Watching the funeral procession

HannahLoisLuke there was a 6ft 4 footman nicknamed Tall Paul. This fellow is called Matthew and is taller.

I was amazed at how I felt by the whole event! The pall bearers were incredible, the piper outstanding, the crowds impeccable , all families and signatories respectful but emotional ! Britain at its very best! I received messages from NZ and OZ staying this so I am proud of my country and its residents today !

Is there a (for want of a better word) a "do" put on? Some kind of reception? Or do they just disperse among the crowds, or go off to their respective embassies?

Hurdy-Gurdy: I don't know what arrangements have been made on this occasion, but heads of states, where presidents or royal don't usually stay in their embassies on these occasions. They are after all in London as the guests of King Charles and his family.

The usual procedure if for some of the visitors to stay in the various royal residences that are in daily use and those there is not room for will be staying in one or other of London's renowned hotels.

Presumably, there would either be a reception, for want of a better word, or a state banquet in the evening, or lunch today before the various guests started catching flights home.

Some may even stay a day or so longer, if presidents and prime ministers want the opportunity to talk to their opposite numbers in Britain. Others if they are close friends of the Royal family may stay a day or so more to catch up with family news. After all, royal families are much like any other in this respect - the older you get, the more likely you are to meet your more distant relations principally at christenings, weddings or funerals.

But yes, it certainly went off well, and I am sure both the royal family, the hereditiary Marshall of England, the commanding officers, the Metropolitan police and MI5 slept soundly last night with a colossal sense of relief that there had been no terrorist attacks or accidents due to parts of the crowd getting out of control.

HannahLoisLuke

Pittcity

I think that the military, police and all others involved have done a fabulous job.
I hope they get a rest before they have a Coronation to plan for.

We were interested in the Queen's private secretary who is 7ft 2 and walking in front of the coffin.

7’2”? I read that he’s 6’4” still tall though

I think that the 6’4” tall man was Tall Paul, the Queen’s footman, very close to the Queen. He was named Tall Paul as opposed to Small Paul, (Burrell) who was once a footman to the Queen, than became Diana’s butler, (her rock).

The 7’2” man was the private secretary.

(I know, I am a fount of useless info re the Royals!)

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I have no idea how much money has been generated from the funeral; I think it’s unlikely to amount to billions though.

I meet many people from different backgrounds to mine volunteering in a food bank.

But think all the money it generated for the economy in foreign tv revenues, expenditure on travelling, hospitality.

Not to mention The Queue, the solidarity it inspired, the friendships that were formed. DD grouped up with a half a dozen people who she could not possible otherwise have met, so different were their back grounds, and thanks to modern technology, they are going to be in contact with each other for a long time.

I think the Queen has generated an enormous well of goodwill for this country, overseas and united us in a way we were not before.

Not everything can be measured in money terms.

Re the cost of the funeral, I found this earlier. I will refrain from offering my opinion.

SJV07 The Royals are taking another week in mourning, which may be a euphemism for letting the older members recover. I hope so, they've had a very strenuous 10 days, and deserve to have a rest IMO

I watched with my DH, thought it was done incredibly well. Felt proud to be British
A fitting tribute to a great lady and great Queen.
Like others didn't understand the clapping, but the pony and corgis did have me in tears.

That’s an interesting statement about the cost MaisieD; could you explain it a bit more?

Why all this “we do this better than other nations”? boasting? Ever seen a Russian or Chinese military parade ? Or the French ones come to that. Yes it was a fine spectacle and made us proud( if just for one day to quote David Bowie).

It was absolutely wonderful and after watching that I have changed my mind about becoming a republic. No one does it with such grace and dignity as the British. I can’t think of a single person here who would be better than King Charles as republican president.

It

I'm sure when other nations have a ceremonial occasion they do their best , competing or being envious doesn't come into

Don't we do these things well??? Much better than other Nations, no wonder they are jealous! However, am concerned how knackered the senior Royals looked, hope they have a good break!

That view of the procession coming down the long walk with the pipes and bands playing. Emma brought out by her groom and stable girls, the household staff lined up, the navy ratings setting off in total step. All brought tears to my eyes.
On a lighter note, if I even dare mention it, the sight of the King’s equerry in his kilt and feathered cap marching behind the family, but in attendance all week. So dashing and handsome. Sorry to be trivial.

It was beautiful, flawless and i loved all the little touches like the queens pony Emma and two of the corgis. The pony had one of the queens headscarfs threaded through its saddle. I cried on and off all day. We felt so priveleged to watch it and felt part of the whole thing. They certainly did the queen proud.

MaizieD

SueDonim

I feel wrung-out, too. Removing the Crown Jewels from the Queen’s coffin undid me. It seemed a final acknowledgement that the Elizabethan age has passed and it also rendered the Queen an ordinary mortal, just like you and me.

I’ve got a headache now.

It struck me as I watched that, I do hope that Charles isn't crowned with the Imperial state crown. We don't have an Empire now, we did when the Queen was crowned. It would seem so very out of touch and tactless.

The Queen was actually crowned with the King Edward crown and only changed to the Imperial crown afterwards, I believe because it’s lighter.

Still standing
The worst of it was that the TV cameras filmed these ignoramus's and gave them time on our televisions. So I blame the BBC for this awful behaviour

Ignoramuses ??? People who turned to pay respects ? And clapped to show their appreciation. Goodness me how judgmental and harsh.

I really think yesterday was one day which went perfectly and doesn’t need any nastiness .

Pittcity

I think that the military, police and all others involved have done a fabulous job.
I hope they get a rest before they have a Coronation to plan for.

We were interested in the Queen's private secretary who is 7ft 2 and walking in front of the coffin.

7’2”? I read that he’s 6’4” still tall though

Fael a friend queued for the lying in state and said that every few yards there were portaloos, shops offering drinks and cakes, St. John's ambulance volunteers - she said she was never alone or worrying about spending a penny or needing a drink.

I agree, at 96 hers was a life to also celebrate as it was not a tragic or sudden unexpected death, rather the natural cycle of life. Many “ cheered “ or clapped as they said goodbye and thank you .♥️

I didn’t watch it on TV but on BBC News last night. Since the funeral of George V when I was a child I have hated the sound of bagpipes.

There were apparently portaloo's along the route Fae1

Missed it all I'm afraid. No doubt there will be plenty of chances to see it all again! Just wondered how all the people queuing for days coped with the toilet situation ?