The Metropolitan Police’s new commissioner started work on Monday facing the challenge of masterminding the biggest operation in the force’s history — with 30-hour queues predicted for the Queen’s lying in state.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley was sworn in as head of the Met and embarked on the job of deploying 10,000 officers to ensure the safety and security of the huge crowds set to descend on London to pay their respects to Elizabeth II.
She will lie in state in Parliament’s Westminster Hall from Wednesday evening, with the public allowed to file past her coffin 24 hours a day until her funeral next Monday.
With up to one million people wanting to take part in history, the Cabinet Office is preparing for the “very real possibility” that London will become “full” for the first time.
Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan today warned Tory MPs of the huge number of mourners expected to descend on the city for the four-and-a-half day vigil. She told them in a WhatsApp group: “Queues could be up to 30 hours.”
Sir Mark, below, took his oath and swore allegiance to His Majesty the King at an early morning ceremony and paid tribute to the late Queen.
He said: “I join the nation in sorrow at the death of Her late Majesty the Queen and share my condolences with His Majesty the King and the Royal Family.”
He added: “I will lead a Met that enables Londoners and visitors from all over the world to safely pay their respects to Her late Majesty.”
All police leave is likely to be cancelled and extra officers called in from surrounding forces to help the Met cope, former Metropolitan Police commander Bob Broadhurst has predicted.
The Army, including bomb squad officers, will also be part of the security operation which has been drawn up. The plan involves 1,500 soldiers being available amid tight security as the Queen lies in state. Mourners will go through airport-style security and flowers cannot be taken into the Palace of Westminster. The advice adds that people should “respect the dignity of the event and behave appropriately”, remaining silent once inside Parliament.
The Queen’s coffin will be on a raised platform in Westminster Hall, draped in the Royal Standard with the orb and sceptre on top. Each corner of the platform will be guarded around the clock by units from the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division or Yeoman Warders.
Commissioner Rowley will be working closely with Westminster council and TfL on the blueprint for the huge operation. Among those also being protected are dignitaries, including US President Joe Biden, who are heading to London for the funeral.
A police statement on security described the plans as “well rehearsed” but the sheer size of the crowds is expected to pose severe challenges for the commissioner.
