London ∙ Queen Elizabeth leaves Britain today with a heavy heart. Officials estimate that at least 10 lakh people will come to London for the funeral. Since the Queen’s death, the number of travelers to London has increased exponentially. An additional 250 train services have been introduced. This is the first time since the London 2012 Olympic Games that public transport capacity has increased to this extent. Heathrow Airport canceled 100 flights to avoid noise during funeral services at Windsor Castle and Westminster Abbey.
Ceremonies are shown live in UK cinemas and on large screens set up on main city streets. The public is allowed to enter Westminster Hall until 6.30am today. The President of the United States, Joe Biden, President Draupadi Murmu and more than 100 world leaders have arrived in London for the funeral ceremony. The leaders met with King Charles yesterday.
Today is a public holiday in the UK. At 8 pm, the nation will observe a minute’s silence. At 11am the casket will be carried from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey. 1600 soldiers will travel with the 8 kilometer journey, and 10,000 policemen have been sent for security.
The final journey is via ‘The Long Walk’ which extends to the palace. The Queen was laid to rest next to her husband, Prince Philip, who died last year, in the King George VI Memorial Chapel.
English Summary: Queen Elizabeth’s funeral today
