Unique, historic and incredibly moving.
That is how I would describe the current scene inside Westminster Hall. I was one of those fortunate enough to see Queen Elizabeth II lying in state at the Palace of Westminster prior to her funeral on Monday.
From the moment I entered the grand hall, you could feel the stillness. It was filled with people but it was completely silent. Her Majesty’s coffin was surrounded by four large candles and 10 Royal guards who stood static with their heads bowed.
READ MORE: Queen's lying in state updates: Mourners pay respects ahead of funeral on Monday
Her coffin rested on a raised platform in the centre of the hall and was draped in the Royal Standard flag. The Imperial State Crown, which glistened as I walked past it, had been delicately placed on top.
I was given the privilege of being able to watch from above as mourners formed two queues on either side of the coffin. They patiently waited on the stairs for their turn to slowly walk past and say a final farewell to the Queen.
The majority of them had queued for hours for the opportunity and spent around five minutes in the hall. They bowed, curtsied and made a cross across their chest with their hand as they came face to face with the UK’s longest-serving monarch.
I could tell they truly cherished every moment they spent in the same room as Queen Elizabeth. I had goosebumps as I watched visibly upset people stop near the exit and take a final look back at the Queen.
People put their arms around others, held hands and linked arms as they sobbed. Two women, one of which was wiping away tears with a tissue, looked back, held hands, and curtsied together before they left the hall.
Others bowed for a second time or took a deep breath as they exited.
I took a few moments to take in the powerful image in front of me. Tears filled my eyes as I was overwhelmed by the sombre mood.
At least half of those in the room were struggling to stop themselves from crying.
Children clutched the hands of their parents or grandparents as they moved through the hall. One woman wore a tiara on her head and had a Corgi soft toy in a pram as she passed with a young child.
Other people arrived with Union Jack flags over their shoulders and one lady was dressed in a Union Jack jumper. There was a brief break in the silence at one point when a man simply said “Pleasure to see you, ma’am.”
The changing of the guard took place three times while I was there. The clinking of the guard’s shoes, as they marched in pairs towards the Queen’s coffin, was the only noise that could be heard during the ceremony.
They remained doubled up for a few seconds before the original guards left in the same way. Everyone stood still and remained respectfully silent each time it took place.
After around 50 minutes, I left the hall feeling emotional and extremely lucky to have witnessed such an extraordinary event. I captured a precious moment in history and a memory I will never, ever forget.
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