Historic moment few will forget
Tens of thousands of people packed into Windsor on Monday for a sombre and historic day which few will forget. Reporter Shay Bottomley looks back at what it was like to be among the crowds on the day.
There were contrasting atmospheres for those arriving in Windsor on Monday morning.
In the town centre, most shops were closed and the streets were largely deserted as Her Majesty’s funeral approached – almost reminiscent of the dark days of lockdown.
But just a few hundred yards away, tens of thousands of people were gathered together, waiting to pay their respects.
As I drew closer to The Long Walk, I could hear the funeral on one of the many screens dotted around for people to pay their respects.
Following an impeccably observed two-minute silence, those who were seated rose to their feet for an emotional rendition of God Save the
King.
It would be another three hours before the procession reached Windsor, and so I took the opportunity to speak with those who had gathered along the route.
Some had made the short trip from Bracknell, whilst one couple had returned home from Canada to pay their respects.
Of course, British people who have followed the period of mourning have most likely done so on a British broadcaster.
However, millions, if not billions, would be watching from afar judging by the range of media at The Long Walk.
CNN would provide regular updates from within the crowd, whilst a Walloon reporter tried their best to find French speakers among the mourners.
The mingling between the thousands along The Long Walk noticeably reduced as the time approached 3.10pm, when the procession would reach Windsor.
Many took the time to reflect ahead of witnessing the Queen’s final journey to her home for 96 years.
As the procession turned off Albert Street, mourners, some of whom bowed their heads, fell silent to pay their respects to Her Majesty.
The conversations ceased, with only the sound of trumpets, flutes and bagpipes filling the silent void.
Children on shoulders, and chefs on burger vans would be the sights and sounds on the way out.
A young girl, positioned on her father’s shoulders, said:
“What an amazing moment.” I don’t think I could have put it better myself.
To use a single word to describe Monday would not give it justice.
Of course, there was a great deal of sadness among mourners, but there was also a lot of respect to everyone who serves their country. Police officers, members of the Armed
Forces and the Queen’s Guard were among those who received a round of applause as they made their way down The Long Walk. Elizabeth II is among those who has served her country, which she did so as Queen for more than 70 years.
In the words of Paddington Bear: “Thank you, Your Majesty, for everything.”