Mourners across Greater Manchester have stopped to pay their respects for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
On the day of her state funeral, shops, motorways, and workplaces have closed to bring the city-region to a standstill on what is a momentous occasion for the nation. The Manchester Evening News has reporters out across Greater Manchester capturing the mood of mourners.
Throughout the area, residents have been shown an outpouring of grief for their beloved monarch, M.E.N. staffers have found. Before the state funeral formally begins, here is the mood of the region.
READ MORE: Queen's funeral LIVE as nation comes to a standstill for state funeral of Elizabeth II
Chris Slater, stationed at the Queen’s Arms in Audenshaw, said: “The pub isn’t even open yet but already a couple have pulled up in their car to have their picture taken with it.
“My daughter lives in Ireland and I wanted to send her some pictures,” the woman said. “I can’t get over it. It’s unbelievable.”
Stephen Topping is watching proceedings in Manchester Cathedral. Mourners began to arrive at 8am, he said, and are ‘fixed’ to the large television screen. He added: “There is silence in Manchester Cathedral and eyes are fixed to the screens as the Queen’s funeral procession takes place.”
Nearby is Louisa Gregson, also watching the day on a big screen in Manchester city centre. She’s in a damp Exchange Square, where mourners have flocked from around the world.
She explained: “People from Hong Kong and Australia have joined the crowd at Exchange Square to see the funeral of The Queen. They say despite her being The Queen of England she means a lot to them too.”
Also outside is Lyell Tweed, in Cathedral Gardens. He has found that despite ‘miserable’ weather, families have turned out to show their respects. He added: “Silence now as the procession begins.”
Further afield is Nicole Wootton-Cane, in The Dell care home in Gorton. While residents are gathering to watch a historic event — the second monarch’s funeral which some will have witnessed — one man, called Joe, summarised the mood.
He said: “She was the greatest Queen you could have ever had.” Other residents reflected: “It’s a sad day.”
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Queen's funeral LIVE as nation comes to a standstill for state funeral of Elizabeth II
