Among the hordes of crowds descending to pay tribute to Elizabeth II was a familiar face: David Beckham. The former footballer and national darling lined up for 13 hours to pay his respects to the Queen – and was seen wiping away a tear as he looked at the late monarch's coffin.
David Beckham, who wore a black suit, tie and flat cap, told Sky News he snacked on chips, sweets and doughnuts with his fellow queue members to cope with the long wait. He explained, "This day is hard, and it's hard for the nation, it's hard for everyone in the world, because I think everyone feels it, and our thoughts are with the family and obviously with everyone here today."
"It's special to be here, to celebrate, and to hear the different stories that people have to tell," the footballer continued. "The most special moment for me was being knighted in the Order of the British Empire. I took my grandparents with me, who are the ones who really made me a big royalist and a fan of the royal family, and obviously my wife was there as well. I've been fortunate to have a few moments like that in my life, to be around Her Majesty."
"Because we can all see, with the love that was shown, how special she is and how special she was and the legacy she leaves behind. It's a sad day, but it's a day to remind us of the incredible legacy she left behind," he concluded.
A whole night of waiting
Since the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, Britain has observed a period of national mourning. The Queen's coffin is currently in the Burning Chapel (the period during which the coffin of a monarch or sometimes a prime minister is laid out before the funeral), where people have been lining up all night to pay their respects to the late monarch.
In accordance with the wishes of the new King Charles III, the period of public mourning will continue until seven days after the Queen's state funeral, which will take place on Monday 19 September at noon (French time).
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