Such a public display is reserved for kings and queens, as well as the all-important prime ministers. In 1965, more than 320 thousand Britons said goodbye to Sir Winston Churchill in this way. The last to lie in state in Westminster Hall was the Queen Mum twenty years ago. Then 200 thousand subjects walked past the coffin. An even larger influx is expected for Elizabeth: 350 thousand or more.
The line is likely to start at Southwark Park, 3 miles from Westminster Hall and from there wind along the south bank of the Thames: past Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, Tate Modern, the National Theatre, the London Eye, Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospital and Lambeth Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace. It is assumed that the waiting time will be more than 30 hours. The physically handicapped can join later.
Wristbands for those waiting
The British are known for being able to spontaneously form a decent queue. That can still be seen at bus stops. Pushing forward is considered a social mortal sin, especially among the older generation. To make sure that people follow the unwritten rules, wristbands are handed out at the beginning of the row, just like at pop concerts. Waiters can therefore leave the line for a while to get something to eat or to go to the toilet. Stewards oversee that this is done fairly.
To find the right spot after a break, waiters are advised to befriend the neighbors in line. The hope is to create camaraderie, in the spirit of the late majesty. However, it shouldn’t be too cozy either. It is not the intention, according to the official advice, to barbecue on the road. In any case, that is difficult because the row, if all goes well, moves slowly.
It is recommended to bring reading material with you. Queuing for Beginnersfor example, a book by the historian Joe Moran about everyday life on the island, a life where patience plays an important role.