When I visited London in June, just a few days after the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, I never imagined I would be returning so soon to report on Her Majesty’s funeral.
On the streets where crowds had celebrated her 70-year reign, hundreds of thousands of people returned to mourn the death of the much-loved monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who was often described as “like our grandma”. Her death has affected many people in a way they never expected; perhaps because so many of us viewed her as a grandmother figure.
And observing the funeral on big screens in Hyde Park, it was moving to see how many people wanted to feel close to the late Queen as she made her final journey.
I watched as many people wiped tears from their eyes and the crowd fell silent from the moment the Queen’s coffin appeared on screen.
Many mourners dressed in black or wore Union flags as a mark of respect. While some left floral tributes around trees in her memory.
One mourner even brought along a huge Paddington Bear teddy to sit with them as they watched the state funeral - a nod to the memorable Paddington sketch the Queen took part in as part of her Jubilee celebrations.
As a reporter documenting the day alongside ChronicleLive photographer, Craig Connor, there were a few moments when I stopped to reflect on the historic event. One of those moments included looking around at the sea of people watching the funeral and realising what an honour it is to have had the opportunity to be there.
Another moment was when everyone applauded the late Queen as her coffin left Westminster Abbey.
I’m honoured to have covered such an important day and grateful to those who have allowed us to learn about what today has meant to them.
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