Europe 1 with AFP 5:09 p.m., September 16, 2022
Like thousands of people who want to pay their last respects to Elizabeth II, British star David Beckham waits in the queue before entering Westmintser Hall, where the queen's coffin is displayed.
"I thought that coming at 2 a.m. it was going to be quieter, but I was wrong," he said in particular.
He waited more than twelve hours, like thousands of people: the former British footballer David Beckham made a strong impression on Friday, noticed in the crowd who had come to gather near the coffin of Elizabeth II at the Palace of Westminster.
"I thought coming at 2 a.m. it would be quieter, but I was wrong," the former England national team captain told ITV.
David Beckham has joined thousands of people queuing to see the Queen lying in state to celebrate Britain's 'special' Queen.
Beckham reportedly took a few selfies with fans, temporarily causing the queue to grind to a halt.
Read more here: https://t.co/98u47I72Ugpic.twitter.com/028wgZcFgc
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 16, 2022
"It's difficult for the nation, difficult for everyone. I think everyone feels it and our hearts go out to the (royal) family," David Beckham, 47, added.
In dark tie suit and newsboy cap
The former player also evokes the emotion that gripped him every time he sang the national anthem before a football match.
"It was something that meant so much to us," he recalls.
Photos posted on social media by people close to him in the queue show him in a dark suit and tie and a newsboy cap on his head.
David Beckham just told @itvnews at 2pm that he joined the #QueueForTheQueen at 2am.
pic.twitter.com/43AxWdxB0k
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) September 16, 2022
"The line is now full of people trying to photograph David Beckham, completely forgetting to keep moving forward. It's crazy!", wrote for example on Twitter Jules Birkby, also present in the line, above photos showing the former footballer in the queue.
"So lucky to have approached Her Majesty"
"The most important moment for me was when I received (my medal of) the Order of the British Empire. I had taken my grandparents, real royalists, with me," said David. Beckham on Sky News.
"I have been so lucky to be able to experience such moments in my life, to have been able to approach Her Majesty," added the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star.
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