Some had only ever seen the Queen in images in the media, or on the stamps and coins they used.
Others had a personal memory of seeing or even getting to meet the monarch.
But whoever they were, Her Majesty was an intrinsic part of their lives.
And the British people were determined that she would have a fitting send-off with an adoring public witnessing her final farewell.
Across the nation, millions lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the procession, gathered in front of huge screens and huddled in front of tellies in pubs to share a communal grief and be part of Elizabeth’s last day of service.
We joined some of those mourners to witness a loving, heartfelt thank you from a grateful nation that will never forget the sovereign – and the woman – who touched their lives.
Birmingham
Gathered around the TV, surrounded by Union Flag bunting and a touching sketch of Her Majesty walking hand in hand with Paddington Bear, some mourners were in armchairs, others in wheelchairs.
The silence was absolute as some of the 59 residents of a Solihull care home watched the funeral, some clutching tissues, solemnly saying good-bye to the Queen. Then they struggled to their feet – some leaning on care staff – to sing God Save the King and welcome their new monarch.
Wiping a tear from his eye, resident Brian Bucknall summed up the feeling in the room. He said: “I’m glad I got to pay my last respects. She sure showed us what service and duty is about.”
The 83-year-old was in the Royal Artillery, joining at the age of 17, and went on to earn the Meritorious Service Medal.
“I was so proud when the Queen awarded me the medal because it is so rarely given out,” he added. Bursting into tears as he described the moment he heard that Her Majesty had died, he sobbed: “It was a shock. She was my boss for 36 years. I loved and respected her so much.”
For 70 years the Queen was patron of the Royal Star & Garter charity which has three homes across the country, providing care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia.
A cardboard cut-out of Her Majesty from their Platinum Jubilee summer celebrations takes pride of place in the entrance. Upon news of her death, the residents had congregated to have a sherry as they consoled each other over their loss.
Barbara Bale also spoke of her “tremendous admiration” for the Queen. The 96-year-old said: “I’m sure she would have preferred a quiet life in the countryside with her dogs and horses but God and duty came first. There will never be anyone like her.”
Margaret Green, 89, whose husband Hedley served in the RAF, recalls how her father bought the family a television set so they could watch the coronation at home in Olton, Solihull.
She said: “I was in my teens and it was a joyous day. I’m very sad for her family but so proud to have called her my Queen.”
Elsie Ellis, 98, who served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, said: “She had led by example – especially so in her work in the Army. I used to be a wireless mechanic, but she was a motor mechanic – at least I didn’t have to get my hands dirty as she did. And she was working right to the end.”
Aberfan
The streets were empty, the memorial garden and cemetery still. Not a sound could be heard other than the bagpipes and hymns of Westminster Abbey that gently echoed through windows.
As Last Post was sounded locals finally began to emerge on to the streets of Aberfan.
The village has been linked to Her Late Majesty since her visits after the collapse of a colliery spoil tip in October 1966 killed 144 people, including 116 children.
Gaynor Madgwick, one of the last remaining survivors, laid flowers at the memorial garden that lies at the site of Pantglas Junior School, which was engulfed that horrific day.
She was just eight when she lost her brother Carl, seven, and sister Marylyn, 10, in the tragedy.
Gaynor said: “I had to be in this garden while Last Post was playing in Westminster Abbey. I just had to capture that moment in her memory.
“I also just wanted to say goodbye to her personally. This is devastating for Aberfan, she just meant so much to us.”
Gaynor suffered two broken legs and had to learn to walk again after spending three months in hospital.
She said the Queen’s regular visits helped the village heal.
She said: “The survivors came out to a childhood life that no longer existed, instead we were catapulted into one of trauma, grief and rehabilitation.
“But the Queen allowed us to come together as a community, to flourish as a community, she provided us with that solidarity.
“Her empathy and support allowed us to build our resilience.”
Bradford
An air of solemnity pervaded Bradford as people from all backgrounds gathered at Centenary Square.
Shops and restaurants closed, the streets were eerily quiet, the only sounds coming from the giant screen in the city centre as the funeral was broadcast.
Social worker Jen Luwaji, 48, came from the outskirts of the city for the momentous occasion.
She said: “We are sharing a bit of history and will never see anything like this again in our lifetime. The Queen was a huge part of our lives.”
NHS worker Anne Kler, 64, is from Northern Ireland but was holidaying in the Lake District when the news of the monarch’s death broke. She said: “I wanted to see the funeral. I want to make a contribution as she was such a wonderful woman.”
Teshome Yeneokul, 37, said of the Queen’s reputation in his homeland Eirtrea: “She was very popular and known for being kind. I came to pay my respects to a special lady.”
Sadoo Singh said: “She visited India three times... we feel a special link with her.”
Dr Zulfiqar Ali recalled his uncle telling proudly of when he presented the Queen with a box of Asian mitthai sweets.
He said: “Her eyes lit up when she saw the box.”
