Officials expect queues to see the Queen’s lying in state could last 12 hours and stretch for miles as rail firms warn trains will be “extremely busy”.
Whitehall chiefs in charge of logistics for the historic five-night vigil have estimated mourner numbers could be close to that which turned up to view Pope John Paul II, according to The Sun. A million mourners filed past the late pope when he lay in state in Rome in 2005.
While Westminster Hall will be open 24 hours a day for four days for crowds to view the Queen’s coffin, “insiders” reportedly told the paper people may have to wait up to 12 hours in a three-mile-long queue. The Rail Delivery Group has meanwhile warned those wanting to travel to Westminster Hall to expect services to London and all of its stations to be “extremely busy”.
The rail operator’s customer information director told the BBC people needed to plan carefully and allow plenty of time if planning to travel during the official mourning period. Transport for London also warned that roads and public transport in central London will be very busy and has advised travellers to allow “plenty of extra time” for their journeys and to avoid driving where possible.
Andy Byford, London’s Transport Commissioner, told the national broadcaster: “We are working with our partners to keep our city moving smoothly and to ensure that everyone who is planning to attend the memorial events can do so safely.”
Hotels in London have seen an increase in bookings ahead of the Queen lying in state and her funeral. Travelodge, which has nearly 80 hotels in the city, confirmed that it had seen an increase in demand for rooms.
A spokesperson said: “As one of London’s largest hotel chains, we are seeing a surge in London bookings from all corners of the UK. Our teams across our 78 London-based Travelodge hotels are working around the clock and gearing up for a busy period in the lead up to the Queen’s state funeral.”
It is not only large chains which have been affected, as smaller establishments in London have also noticed a difference. A staff member from The Bridge Hotel in Southwark, which is less than half an hour’s walk from Westminster Hall, said: “We have been getting busier since they announced the dates. We will have more people here next week.”
Richard Gandy, owner of the London Waterloo Hostel – which is less than a mile from Westminster Hall, said that the number of bookings had gone up by 30%. He said: “We’ve seen quite a big increase in bookings. I know for sure that people are coming down for the lying in state.
“It’s probably an increase of about 30%. Friday and Saturday were full anyway, even before she passed away, and we’ve received more bookings for Wednesday and Thursday.”
With the funeral taking place next Monday, Mr Gandy also predicted that the hostel would be booked out: “We’ve not received a lot more bookings for Sunday night yet but I’m sure we will. We expect to be fully booked, much like everywhere else.”
While the Queen lies in state, her coffin will rest on a raised platform and be guarded 24 hours a day. On other occasions where a person lay in state, the coffin has been draped in a royal flag and a crown has been placed on top.
The last person to lie in state in the UK was the Queen Mother. An estimated 200,000 people visited Westminster Hall to pay their respects before her funeral on April 9, 2002.
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