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The Queen’s lying in state has entered its first full day, with mourners braving lengthy queues for the chance to file past the late monarch’s coffin.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to walk through the ancient hall of Westminster Palace after the doors opened to the public at 5pm on Wednesday.
It will stay open for four full days until 6.30am on Monday – the day of her funeral.
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There are predictions the line could stretch for up to 10 miles with waits of up to 30 hours to get into Westminster Hall.
However, as of 5am on Thursday it was 2.1 miles long – stretching to Southwark Bridge.
Sky News reporter Olive Enokido-Lineham waited six hours to enter the palace, suggesting wait times are much shorter than initially feared.
Police officers, volunteers, and stewards are managing the queue, while toilets and water fountains are being provided at various points along the route.
People waiting in line are being given a coloured and numbered wristband to prevent any queue jumping, and to allow them to leave for short periods, such as to get food.
Watch the Queen lying in state
Rehearsals for funeral take place overnight as King takes day for reflection
Rehearsals have been taking place overnight for the Queen’s funeral.
Members of the military could be seen in Westminster carrying a stand-in coffin, ahead of Monday’s state funeral.
