Queen Elizabeth II makes her final journey to London where she will lie in state for the public to pay their respects to the late monarch. 

It comes after mourners in Scotland were able to pay their respects at Edinburgh's St Giles Cathedral. 

But now the Queen's coffin will lie in state at Westminster Hall for four days before her majesty's state funeral on Monday, September 19. 

Thousands and potentially millions are expected to visit the capital over the next few days, to pay their respects. 

What and where is Westminster Hall?

The hall is nearly a thousand years old, dating back to 1099, and is the oldest building in the parliamentary estate of the Palace of Westminster. 

It's been a part of key historic events including coronations, addresses from world leaders and the trail of Charles I.


Mourners pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II


When can I visit the Queen lying in state at Westminster Hall? 

The public will be able to file past the coffin 24 hours a day from 5pm on Wednesday 14 September until 6.30am on the day of the funeral - Monday 19 September.

Will the Royal Family be at Westminster Hall? 

The Queen's children and grandchildren are likely to honour the monarch with the traditional vigil. 

The vigil is traditionally called the Vigil of the Princes, however, should Princess Royal stand guard for the Queen, it will make them the first female member of the royal family to do so.

Are any items banned from taking into Westminster Hall?

There is a list of banned items, including flowers, candles, toys and any photos.

Plus, banners, flags, hampers, blankets and folding chairs are also all banned, with people encouraged not to film, take photographs or use any mobile devices. 

There will also be a designated bag drop facility however the space is limited during visits. 

What can people expect at the Queen's lying in state?

During the public visit, you can expect a closed coffin that will be draped in a royal flag raised on a platform called a catafalque. 

It will also be flanked by a military guard with a priceless crown and other realia traditionally placed upon a sovereign's coffin.

Every corner of the platform will be watched 24 hours a day by members of the Sovereigns Bodyguard, Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry. 


The Queen's life in pictures


How to get to Westminster Hall

The nearest tube stations to Westminster Abbey are St James' Park on the Circle and District Line or Westminster on the Jubilee, Circle or District.

There is also the Victoria on the Victoria, Circle and District and the Waterloo on the Jubilee, Northern and Bakerloo lines.

For national railway services, the closest stations are the Waterloo and Victoria train stations.

You can also travel by bus on, routes 11, 24, 88, 148 and 211 passing by the Westminster Abbey entrance.

As well as bus routes 3, 12, 53, 53X, 87, 109, 159 and 453 also stop close to Westminster Abbey.

What does lying in state mean?

Lying in state refers to the formal occasion when a coffin is placed on view to allow the public to pay their respects before a funeral service.

Lying in state is given to the Sovereign, as Head of State, the current or past Queen Consort and sometimes former Prime Ministers.

The last lying in state was the Queen Mother in 2002. An estimated 200,000 people visited the Queen Mother during this time.

What happens during a lying in state?

In the lying-in-state period, the deceased’s coffin will rest on a raised platform in the middle of Westminster Hall.

Each corner of the platform will be guarded around the clock by units from the Sovereign's Bodyguard, Foot Guards or the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

Members of the public are free to file past the platform and pay their respects.