Thousands pay respects as Queen Elizabeth II's coffin lies in state

Queen Elizabeth's coffin draped in the Royal Standard is now lying in state in London's Westminster Hall where it will remain for four days until her funeral on September 19, the Royal Family said.

The queen's coffin was taken to Westminster Hall in a solemn procession. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to pay their respects during the four days. Borne on a gun carriage and accompanied by the boom of artillery cannons and the tolling of Big Ben's bell, the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II was transported on September 14 from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster.

King Charles III, in full dress uniform and carrying a field marshal's baton, walked behind the coffin, joined by his sister, Princess Anne, and their two brothers, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. His elder son and heir, Prince William, newly named as the Prince of Wales, walked behind him, next to his brother, Prince Harry.

The funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey on September 19 and there will be a committal service in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Thereafter, Queen Elizabeth II will be buried in the castle's King George VI Memorial Chapel.

The Queen was born on April 21, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. She was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York - who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

(ANI)