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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Kaitlin Easton

Queen's coffin arrives in Edinburgh after final journey from Balmoral

The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II has arrived in Edinburgh City Centre after a six-hour journey from Balmoral.

The hearse carrying Her Majesty's coffin, followed by The Princess Royal and her husband Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, passed thousands of people on the Queen's route to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Members of the public lined the city's Royal Mile and some applauded as a sombre silence fell over crowds, who stood behind barriers erected on the street.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Crowds watch the cortege carrying the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II by Mercat Cross on September 11, 2022 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Bruton Street, Mayfair, London on 21 April 1926. She married Prince Philip in 1947 and ascended the throne of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth on 6 February 1952 after the death of her Father, King George VI. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. (Photo by Ian Forsyth - WPA Pool/Getty Images) (2022 Getty Images)
Thousands clap as the funeral cortege passes by (SWNS)

Mourners young and old began to gather in the Scottish capital around 10am ahead of the anticipated arrival. Many queued at the gates near the Palace of Holyroodhouse to leave bouquets of flowers and other tributes for the monarch.

A sea of officers were present in the area as a heavy police presence was felt throughout the city, from the Royal Mile towards the Scottish Parliament building. Several roads were cordoned off with barriers while police spotters waited on building roofs during the mammoth security operation.

Members of the public in Edinburgh (PA)

Speaking to the Record earlier today, Bruce and Rexie Fraser, from Northumberland, said they made a 100 mile journey from Northumberland to say their final goodbyes.

Rexie, 56, said: “I admire very much what the Queen has done and I think of her as a huge role model for women. The dedication, the grace and the service she’s done over the last 70 years.

"That’s a lot for one person to have achieved. I think of her very much as a person in herself - a role model for all women. She balanced family life, working life, state life and raised her kids while supporting her grandsons.

"I think she’s very much to be admired. I didn’t quite realise how emotional I would be here today. I just wanted to come and be part of this to say my own private goodbyes.”

Bruce and Rexie Fraser from Northumberland (David Johnstone/Daily Record)

Bruce, 62, added: “When we were driving up from Northumberland, people were coming in from all angles. It’s a day we were expecting but you never know when it’s going to come. At least she didn’t suffer at the end, we don't think.”

Her Majesty's coffin will lie at rest in the throne room of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Mourners wishing to pay their respects to the late Queen will be able to view her coffin from 5pm on Monday, September 12, it has been confirmed.

A queuing system will be in place with security checks and restrictions on mobile phones will apply. Photography and recording is strictly prohibited.

The coffin carrying Queen Elizabeth II is seen leaving Balmoral Castle (2022 Samir Hussein/Getty)

Officials say weather conditions may be challenging and members of the public who wish to pay their respects should expect to be standing for a number of hours due to anticipated demand.

The official cortege left Balmoral around 10am on Sunday morning and made the long journey to Edinburgh, passing through other cities on the way.

Mourners were dressed in black as the procession made its way through Ballater shortly after departing the Queen's beloved Scottish estate.

The procession continued through Aberdeenshire, passing Banchory and Aboyne, before making travelling to awaiting crowds in Aberdeen.

Thousands lined the streets of Dundee while the official cortege travelled along the A90 road before journeying to Perth, and finally Edinburgh.

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