Thousands of people queued for more than 18 hours to pay their respects to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II’s remains, which were lying-in-state for four days. The public carried food, water, blankets and other necessary items that would be needed through the long wait.
However, authorities announced strict rules for those visiting the Queen’s casket, restricting most items. As a result, most of the food that people carried had to be left at security checkpoints before entering Victoria Tower Gardens.
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The Felix Project, a London-based charitable organsation, said that it expects to collect more than 2 tonnes (2,000 kilos) of food that was confiscated from the public. All non-perishable food items and unopened packages were being saved for charity. These items include chips, cereal bars and even blankets.
Charlotte Hill, the head of The Felix Project, told BBC, “This food is a hugely unique donation and will help hundreds of people who are struggling to afford to eat.”
“We are honoured to be here to play a small part in this hugely poignant event and to know that an extra layer of good is being done here”, she added.
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The queue stretched for 5 miles, or 8 kilometers, as people lined up to file past Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin, which had been placed in Westminster Hall for four days. The line stretched back from the Houses of Parliament along the south bank of the River Thames to Southwark Park. The number of people who viewed the coffin over four days is not yet known.
Mourners were warned about long waits, possibly overnight. Hundreds of extra toilets and water fountains were also placed along the route, and some venues along the way, including Shakespeare’s Globe, were open around the clock to provide refreshments and rest breaks. Airport-style security checks were also put in place near the front of the line before people can enter Parliament.
