'In loving memory, Lilibet'

2002-04-05 15:55

London - A message from the Queen to her mother has brought a human touch to the grandest funeral Britain has seen in 50 years.

A card on the Queen Mother's coffin read simply: "In loving memory, Lilibet."

Thousands of people lined the streets to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother as her coffin was taken on a horse-drawn gun carriage through central London.

The cortege, almost a kilometre long, set off from St James's Palace to the sound of sombre military music and a canon in Green Park, firing every minute.

The procession arrived at Westminster Hall at midday. The Queen Mother's coffin will lie in state until Tuesday's funeral giving mourners three-and-a-half days to pay their respects.

Grandsons

Fourteen members of the Royal Family walked behind the coffin on its 28-minute journey, including Princes William and Harry, the Queen Mother's four male grandchildren - Princes Charles, Andrew and Edward as well as Viscount Linley.

In a break with royal tradition, the Princess Royal, Princess Anne also walked with them.

The teenage princes, bare-headed and dressed in morning suits, were in contrast to other family members in their military uniforms.

The young princes were taking part in the second royal funeral procession of their short lives. In 1997, they followed the coffin of their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

Applause

Crowds lining the streets burst into spontaneous applause for the Queen as she, the Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the Royal Family made their way back from Westminster Hall.

The Queen was waiting at Westminster Hall to greet her mother's cortege and left after paying her respects.

Because of the queues, opening hours have been extended at Westminster Hall. The hall was due to close at 18:00, but will now stay open for at least another two hours. It is due to open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 08:00.

- Email Feed