In pictures... Large crowds mourn Queen Elizabeth in silence and sadness

picture

Silence and sadness fell on the tens of thousands who gathered in central London on Monday to watch the funeral of Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey and the procession of her casket through the city to her final resting place.

Some of those who watched the funeral on screens in Hyde Park put their hands over their eyes while others cried during the funeral, and parents raised their children high or placed them on their shoulders to view the coffin as the procession passed.

Cheers erupted among the crowds during the solemn state funeral of the Queen, who died on September 8 at the age of 96 after being on the throne for 70 years, and the music accompanying the funeral captured the emotions of many, most of whom had not known another Queen of the country during their lives.

Camilla Moore, 53, from Nottingham, said: "It's hard to put into words what we just saw. It was really special and unforgettable... It was very sad. Very, very sad. The end of an era."

Crowds watched the funeral service on large television screens or broadcast over loudspeakers.

Colin Sanders, 61, a retired soldier who came to London from North Yorkshire to bid farewell to the Queen, was unable to hold back tears as he listened to the funeral.

"It felt like we were there and participating," he said. "It was very touching... She is like a grandmother, someone who gives love and care. She said she would serve the country, and she delivered."

Following the Mass at Westminster Abbey, the Queen's casket was carried on a cannon cart across central London, past Buckingham Palace's official residence to Wellington Arch in Hyde Park Corner, where King Charles and members of the royal family followed him again on foot 2.4 kilometers to Windsor Castle, west of London, for a Mass at St George's Chapel.

Crowds of young and old flocked from across Britain and beyond, and thousands camped overnight in London for the best locations to watch the country's first state funeral since 1965 when Winston Churchill's state funeral was held.

Some climbed lampposts and stood on parapets to catch a glimpse of the royal funeral.

Chloe Jason, 59, traveled south from Manchester and said she found the funeral emotional.

"One feels sad for the country and for her family," she said. "At the same time, it was a tribute to her life's career...I cried sometimes, but I never felt sad, if you will."

"The best thing is for people of all stripes, of every race and religion to come here to participate," she added.

More than an hour before the funeral service began, it was announced that all areas of central London where the procession could be seen were full.

The authorities said they expected that the number of people who flocked to the capital to follow the funeral reached one million.

Teacher Melanie Ode, 60, camped last night in front of the barriers erected along the mall outside Buckingham Palace with her two daughters and grandchildren after arriving at the scene on Sunday afternoon at 0430 pm local time (1530 GMT).

"Being a part of history is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and to offer our condolences... The atmosphere is very unique. I should have attended. It is definitely worth it," she said.

She added that it was the least she could do to honor the late queen.

"She was always a big part of my life. She was always there to lead us. I cared so much about this country."

She went on to say that the people in line were friendly and shared stories until around 11 pm when some tried to sleep.

People continued to flock through the night by taxi or by additional trains designated to transport the crowds.

As the people headed toward the procession route, some were silent and sad, dressed in black, while others were more optimistic.

Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news