Queue route for Queen’s lying in state: start point in London, map and how to join queue to Westminster Hall

The government has warned that the queue to is expected to be very long and people may have to stand for hours, possibly overnight
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to queue to see the Queen lying-in-state in London this week ahead of her funeral.

Her Majesty’s closed coffin will rest on a raised platform, called a catafalque, inside Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster, with members of the public able to file past to pay their respects.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Westminster Hall will open to the public at 5pm on Wednesday (14 September) and will remain open 24 hours a day until it closes at 6.30am on Monday 19 September, the day of the state funeral.

Up to 400,000 people are expected to brave the queue on the banks of the Thames to see the Queen’s coffin, with the government warning that people could be waiting for 12 hours, and possibly overnight.

If you are planning to attend the lying-in-state, here’s what you need to know about the queue route and how to join it.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to queue to see the Queen lying-in-state (Photo: Getty Images)Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to queue to see the Queen lying-in-state (Photo: Getty Images)
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to queue to see the Queen lying-in-state (Photo: Getty Images)

Where does the queue route start?

The queue to see the Queen lying-in-state will start where Albert Embankment meets Lambeth Bridge in Central London, on the south side of the River Thames.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

From Albert Embankment, the queue will continue along the south bank of the Thames.

The queuing infrastructure for the Queen’s lying in state is understood to be 10 miles in length and includes 6.9 miles from Victoria Tower Gardens to Southwark Park, with a further three miles inside Southwark Park.

To visit the Lying-in-State, you need to join the back of the queue.The location of the back of the queue will move depending on how many people are queuing.

The government advises checking the current location of the back of the queue and estimated queue times before travelling via updates on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Public transport, walking or cycling are the best ways to get to the queue, although transport services are expected to be extremely busy in London during this period.

If you have trouble finding the back of the queue, government guidance recommends making your way to the published queue route and asking stewards along the way where the back of the queue is at that time, and the best way to join.

The queue will start where Albert Embankment meets Lambeth Bridge in Central London (Graphic: Kim Mogg / NationalWorld)The queue will start where Albert Embankment meets Lambeth Bridge in Central London (Graphic: Kim Mogg / NationalWorld)
The queue will start where Albert Embankment meets Lambeth Bridge in Central London (Graphic: Kim Mogg / NationalWorld)

Step-free and accessible options

There is step-free access along the queue route for those who need it. Once you have joined the back of the queue, signs along the route will show you when the queue is approaching steps.

At these points, let a steward know you are unable to use the steps and they will escort you to a step-free route, and return you to your place in the main queue.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There is also an accessible queuing scheme available for those with a disability or long-term condition which means they are unable to queue for an extended period of time.

If you need to use the accessible queuing scheme, you should go to the accessible kiosk at Tate Britain on Millban.

How do I join the queue?

Once you have reached the back of the queue, you will be given a colour and numbered wristband which will serve as a record of when you joined the queue.

Having a wristband does not guarantee your entry to the lying-in-state.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is understood there will be an element of self-policing when it comes to people keeping their places in the queue. It is thought people will know those around them in the line and be supportive when others need to step out.

Wristbands are specific to each person joining the queue, are strictly non-transferable and must be kept on at all times as it will be checked along the route.

The wristband also allows you to leave the queue for a short period to use the toilet or get a drink before returning to your place in the queue.

Public toilets, more than 500 Portaloos, drinking water and first aid stations are available at designated locations along the queue route, and there will be more than 1,000 volunteers, stewards, marshals and police officers on hand at any one time as people queue.

What happens when I reach the front?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When you reach the front of the queue, you will be subject to an airport-style security search before being allowed to enter the Palace of Westminster.

There is a strict bag policy in operation, with just one small bag allowed per person. It must be smaller than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, with one simple opening or zip so you can move quickly through the security check.

If you have to bring a larger bag you will need to leave it in the bag drop facility, although capacity is limited so there is no guarantee there will be space to leave your belongings.

You will not lose your place in the queue but waiting for storage space to become available may increase your queuing time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Flowers, tributes, candles, flags, photos, hampers, sleeping bags, blankets, folding chairs and camping equipment are all banned, and flowers should only be taken to the dedicated area in Green Park.

You should remain silent while inside the Palace of Westminster and turn your phone off (or switch to silent mode) before entering the security search area.

Guidance adds that people should not film, photograph, use mobile phones or other handheld devices in the security search area or within the Palace of Westminster.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.