozens of people gathered at London’s bus stations, where portraits of the Queen were displayed in tribute.
“What a wonderful British way to mark such a sad day,” one woman commented.
