Queen's funeral set to attract two million in London as UK says final goodbye today
19.09.2022 - 07:55
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
More than two million people are expected to pour into London for the Queen’s funeral. The crowds are forecast to be double those who turned out for Princess Diana in 1997.
It is expected to be the highest-attended event in UK history as well as television’s most viewed. More than 500 foreign dignitaries will pay their respects – kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers from almost every nation.
President Joe Biden and his wife have been given a dispensation to travel in his armoured Cadillac, known as the Beast. The less fortunate will travel by special bus. Other guests will include Olena Zelenska, wife of President Zelensky of Ukraine, President Macron of France and King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan arrived at Claridge’s hotel with a mountain of luggage including five cabin trunks. Killing Eve actress Sandra Oh will attend as part of a Canadian delegation led by PM Justin Trudeau.
Also among the 2000 congregation will be nearly 200 everyday heroes – volunteers, charity workers, NHS staff and service veterans. Worldwide, more than four billion are expected to watch on TV. It will be the UK’s biggest security operation with more than 15,000 police on duty. They will include divers, dog-handlers, mounted cops, motorcycle outriders and firearms officers.
Undercover SAS soldiers will be there, with special forces prepared to seal off the capital in the event of a major incident. An air exclusion zone will also be established.
More than 4000 military personnel will be involved in the procession although the chief of the defence staff told BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that the overall total will be much higher.
Sir Tony Radakin said more than 10,000 personnel are