Mourners joining the queue to see the Queen’s lying in state will be waiting around eight hours to reach Westminster Hall, likely in the early hours of Friday morning.
The line has steadily grown to roughly 4.9 miles throughout Thursday, snaking from Westminster all the way to Bermondsey Beach, but this hasn’t deterred newcomers.
Some can be seen working on devices as they wait, enjoying a hot drink or watching a digital billboard displaying photographs of Britain’s longest reigning monarch.
The Queen’s coffin continues to be guarded at all hours by units from the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.
One of the guards suddenly collapsed overnight, with nearby officials quickly rushing to his aid after he appeared to faint.
Metropolitan Police officers, volunteers and stewards are managing the queue while toilets and water fountains are provided at various points along the route.
While the King enjoyed a day away from the public eye, other members of the Royal Family have been looking at tributes and greeting mourners across the UK.
The Princess Royal travelled to Glasgow City Chambers to meet representatives of organisations for which the Queen was patron. While in the city she greeted mourners.
Meanwhile the Earl and Countess of Wessex viewed cards and floral tributes in Manchester Cathedral.
The Prince and Princess of Wales did the same outside Windsor Castle. Prince William told one mourner standing behind the Queen’s coffin reminded him of his mother’s death.
