As throngs converged on Buckingham Palace ahead of the Queen’s burial, police instructed royal superfans sleeping on the Mall to dismantle their tents for “security concerns.”
John Loughrey, 67, Maria Scott, 51, and Sky London, 62, had previously stated that they intended to remain for the entire 10-day period of mourning.
Mr. Loughrey stated that they had been camped there since Thursday to pay their respects to the Monarch.
However, video evidence has emerged of police instructing Mr. Loughrey that they must take down their tents, with an officer citing “security concerns”
A policewoman stated, “I understand why you guys are here, but obviously there’s a lot going on, and we cannot have tents here due to security concerns and rules.”
Therefore, I’m going to ask you to pack up everything and take down your tent.
It’s up to you where you camp, but if you camp elsewhere, you’ll likely be asked the same question again.
She continues by stating, “You can sit here, nobody will stop you from sitting here, but you cannot pitch a tent here.”
Thursday, as news of the Queen’s death spread, throngs of startled mourners gathered upon Buckingham Palace to pay their respects.
Crowds sung the national anthem, applauded, and rejoiced, while others, engrossed in personal recollections of the king, quietly sobbed.
The first of what has become a sea of floral tributes, supporters scaled the wrought iron railings outside the palace to attach bouquets to the gates.
Within hours of the announcement, the crowd swelled on the Mall, where only three months previously celebratory celebrations honored the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Royal fanatic John Loughrey wept as he paid tribute to the “inspiring” Queen, whom he had met twice.
He stated, “She was an inspiration.” She fulfilled her duties. Her responsibility always came first, followed by her family… God preserve the Queen’
Mr. Loughrey stated that, as a sign of respect, he would camp near the Palace for ten days before lighting a candle at Westminster Abbey.
Mary Johnson, a 63-year-old royalist, stated on Thursday, “At first, no one knew what to do or how to react.”
Then, a single individual began singing, and everyone around them joined in. It was the ideal response: a respectful, dignified homage performed with love.’
Annette German, 84, fought back tears as she recalled how her grandmother took her to Buckingham Palace to see the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
She stated, “I was here with my grandma for the coronation, and when I heard the news, I knew I had to come.”
“My birthday is the same as the Queen’s, and I recall hearing her speech on her 21st birthday, when she vowed to devote her life to the country.”
She did exactly that and served us her entire life.