Brits will be able to see the Queen’s coffin from today with up to a million set to file past – here’s how

MOURNERS can visit the Queen’s coffin to pay respects from this evening.

Queues are expected to be hours-long and photos and videos will be strictly banned.

Alamy

Members of the Royal Family guarded the Queen Mother’s coffin at Westminster Hall[/caption]

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Princess Anne curtseyed to the coffin of her mother Queen Elizabeth II as it arrived at Holyroodhouse. She stood alongside her husband and brothers Andrew and Edward[/caption]

Officials say weather conditions may also be challenging for those queuing and there will be tight security.

Her Majesty’s body arrived in Edinburgh yesterday afternoon and will travel to St Giles’ Cathedral today.

The Crown of Scotland will be placed upon her coffin and she will lie in state from 5pm for a day so the public can pay respects.

She will then travel to Buckingham Palace and then to Westminster Hall, where she will lie in state from Wednesday until the morning of her funeral next Monday.

Up to one million people are expected to file past Her Majesty’s coffin in Westminster Hall.

It is five times more than the 200,000 people who went to see the Queen Mother in 2002.

Queues could last 12 hours and stretch for three miles. The route will be lined with extra portables look and water stations.

Mourners will then pass through airport style security and only small bags will be allowed in.

Medics at nearby Guy’s and St Thomas’s hospitals are on standby in case those in the queue fall ill.

Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “The news of Her Majesty The Queen’s passing has been met with great sadness around the world and has been greeted with an outpouring of emotion that reflects how highly regarded she was at home and abroad.

“I’m preparing to warmly welcome King Charles and royal family members and of course to express deepest sympathy on behalf of the city.

“The next few days will be truly historic for Edinburgh, with tens of thousands of people descending to pay their respects and millions more across the world tuning into the broadcast coverage.

“I believe Scotland can take real pride that Her Majesty cherished her time here and now the eyes of the world will be upon the Capital as we unite in national mourning and herald our new King.

“This is a time for our communities to stand together and for people to reflect on our shared history.

“The outpouring of grief from citizens and visitors is touching and demonstrates the special relationship the city shared with the Queen.

“Edinburgh’s Books of Condolence have been opened online, at Central Library and across the city for citizens and visitors to pay their respects.”

Soldiers will guard the coffin around the clock as the streams of mourners file past.

Members of the Royal Family are also expected to take turns standing guard in a tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes.

Prince Edward and Charles both stood watch guarding the Queen Mother’s coffin in 2002.

Foreign dignitaries are among those expected to visit Her Majesty.