Are the police officers and ushers on the same 15 minutes schedule as the guards? I never see them being changed out, but that may be a trick of camera work. While I’m on that thought, I wonder how long a shift the camera men and producers are working? I would guess much longer than 15 minutes since they’re used to longer events and aren’t required to stand completely still.
The police and ushers are able to walk around, so their shifts aren’t as exhausting as the guards.
I read somewhere that people have been asked to stop leaving Paddington bears and marmalade sandwiches at the different sites. I’m all for that. Flowers are fine but I hate to think of all the stuffed bears that will end up in a landfill along with rotten sandwiches.
I’ve seen the police changing. The replacement just walks up and stands behind the one s/he’s relieving. Not as dramatic as when the guards change.
Okay, we’re back. New candles. A bit longer break tonight than last night. Over 45 minutes.
I believe they are given to hospitals, police, firemen to give to children in emergencies.
So if I’m calculating correctly, there are only about 12-13 hours left to join The Queue ™. I expect they’ll close it around 17:30-18:30 BST since they’ve stated they’ll close it in time to ensure everyone in line gets in.
Does anyone know how long each candle burns? Twelve hours, maybe?
Also, the guy who rushed the casket – I wonder if he was trying to grab the crown?
According to the program guide for the streaming service I use, BBC America will indeed be carrying the state funeral from midnight to 09:00 PDT.
just wow
Is there an article to go with this or is it just a headline?
(I just got here.) New guards in much fancier uniforms. One with a shiny metallic breastplate. Is there someplace to go to find out more about who is standing guard? (I feel like I should already know this.)
It is a series of 44 captioned pictures, taken and written by a gentleman who was in line with his sister. Her husband was on the guard rotation at Westminster.
Here is the original article, which is a scrolling list rather than a slideshow
Looks like archers, gentlemen at arms, and yeomen today.
Thanks!
Oh my… that is well worth scrolling through. It answered some questions I had about the process, especially security right before entering.
This–stirring…
Westminster Hall’s atmosphere was undoubtedly the most emotionally charged experience I have ever had. Nothing in my life compared to the intensity of feeling that virtually every person in the hall could sense.
And this–holy cow!
The occasion had added significance for my sister and me as her husband, an officer in the Household Cavalry regiment of the British Army, was on duty guarding the coffin.
Very moving account. Thanks to both who posted.
That large bit of time, where the line paused, he mentioned in the article must have been the housekeeping bit.
They just gave us a new perspective, looking down the hall to the way out.
Also one woman has a large Union Jack hair bow! Just lovely.
Today’s camera person is good giving out new views and close ups.
Looks like the foreign dignitaries are arriving.
President and dr Biden are in the hall.
This explains how they get around the issue of overcrowding the funeral service with foreign leaders. There are other opportunities for foreign dignitaries to pay respects aside from funeral attendance.
I think a lot of this involves a shared experience as much as mourning a deceased person.
Also answers some questions I had about security.