Even though they won’t let customers skip the line, mourners who attended the Queen’s lying-in-state have been selling their secondhand wristbands for as much as £350.
Even though eBay only opened two days ago, over a dozen individuals have already posted the paper bands there, some of whom claim that a portion of the proceeds would be donated to charity.
People who are joining the line have been handed coloured wristbands to designate their location in the historically lengthy line so they may go for a drink or to use the restroom and then come back.
However, it seems that some mourners have taken advantage of the system by selling the wristbands, some of which have been marked as “new.”
An orange bracelet featuring the Royal coat of arms and the acronym LISQ has been placed for sale online for £350 in “new” condition.
Since Wednesday, the closed casket of the late Sovereign has been available for viewing in Westminster Hall of the Houses of Parliament by British citizens wanting to pay their respects.
It has been possible to visit the Queen’s laying in state at any time, and you may do so until 6.30 am on September 19, the day of her burial.
Even today, there was a record-breaking turnout, and now there is a line to view the Queen lie in state when mourners learned that the “Elizabeth line,” which had been a five-mile journey and a 14-hour wait, would be closed for at least six hours.
The paper band says in small text that it is absolutely non-transferable and does not guarantee entrance.
However, the vendor claimed it was “brand new” and “never used” in the description.
A second vendor is asking £100 for a bracelet that looks identical, while a third is asking £122 for a yellow band and a bundle of commemorative newspapers.
A fourth vendor has listed their torn green band for £100 on the website.
The item’s description read: “Orange wristband from the first 24 hours of the Queen lying-in-state in Westminster Hall, previously used or worn.”
The initial bearer of this bracelet was allowed admission to the palace to pay homage to Queen Elizabeth.
“This is an item from the past.” If you didn’t have the opportunity to come personally, this is your chance to own a little but significant piece of history.
‘The line to pay homage to the Queen Lying-In-State may be the longest in all of London. After starting the line, it took around 7-8 hours to eventually pay tribute to the late Queen.
Although they said that they would be pleased to ship the item overseas, the vendor made it clear that it was being offered as “historical memorabilia exclusively.”
They emphasised that 50% of the net proceeds would be given to The British Red Cross, whose longest-serving patron was Queen Elizabeth.
Another individual is attempting to sell their soiled orange wristband for the somewhat less expensive sum of £82.
While the cheapest band available right now is advertised on the website and is available for £10.
To honour the Queen’s love of animals, the vendor agreed to contribute 20% of the sale price to The Dogs Trust.
People wait in line this morning while standing in front of the City of London’s skyscrapers.
You will be handed a coloured and numbered wristband when you get to the rear of the line, according to government-issued official instructions.
‘Please note that having a wristband does not ensure your access to the lying-in-state. This is only a record of when you entered the line.
The wristbands are unique to each individual who joins the line and are categorically non-transferable. This bracelet must be worn at all times since it will be scrutinised along the way.
Your wristband also enables you to briefly leave the line to use the restroom or acquire refreshments before returning to your spot in the line.