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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Sarah Vesty & Kaitlin Easton

Edinburgh 'sombre' as thousands await arrival of the Queen’s coffin

Thousands of people have already lined the streets of Edinburgh as they await t he arrival of Her Majesty the Queen’s coffin. Despite the massive crowds, which started forming from around 10am, there is a remarkably sombre mood amongst those waiting to pay their respects the the late monarch.

Hundreds of mourners, both young and old, continue to pour through the gate near the Palace of Holyroodhouse where they are being allowed to leave bouquets of flowers and other tributes for the 96-year-old.

There is a heavy police presence throughout the city with a sea of officers lining the Royal Mile and down towards the Scottish Parliament building. Several roads have been cordoned off with barriers lining the pavements while police spotters have been placed on several roofs as part of the mammoth security operation.

Several people have been spotted sitting on deck chairs in the Cannongate after bagging a prime spot to see the Royal convoy as it makes its way to Her Majesty’s official Scottish residence in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat.

Bruce and Rexie Fraser, from Northumberland, made the 100 mile journey from Northumberland to say their final goodbyes.

Rexie, 56, said: “I admire very much what the Queen has done and I think of her as a huge role model for women. The dedication, the grace and the service she’s done over the last 70 years.

Bruce and Rexie Fraser from Northumberland (David Johnstone/Daily Record)

"That’s a lot for one person to have achieved. I think of her very much as a person in herself - a role model for all women. She balanced family life, working life, state life and raised her kids while supporting her grandsons.

"I think she’s very much to be admired. I didn’t quite realise how emotional I would be here today. I just wanted to come and be part of this to say my own private goodbyes.”

Bruce, 62, added: “When we were driving up from Northumberland, people were coming in from all angles. It’s a day we were expecting but you never know when it’s going to come. At least she didn’t suffer at the end, we don't think.”

Ula Golaszewska, 17, from Glasgow, added: “We came to say thank you to the Queen for everything she’s done for our country. She’s amazing and we’re going to miss her all so much. We’ve come to say our final goodbye to her.

Ula Golzszewska and cousin Julia Parzewska, aged 2 (David Johnstone/Daily Record)

“It’s beautiful here. There’s so many flowers and pictures. It’s really emotional.”

Tens of thousands of people have lined streets across Scotland to watch the late Queen make her final journey after the official cortege left her beloved Scottish estate shortly after 10am this morning.

Making the 175-mile journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh, Her Majesty’s coffin is expected to arrive into the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the foot of the Royal Mile around 4pm and will lie at rest in the throne room.

Viewing locations for those who wish to pay their respects to Britain's longest-reigning monarch are in Ballater, Aberdeen, Dundee and finally Edinburgh.

While the official cortege made its way to the Scottish capital, the proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III was officially read in the city.

The Lord Lyon King of Arms read the proclamation of the new King to the people of Scotland at Mercat Cross in Edinburgh following the death of the Queen.

His Majesty's State Trumpeters also sounded a fanfare on the Royal Mile.

Lord Lyon King of Arms ending by saying "God Save the King".

Politicians such as Anas Sarwar and Alex Cole-Hamilton were also in attendance at the event.

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READ MORE:

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