Hundreds celebrate Queen's life in Edinburgh as mourners watch funeral on big screen
19.09.2022 - 15:59
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Hundreds of mourners who turned up to watch the Queen's funeral on a big screen in Edinburgh said the time for mourning was over - and the time for celebrating Her Majesty's life had begun.
The funeral was displayed in the beautiful setting of Holyrood Park, in the shadow of the Scottish Parliament and Arthur's Seat, on Monday morning. As people began to arrive shortly after 9am, the sun broke through the clouds as many pitched up with camping chairs and picnic blankets.
Despite the solemn occasion, there was almost a festival vibe in the capital, with ice cream vans and portaloos on site. But, as the funeral began at 11am, the crowd fell silent as mourners stayed glued to the screen.
Some sat on their own near the back, with tears in their eyes as they collected their thoughts and memories of the Queen while others were there with loved ones and children.
Susan Maxwell and her wife Karina brought the kids as they paid their respects in the capital.
Susan, 54, from Milngavie, said: "We are a big fan of the Royals. I've served in the Army and been in the police all my life - so she's been the boss. We thought it was important to come down and pay our respects and also let the kids see everything as well.
"It feels special to be here. It's really nice. I feel like the time for mourning is over and it's about celebrating her life now.
"It feels like a family member has passed away. My mum and dad were both big supporters of the Royal Family and she has just been an ever present part of our life.
"But it's brilliant to come out and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and to be with people that are feeling the same."
Karina, 42, from Edinburgh, added: "She's been a part of my life for 42 years - it does feel like she's a part of the