Farmers from Scotland have lined the Queen’s ceremonial path with dozens of tractors as a sign of respect.
As the cortege travelled through the countryside of Aberdeenshire on its journey to Edinburgh, the guard of honour lined both sides of the road.
In a black Mercedes Benz, the Queen’s coffin departed Balmoral this morning to begin the six-hour trip to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the monarch’s official Scottish home.
On the first stage of the route from Balmoral to Aberdeen, a lone motorcycle outrider led a parade of six cars as they passed the row of colourful agricultural trucks at a sedate speed.
As the Queen’s coffin went past while being covered in the Royal Standard of Scotland and with a wreath of white flowers, several people lifted their front loaders in tribute.
A social media user said it was a “really suitable homage for a greatly liked Queen” in response to comments on how nice the gesture was.
An another commenter said: “Simple remarks from average folks, so sincere and patriotic.”
People queued up to show their homage farther along in Peterculter while mounted, which was fitting because Queen Elizabeth loved to ride.
Six of the gamekeepers from the Balmoral estate were given the opportunity to say their last goodbyes before carrying the Queen’s oak casket to a hearse this morning.
Following closely behind in a state Bentley were Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence as the casket started its 170-mile trip to Edinburgh.
As the Queen’s coffin was gently driven through Ballater, the community nearest to the Balmoral estate where many residents thought of her as a neighbour, hundreds lined the main roadway.
The Queen and her family were often seen in the village on her favourite island, Royal Deeside, where they had vacationed ever since she was a little girl and where they are given freedom to be themselves.
In honour of the Queen, several businesses in the charming Victorian hamlet put portraits of her in their storefront windows.
The Rev. Davi Barr had rang the church bells 70 times after she was declared dead as the funeral passed Glenmuick Church.
The funeral procession moved through the community in perfect quiet.
As the hearse slowly passed, well-wishers who had waited patiently for the chance to show their respect lowered their heads and saluted.
Margaret MacKenzie, an Inverness resident, said afterwards: “It was really dignified.”
It was encouraging to see how many people were out to show support and pay their respects.
Aberdeen native Elizabeth Taylor was in tears as she processed what she had just witnessed.
It was quite emotional, she remarked. It was courteous and conveyed their feelings for the Queen.
She undoubtedly served our nation, even in the few days before her passing.
She meant a lot to people in this region, according to Victoria Pacheco, the manager of the guest home.
People were sobbing, which was incredible to see.
She said that as word of the Queen’s passing last week spread, visitors were overtaken.
Aberdeen native Elizabeth Taylor was in tears as she processed what she had just witnessed.
It was quite emotional, she remarked. It was courteous and conveyed their feelings for the Queen.
Even a few days before she passed away, “she undoubtedly served our nation.”
Starting around 7 a.m., young families started congregating in the town.
In the roadway beside Glenmuick Church, care assistant Elaine Reid stood with her boys Innis, 11, and Darragh, 16, covered in a tartan blanket.
In order for her children to remember the Queen, she said she was pleased to wake up early and make the hour-long trip from her family home in Buckie.
‘We came here today to pay our respects since the Queen has spent her whole life serving our nation,’ Elaine, 40, told MailOnline. So, the least we could do is this.
“And I wanted the kids to be here so they could remember this day and be able to tell their kids they came to say farewell to the Queen,” the speaker said.
The Queen’s coffin is expected to arrive at the ancient Palace of Holyroodhouse at approximately 4 p.m. after travelling via Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, and Fife.
Many people travelled through the night to obtain a seat nearby.
As authorities were ready for an extraordinary rush of guests, a large security operation started in the capital of Scotland.
Officers were brought in from all across Scotland this morning, and they started setting up along the city’s renowned Royal Mile, which connects the palace to Edinburgh Castle.
Residents have been informed to anticipate “severe inconvenience” as a number of important routes in the city have been shut down to provide access for the brave and security personnel.
The casket of Her Majesty will be kept in St. Giles’ Cathedral for 24 hours, and mourners may visit to pay their respects. A procession will go across the Royal Mile on Monday.
According to officials, there will be a queueing system and security checks. Mourners should plan on spending many hours in line. There will be restrictions on mobile phone usage, and recording and photographing will be outright forbidden.
In accordance with the custom known as the Vigil of the Princes, members of the Royal Family, including King Charles III, will guard the coffin while it lays in state starting at 7:20 p.m. on Monday.
Beginning on Wednesday, Brits may pay their respects to the Queen at Westminster Hall in London. The monarch will lay in state in Westminster Hall for “four clear days” until the morning of her burial on September 19.