Black Rod was left fighting back tears as she was the last person to see the Queen lying in state after the service was closed to the public. People have been queuing around the clock to pay their respects to Her Majesty, but the service had to come to a close as preparations for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II began.
Black Rod, a senior officer in the House of Lords who is responsible for controlling order within the House, helped run the lying in state service and maintained the procession each day. But just before 6.30am this morning, the service was closed and members of parliamentary staff paid their respects, including Lady Usher of the Black Rod, Sarah Clarke OBE, who was the last official to show her respect.
In an emotional scene, the official solemnly walked past the coffin of Her Majesty, paused, bowed, then as she walked away she lowered her head and appeared to wipe away a tear.
