Ove the past 72 hours I have been in London visiting a school friend. It has been very surreal being in the city during the mourning of late Queen Elizabeth II. I have been honoured to visit the memorials in Green Park watching citizen laying flowers to honour her and remembering the good she has provided for our country.
On the Wednesday, I was fortunate to watch the procession from Buckingham palace towards Westminster as they moved the Queens coffin. Whilst waiting for 14:22 to appear, I got talking to some of those around me. One lady, had stood in the position many years ago for the VE day celebration “hanging from a branch in the tree”, another had travelled from Dorset to be here. We shared some lovely memories over the years waiting to catch a glimpse of the King.
I followed the Scouting motto, being prepared, by bringing many snacks, my chair and even my full waterproofs (on a very sunny day). Even with height not to my advantage, I was still able to see the road to view the Royals and the parade. How powerful it was just to be stood in the crowd waiting.
At 14:22 the procession began and we were first greeted with police horses who were followed by the marching band. Shortly, we saw the Queens coffin followed with the Royal Family walking behind. We all paid our respects towards the longest raining monarch in British history and for me as the Patron Saint of Scouting.
I then returned back home fortunate to have witnessed history.
On the 19th of September, I watched her funeral with the rest of the nation and was very moved. I look forward to the King’s coronation for the UK to celebrate together again.