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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ryan Carroll

Queen's coffin leaves Scotland as RAF aircraft departs Edinburgh Airport

The Queen has left Scotland for the last ever time after the flight carrying her coffin took off from Edinburgh Airport.

Her Majesty's coffin had been on display at St Giles’ Cathedral in the capital over night as thousands queued to walk past and pay their respects. Earlier today well-wishers gathered on the Royal Mile ahead of its move from the historic building, accompanied by Princess Anne.

Many took up vantage points opposite the cathedral doors before the coffin emerged at 4.30pm. Thousands stood along the road on the short journey from the city centre to the airport as they caught a glimpse of the royal cortege passing by.

The Queen's coffin is carried onto the aircraft (PA)

Pictures showed the coffin arriving at the airport before Her Majesty was placed on a Royal Air Force C17 Globemaster, heavy lift aircraft, which sat on the tarmac.

Further images showed the flight taking off on its journey down to RAF Northolt, as the Queen left the country for the last ever time.

The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II at Edinburgh Airport (PA)

It's estimated that between 26,000-33,000 people had filed through St Giles' Cathedral where Her Majesty lay at rest for 24 hours.

Earlier today, at around 4.20pm, the King and Queen Consort departed Belfast City Airport to return to London ahead of the arrival of the Queen's coffin.

Her Majesty will now be transported home to Buckingham Palace ahead of her funeral on Monday.

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