To visit the Queen’s coffin in Edinburgh, there has been a line of about 20,000 people at least a mile.
South of St Giles’ Cathedral, where the coffin is resting, the line meanders far back through the walkways of the city’s Meadows. On Monday, mourners entered the cathedral at about 17:30. For the chilly night ahead, Salvation Army vans were providing hot beverages and rolls, and I placed water and restroom stations along the line. I could overhear people walking by expressing their disbelief at those who planned to stand in line for hours. However, those waiting in line stressed the significance of being present for the historic event and paying respect to the Queen.
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Elizabeth Mbulaiteye, a Ugandan-born resident of Glasgow, had been standing in line since noon with her children, Angel and Daniel. Daniel arrived to pay his respects in a dapper kilt. At 20:00, the family stood in the meadows with a long wait ahead of them.
Historic moment: According to Elizabeth Mbulaiteye (center), is something she wished to be a part of.
In her words: “Because my mother had the same year of birth as the Queen and because she
East Linton, East Lothian residents Calum and Annette King said they were content to stand in line to see the vigil.
Calum, 54, claimed that during his final training weekend with the Army reserves, he had driven up from Nottingham.
“we pledged at oath of fealty to her almost 34 years ago. So it only makes sense that I say farewell, “added he.
“It was expected to be between 4:00 and 5:00 when we got to where we were in line. Once we’re done, we’ll just take the car home. I have work starting at 8:00 am tomorrow.”
“Anindya Harari, Mutiara Tan, and Ahmad Zaki recently relocated from Indonesia to Edinburgh to pursue their MBAs.”
“While we were in Edinburgh for our studies, we had no idea that this would occur.”
“We arrived as soon as we were done because this was our first day of class. They would probably wait in line for five hours, according to Ahmad Zaki.”
35-year-olds Fiona and Matt Sigsworth joined the meadows line at 19:00, hoping to make St. Giles’ Cathedral by midnight.
With packed rolls and drinks to keep them going into the wee hours, they arrived bundled up warmly.
They had come from Balgonie, a coal town in Fife close to Glenrothes.
It’s one of those times, really, a historical moment, Fiona, a teacher, remarked.
It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, and we wanted to recognize a fantastic woman. We may not be royalists, but I admire and appreciate what the.
“We don’t support the monarchy, but I appreciate and love what the Queen has done for the nation and the duty and sacrifice she has shown for 70 years.
“It’s crucial to note that and express gratitude for it. We’re trying to maintain hope that we’ll make it to the cathedral even if we have work the next day.
Before waiting in line to enter the cathedral, mourners had to pick up a wristband at Meadow Park.
The Yorkshire couple Gillian and Michael Farnsworth had to wait seven hours before entering the cathedral.
It was simply so emotional, said Gillian. It’s challenging to describe. You suddenly become affected.”
Michael said, “You are only a few meters from the casket.” You are welcome to spend some time there and pray.
The scene, according to Rodney Matthews, a retired Baptist preacher, and member of Edinburgh’s Old Saint Paul’s Scottish Episcopal Church, was “simply incredibly emotional.”
There was absolutely no rush as you could proceed leisurely, he remarked. There is a point where you can genuinely stand there and appreciate the dignity of the entire setting.
It was beautifully done and arranged after you got through security and sensed the room.
For his efforts on a millennium project on pilgrims traveling across Scotland, Mr. Matthews received an MBE.
Betty and Thomas Bremner watched the funeral procession along the M90 on Sunday before making their way to Edinburgh on Monday with their granddaughter Zara.
The Kennoway Fife family felt obligated to pay their respects in the cathedral.
“It was an honor. You weren’t hurried at all, and it was peaceful and lovely. I’m glad I came; really glad I came, because it was just so quiet, “said Mrs. Brenner.
To see the casket, they had to wait six hours. However, the grandma remarked, “If I had to, I would have stood all night.”
It surprised him how emotional it was, according to her spouse.
“Actually, it was extremely sad. I wasn’t expecting to cry, but as I was passing past St. Giles, it finally got feeling sadness to me.”