![Princes William and Harry to hold silent vigil by Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin](https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CP24865546.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&w=720&h=379&crop=1)
Princes William and Harry to hold silent vigil by Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin
Global News
The two brothers will be joined by their six cousins in forming a 15-minute vigil by Queen Elizabeth II's coffin at Westminster Hall in central London.
Princes William and Harry will mount a silent vigil at the coffin of their late grandmother Queen Elizabeth on Saturday, watched on by just some of the many mourners who are queuing for up to 24 hours to pay their respects.
The two brothers will be joined by their six cousins in forming a 15-minute vigil at Westminster Hall in central London, a night after their father, King Charles, joined his three siblings in a similar tribute to the queen.
Tens of thousands of people have already filed past the coffin in a steady, solemn stream, queuing for hours through cold temperatures, some through the night, to pay their respects to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch — a testimony to the affection in which she was held.
“I’m here because of the queen’s service and dedication over the last 70 years,” said Reuben Fevrier, a 50-year-old accountant from London. “Her stoicism, her deep commitment to the country — a remarkable life.
“I think this the least I can do.”
On Friday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was seen curtsying to the coffin as she filed through – one of the first of nearly 100 presidents and heads of government who are expected to attend the state funeral on Monday.
The premier of the Canadian province of Alberta, Jason Kenney, was also in the queue. “There’s a profound sense of shared grief & affection for Her Majesty in this huge, diverse gathering of people from around the world,” he said on Twitter.
London’s police force said the funeral will be the biggest security operation it has ever undertaken. U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and the leaders of Australia, Canada and Jamaica will join the emperor of Japan among the congregation.