# Breaking - The Queen is unwell (has died): 8 Sep 2022 **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** breaking-news\ **Created:** [September 8, 2022, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212 "2022-09-08T11:49:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 29
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2022, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/561 "2022-09-14T17:54:25Z")
> [@mbh](#): > > I wonder if the soldiers rehearsed a bit, before the ceremony, to make sure that everybody would remain in lockstep when they had to make a turn. I think you’ll find there’s been a heck of a lot of rehearsal over the last few days. These things aren’t improvised at the last moment ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2022, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/562 "2022-09-14T17:58:31Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Wow, that’s more elaborate than I imagined. I figured they rehearsed privately, back at their barracks. That video showed them actually marching down public streets. There’s been a dress rehearsal for Her Majesty’s funeral every year since she turned 80. As amusing as it is to imagine Prince Charles personally attending the rehearsals they probably used a stand-in. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2022, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/563 "2022-09-14T23:56:36Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > Gosh, I’m watching the live feed of the lying in and it’s surprisingly emotional - something about the silence - I thought they’d cut the sound feed, but I can now hear soldier’s feet as they change the guard. [Youtube feed here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vMlnIf47TY). Is there a reason the honor guard changes every 20 minutes? With so many people wanting to pass through, that slows things up a bit. I assume there is a reason since it wouldn’t be difficult to stand there for that length of time. Though one guard did faint several minutes ago so maybe it’s stressful. They cut the live feed to deal with it. The poor man must be mortified. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/564 "2022-09-15T00:06:56Z")
It is hard to stand still for a lengthy period of time, in a single pose. Not unusual to have regular relief. ---
**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/565 "2022-09-15T00:13:35Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > This is very moving to watch. Many in black. Most everyone briefly bowing their heads. Many making the sign of the cross. Some whispering, “Thank you.” Yes, surprisingly moving. Some are making the Orthodox sign of the cross, a few women are curtsying, and one older man with a long white beard (a Sikh, I think, from his turban) prostrated himself flat on the floor. I was in London 3 weeks ago and noticed that it’s a very multicultural city, which the queue does reflect. It must be chilly there too, people are in jackets and coats, weather site says 59 F/ 15C And the Queue Tracker feed says that the line is 2.4 miles long. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/566 "2022-09-15T00:20:02Z")
How long are people in line? ---
**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/567 "2022-09-15T00:42:30Z")
According to Google Maps that walk (now up to 2.9 miles long) should take 59 minutes at a normal walking pace. Slowing down the speed and adding on the stops for the changing of the guard, I would guesstimate 3 hours to get from the end of the line to Westminster Hall? ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/568 "2022-09-15T01:03:30Z")
I was a pall bearer for my great aunt. I was honored to be asked, and it was nice to be able to do a final service for her. I was shocked at how light the coffin was, or at least, my share of the coffin. But her coffin was just pine, no lead. ---
**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/569 "2022-09-15T01:27:53Z")
From [Her Majesty The Queen's Lying-in-State at the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) - GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/attending-ceremonial-events-for-the-lying-in-state-and-the-state-funeral-of-her-majesty-the-queen/her-majesty-the-queens-lying-in-state-at-the-palace-of-westminster-houses-of-parliament) If you wish to attend the Lying-in-State in person, please note that there will be a queue, which is expected to be very long. You will need to stand for many hours, possibly overnight, with very little opportunity to sit down as the queue will be continuously moving. . . . . When you reach the back of the queue, you will be given a coloured and numbered wristband. This is a record of when you joined the queue, however please note that having a wristband does not guarantee your entry to the Lying-in-State. Wristbands are specific to each person joining the queue, and are strictly non-transferable. You must keep this wristband on at all times as it will be checked along the route. Your wristband also allows you to leave the queue for a short period to use a toilet or get refreshments, then return to your place in the queue. Public toilets, drinking water and first aid stations are available at designated locations along the queue route. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/570 "2022-09-15T01:52:09Z")
> [@JRDelirious](#): > > Eh, both RR and Bentley are now German owned anyway. MG and Rover are Chinese owned. The ones who stayed “in the Family” as it were are Indian-owned Jaguar. Not quite. You’re correct that Jaguar is Indian-owned (by Tata Motors) but so is Rover. They’re both part of [Jaguar Land Rover](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_Land_Rover). ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/571 "2022-09-15T01:54:13Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > It is hard to stand still for a lengthy period of time, in a single pose. Not unusual to have regular relief. One of the “Beefeater”-garbed men earlier this afternoon was sort of hunched over and leaning heavily on his staff. Probably counting the minutes til his relief came. * * * * * * Usually when you see large groups of people on TV they are protesting/demonstrating, or celebrating (sports events, Mardi Gras)-- they’re active, loud, and boisterous. To see hundreds of people, moving silently in a line, hour after hour, each (or most) making an intentional gesture of respect, affection, or reverence toward the Queen’s coffin-- it’s heartening to watch. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/572 "2022-09-15T02:02:13Z")
So if the guard is changed every twenty minutes, how long is it before the same guard has to return? After only one twenty-minute rest break? Or is the break longer? ---
**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/573 "2022-09-15T02:19:29Z")
There are only 32 Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) so they must be quite busy, whatever shift rotation they’re doing. [Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London | Tower of London | Historic Royal Palaces](https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/history-and-stories/yeoman-warders-at-the-tower-of-london/) Maybe they’ve brought in some of their retirees to supplement their numbers. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/574 "2022-09-15T02:21:16Z")
Many details here: > **[Who are the bodyguards standing vigil around the Queen's coffin? | ITV News](https://www.itv.com/news/2022-09-14/who-are-the-bodyguards-standing-vigil-around-the-queens-coffin)** > > The historic guards will keep vigil around Her Majesty 24-hours a day, in six-hour shifts. | ITV National News > The continuous 24-hour vigil will be broken into four six-hour shifts. > > These shifts will rotate, with the guards standing vigil switching places every 20 minutes. But this link tells you **everything**. * * * * * * The queue is currently 2 miles long. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/9NpZuGxSgZY/maxresdefault.jpg "Her Majesty The Queen's Lying-in-State | Queue Tracker") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NpZuGxSgZY) ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/575 "2022-09-15T03:01:06Z")
Yes. Royal funerals are rehearsed constantly. It’s why they were able to put up one on such short notice for Diana. Interesting titbit, the US also rehearses funerals for Presidents and there was one rehearsal a day before Kennedy was assassinated, something that has been used as “proof” of a government conspiracy. They were in fact doing it in anticipation of the death of a rather aged ex President (Truman maybe). > [@Acsenray](#): > > Yep. He doesn’t have a spouse. Not since 1996. She has also been made _persona non grata_ for the family since the mid 2000’s. She _ **was at** _ Diana and the QM funeral. ---
**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/576 "2022-09-15T03:10:33Z")
> [@gkster](#): > > According to Google Maps that walk (now up to 2.9 miles long) should take 59 minutes at a normal walking pace. Slowing down the speed and adding on the stops for the changing of the guard, I would guesstimate 3 hours to get from the end of the line to Westminster Hall? OK, I made a wildly over-optimistic guesstimate above. According to this post on the BBC site, “I joined the back of the queue near Southwark Bridge at 21:00 local time on Wednesday. . . . By 23:15 we passed the National Theatre and beneath Hungerford Bridge . . . . As we approach Westminster Bridge, the queue stops, but we’re told we’re now just a couple of hours away from Westminster Hall. By 01:30 on Thursday we’ve crossed Westminster Bridge and the mood is more reflective.” So 4 hours 30 minutes after getting in the queue they’re around an hour away from the Hall and haven’t even been through security yet. [https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-62897146?ns\_mchannel=social&ns\_source=twitter&ns\_campaign=bbc\_live&ns\_linkname=63226342b93e504e258c7eb3%26’Saying%20farewell%20to%20that%20whole%20generation’%262022-09-15T00%3A36%3A00.271Z&ns\_fee=0&pinned\_post\_locator=urn:asset:a9875072-d78a-4eea-94dd-7171ed297993&pinned\_post\_asset\_id=63226342b93e504e258c7eb3&pinned\_post\_type=share](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-62897146?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=63226342b93e504e258c7eb3%26%27Saying%20farewell%20to%20that%20whole%20generation%27%262022-09-15T00%3A36%3A00.271Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:a9875072-d78a-4eea-94dd-7171ed297993&pinned_post_asset_id=63226342b93e504e258c7eb3&pinned_post_type=share) ---
**Author:** ![APB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e8cbc/32.png) [@APB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/APB)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 8:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/577 "2022-09-15T08:33:14Z")
> [@gkster](#): > > There are only 32 Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) so they must be quite busy, whatever shift rotation they’re doing. [https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/history-and-stories/yeoman-warders-at-the-tower-of-london/](https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/history-and-stories/yeoman-warders-at-the-tower-of-london/) > Maybe they’ve brought in some of their retirees to supplement their numbers. Not quite. They are the Yeomen of the Guard, who are different from the Yeoman Warders, and there are 76 of them. [Yeomen of the Guard | The Royal Family](https://www.royal.uk/yeomen-guard) ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/578 "2022-09-15T09:53:38Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > It was impressive watching the procession this morning. Nobody else can put on a ceremony like the British do. I felt bad for the guys carrying the casket on their shoulders, that’s got to get uncomfortable after a few minutes. Yes, that’s why the coffin went most of the way on a gun carriage as opposed to be carried the entire way. I’m sure the pallbearers are glad that the late queen was a tiny woman, as the burden is heavy enough as it is. > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Based on what I saw in a movie once, that’s the British way pallbearers carry the coffin, which is, I think, different from the American approach, which is to grab the handles or grab bar on the side of the coffin and to hold it at waist level. The British method looks quite secure, far less likely for the coffin to be dropped. There is the drawback of needing to lift it to shoulder height in the first place, but using platforms that are already that level seems to mitigate most of the problem that poses. > [@BobLibDem](#): > > I’m sure you’re right but still I got a little nervous with that crown looking so precarious on that pillow on top of the casket. I get nervous thinking of the value of the crown as a material object just sitting out in the open air. Sure, there are guards around, but still… Of course, the crown is actually _used_ in various ceremonies, it’s just a museum piece. That’s one hell of a piece of bling. > [@mbh](#): > > I was a pallbearer for my 90±year-old grandmother. With the weight split between 8 pallbearers, it wasn’t really very heavy. But it was a bit awkward. I wonder if the soldiers rehearsed a bit, before the ceremony, to make sure that everybody would remain in lockstep when they had to make a turn. I am positive there was a crapload of rehearsal for that role. > [@SanVito](#): > > It seems there’s a fair few differences, including with the coffins. We tend to have ones that narrow towards the head, whereas from what I’ve seen on TV, US coffins tend to be rectangle (and sometimes with a half lid you can lift for open casket viewings). I think Americans at some point became weirded out by coffins that are too suggestive of the human form. Caskets - as opposed to coffins - are just box-shaped. > [@aurora\_maire](#): > > Is there a reason the honor guard changes every 20 minutes? With so many people wanting to pass through, that slows things up a bit. I assume there is a reason since it wouldn’t be difficult to stand there for that length of time. Though one guard did faint several minutes ago so maybe it’s stressful. They cut the live feed to deal with it. The poor man must be mortified I suspect it has to do with the stress of the duty, which likely is emotional as well as physical. Some UK folks I know from another board were actually taking bets on when the first guard would pass out, and how many, so apparently this is a known risk for these events. Actually, standing perfectly still in one spot is harder than walking around. It doesn’t make sense if you haven’t done it, but once you’ve attempted you understand that standing that still is not at all natural for a human being. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/579 "2022-09-15T12:19:13Z")
[One of the guards passed out.](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/guard-collapses-next-to-queens-coffin-during-livestream-of-lying-in-state_n_6322dbd4e4b027aa40629da9) Poor fellow, hope he’s ok. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212/580 "2022-09-15T12:51:16Z")
I’m still watching the public file past the Queen’s coffin… It’s mesmerizing. Most of these people have stood in line for many hours. It’s 1:44 PM there now. I can’t find a solid estimate of how many people have passed by, but one article said more than 30,000 so far. The old soldiers really get to me. White-haired gentlemen, clearly well into their 80s, rows of medals on their dark suits. Some on walkers. One on a mobility scooter. They stop, turn toward the raised bier, and execute a sharp salute. As an Air Force brat and an Army widow, a snappy salute always goes straight to my heart. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212.md?page=28) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-the-queen-is-unwell-has-died-8-sep-2022/971212.md?page=30)