As hundreds of locals and tourists gathered in Edinburgh to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II on Friday, the city's police officers and security teams prepared for the biggest week of their life.
With the Monarch passing at her Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, it now means that her body will travel to Edinburgh in the coming days in a special ceremony where she will be taken from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles' Cathedral. It is thought that the Queen will lie in state for 24 hours before being taken back to London.
On Friday morning, September 9, dozens of police officers began to close streets in the city centre and ensure public safety while hundreds took the opportunity to lay flowers, notes and candles as a mark of respect for the 96-year-old. As the garden was open for tributes, officers with sniffer dogs were patrolling the surroundings throughout the morning and early afternoon.
READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth II has died LIVE: Body of monarch to be moved to Edinburgh
Although timings for the event on Monday are yet to be officially announced, hundreds of Edinburgh locals are expected to flock to Canongate and the Royal Mile as a piece of history unfolds in front of their eyes in what will no doubt be the city's largest and most meaningful event to date.
Surrounding the grounds of Holyrood and the Scottish Parliament building, armed officers were deployed on Friday morning as multiple 4x4s and police vans patrolled the area in what is expected a massive police operation.
Scotland’s Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM issued a statement after the death of Her Majesty the Queen on Thursday. He said: “It is with great sorrow and sadness we mourn the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Her Majesty’s dedication to Scotland has been evident throughout her long reign.
“Everyone will have their own memories of Her Majesty and her loss is deeply felt. As Chief Constable, I offer the condolences, affection and support of policing in Scotland to His Majesty The King and all of the Royal Family at this sad time.
“Police Scotland will work with partners to ensure all ceremonial and memorial events take place safely and with dignity.”
Uniformed officers were also stationed every few hundred metres, alongside G4 Security workers who were guiding members of the public and advising on alternative travel routes. Outside the north entrance to the palace, five police vans were parked ready for the scenario that will develop in the coming days with many more expected to be drafted in on Monday.
Groundsmen had started trimming the garden in which people had lay flowers at 8am on Friday as tradesmen also started work on preparing for the events that will follow the weekend. Although it is currently is any specific stands will be erected, multiple vans containing metal barriers and poles were on standby as more and more people gathered at Holyrood.
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