Queen's funeral: Thousands line Windsor's Long Walk (2024)

Thousands of mourners have lined Windsor's Long Walk for one final glimpse of the Queen's coffin.

The mood in the town was thoughtful, the relative quiet in stark contrast to the scenes of joyful crowds seen here for recent royal weddings and jubilees.

Those paying their respects included people who travelled from across the world, with some camping overnight to secure the best vantage points.

The Queen will be laid to rest next to her husband the Duke of Edinburgh.

The committal service at St George's Chapel was attended by about 800 of the Queen's family and closest friends.

Those waiting to see the procession said it was fitting for the Queen's journey to end in the place she called home for so much of her life.

Christy Molloy, from nearby Maidenhead, was among a group who set up camp on the Long Walk late on Sunday.

He said he wanted to watch the Queen "come home for the last time", describing her as a "magical being" and Windsor's "pride and joy".

His cousin, Billie Molloy, added: "What a lovely thing to say you slept in the Queen's garden."

Sharon Biron and husband James O'Gorman said they had travelled from their home in Vermont in the US especially for the occasion.

Ms Biron said she considered it her "duty" to attend and felt she "had to see her coffin come home".

"Just knowing this was her home made me feel closer to her," she added.

The crowds were able to watch the funeral at Westminster Abbey on big screens, and they were later entertained by marching bands as they waited for the arrival of the Queen's coffin.

There was a real sense of togetherness in Windsor on a day that will be remembered forever.

People of all ages and backgrounds came together to say their final farewell to the Queen.

They quietly walked through the town throughout the morning to head to the Long Walk, where the crowds just grew and grew as the day went by.

Many shared food together while children played on the grass.

We all waited and waited for hours, under a blue and sunny sky.

And then silence fell and the funeral procession began, marked by the sound of minute guns.

Some bowed their heads as the Queen's coffin passed by, others shed a tear before joining the spontaneous applause.

And then having said their final goodbye to Her Majesty, as patiently and quietly as they waited people began to leave, this time taking with them memories that will be treasured forever.

Valerie Docherty, who has owned a pub in Windsor for 18 years, has witnessed many royal events but said the past few days had been "unbelievable".

"It's very sad," she said, adding: "She was just our neighbour - it felt like she was one of us.

"I could never have imagined the level of people that were laying flowers.

"I thought the Platinum Jubilee was massive... but this is another level."

Emma Boryer served in the Army for 17 years and said she wanted to pay her respects to the woman who had ultimately been her "boss".

"I wanted my family to be part of this occasion and this atmosphere of gratitude - to be in Windsor rather than at home," she said.

"Everyone stood and watched [the state funeral service] on the screens in silence - I think that's really special."

Many left the Long Walk after the start of the committal service at St George's Chapel.

But among those to stay and continue watching on the big screen were Lloney and Elvira Monono, who had spent hours waiting with their children for the procession to pass them.

Mrs Monono, who was born in Cameroon, said she had "huge respect" for the Queen as head of the Commonwealth.

Her husband added: "It's a moment of history. For me she is the only monarch I have known in my life - so steadfast, someone who served for 70 years.

"The least we can do is come here for a few hours to pay our respects."

Many of those living in Windsor would have seen the Queen in the area over the years.

Marie Wood, 56, who lived in the town for eight years while training to be a nurse, was one of those.

"I was walking in Great Park and she drove her Land Rover further up. I was just gobsmacked," she recalled.

"We always felt that she belonged here. This was her home.

"I am glad that she is in Windsor now, this was her favourite place."

Watch: Queen Elizabeth II's lying-in-state

What time is the Queen's funeral? And other questions

What next? A day-by-day guide from now to the funeral

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