Europe 1 with AFP 3:07 p.m., September 15, 2022
The Royal Guards must watch over the Queen's remains 24 hours a day until the day of the state funeral.
The pressure was very strong for one of them, who collapsed a few moments before giving way.
The royal guards are known for their legendary resistance, but the system set up in Westminster Hall to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth is particularly trying.
Guards are on duty 24 hours a day so that the large crowd can come and pay their last respects in front of his coffin.
Heavy pressure for the guards
And even if they are replaced every 20 minutes (for a 40 minute break), the pressure is high.
She was too much for one of these guards who collapsed a few moments before giving way.
The BBC, which was broadcasting the ceremony, quickly cut the retransmission passing on a plan of Big Ben.
Arrival from Scotland where the sovereign died, the remains are presented on an imposing catafalque at Westminster Hall, the oldest room in the British parliament open 24 hours a day until Monday 6:30 a.m., day of the final farewell with a national funeral at Westminster Abbey, in the presence of hundreds of foreign dignitaries and crowned heads.
“draconian restrictions”
After having waited for hours during the night, the British parade in continuous flow and in silence Thursday in front of the coffin of their beloved Queen Elizabeth II in London, before a grandiose funeral on Monday.
Authorities have warned of “draconian restrictions”, befitting airports, and asked the public to “dress appropriately to pay homage” to the sovereign, omnipresent through several generations of Britons and rock of stability in crises and changes .