A royal superfan who had camped out for more than 48 hours was the first of the anticipated one million mourners to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth as she sleeps in state.
Administrative assistant Vanessa Nathakumaran, 56, of Harrow, NW London, said she struggled to contain her feelings when she saw Her Majesty’s coffin.
I was trying not to weep,” she told MailOnline on Wednesday around 5 p.m., when people were permitted to begin walking past the monarch’s casket in Westminster Hall. It was quite difficult for me to offer my respects in a respectful manner.
“There were so many different feelings. Being here was a privilege, yet the atmosphere was gloomy and sombre. I will always remember that particular moment.
“It was the most special and unforgettable experience I’ve ever had. Seeing her casket and the surrounding silence made it incredibly clear to me that she had passed away.
“I bowed as I passed by, and the crown perched on the coffin caught my attention. I’m depressed and worn out.
She also attended Princess Diana’s burial in 1997, Ms. Nathakumaran added.
I camped out for two days, sleeping on a bench and in the pouring rain, but it was worth it, she added of the far lengthier wait to view the Queen’s casket. I wanted to participate in the ceremony and show my appreciation.
Annie Daley, who was among the first to witness the queen laying in state, told MailOnline on Wednesday night that she felt “sorrowful” and that the event was “shattering.”
The Crown, orb, and sceptre were all shining on the casket, she said.
“Everyone was hushed and it was quite quiet when we walked up to the casket. The Yeoman guards were like statues as I turned to look around.
We waited for days, but when it finally happened, the whole ordeal was finished in a matter of seconds. We just walked around the coffin once and down the steps.
Grace Gothard, a friend of Annie’s who had also waited since Monday, was third in the three-mile-long line to see the Queen.
“It was incredibly terrible, it reminded me of when my own mother passed away,” she added.
“Even though we had waited three days for the Queen to lie in state, I was surprised to see her. Let her soul rest in peace.
As the crowds waited to pass the Queen’s coffin when it arrived at Westminster Hall in a royal procession at 3pm, they could be heard singing hymns.
The line to view the casket, which was constructed of English wood, lined with lead, and created for the late Queen 30 years ago, stretches from London Bridge to the banks of the Thames.
After the Queen passes away on September 8 at the age of 96, crowds are anticipated to form throughout the night for the four days she will lay in state at her Balmoral residence.
For the opportunity to view the Queen at repose, up to a million people are anticipated to line up.
Government advisories include stocking up on food, finding a “bathroom buddy,” and dressing warmly as fall approaches for people facing long delays that might last more than 31 hours.