London is now in a state of emergency, writes London-based journalist Mari Pudas.
Someone may still remember what kind of times we lived around the world a couple of years ago when the corona pandemic was raging. Safety intervals were taken care of, and mass gatherings were strictly prohibited.
Now all this is just a memory. London is a big city, but now it’s even more so as hundreds of thousands of people want to somehow attend the memorial service for the late Queen Elizabeth.
There seem to be more people on the move than a week ago, right after Elizabeth’s death.
In London, there are queues along the streets both for the bodyguards of Westminster Hall and for funerals.
The taxi driver’s expression speaks volumes, a bit like “oh please” when I ask him to drive to Westminster Abbey, that is, where everything happens. The funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey, with the undertakers across the road.
– I’ll do my best, says the taxi driver with a sigh.
So he does. The streets are closed everywhere, but an experienced driver can find a detour through the detour to the big church.
There are a lot of people. Very much. You move with the mass of people as if by yourself. And that funeral isn’t until Monday.
Helicopters are buzzing in the sky, and in addition to police and security guards, volunteers are swarming the street.
– Do you need help, madame, the volunteer asks me when I seem lost.
Funeral doors are a common thing for everyone.
Central London is packed full of people. Miia Sirén
Many have prepared to be there for several days. Miia Sirén
There are many policemen everywhere. They have faded all over Britain. A helicopter buzzes, there are snipers on the roof of the house. The funeral is Britain’s biggest security operation, but is it any wonder. All major presidents or prime ministers, up to and including the president of the United States, attend the funeral About Joe Biden from The royals of different countries also participate in the funeral, as well as the president of the republic Sauli Niinistö.
This funeral has been planned and rehearsed.
The atmosphere is different from Princess Diana’s funeral, at least for now. No one cries or seems upset.
After Diana’s death, journalists who came to the funeral were treated with downright hostility, including Finnish journalists. When Diana died, chased by the paparazzi and unexpectedly.
Elisabeth’s death was expected, even though it was sudden. Everyone is friendly and wants to share their views on the king’s room, the queen and of Charles. Indeed, Elisabet is referred to as The Queen, not Elisabet, as it is customary to say in Finland.
In addition to saying goodbye, the mood seems to be that now is the end of an era, and let a new one begin.
– Charles will certainly be a good king. And About Camilla good mate, bygone is bygone, camped for the street Tina Woods says Iltalehte.
Elizabeth’s reign lasted more than 70 years, but none of the Britons interviewed by Iltalehti are worried. Charles has been trained to be a king all his life.
– The beloved queen is dead, long live the king, seems to be what the confident British are thinking now.
The British seem to view the end of Elizabeth II’s reign as the end of an era – it’s time for a new king. PDO