Queens cortège 6 hour journey

[Dodie66]

I’m just wondering how they do a 6 hour journey. Do they have stops for loo breaks? Do they change drivers.?

@elizaregina those horses ❤️😢 that made me cry a little.

This was also my first thought.

Have to say though the scenery near Balmoral is outstandingly beautiful.

Lolli,

Me too!! And trying to get them lined up like that won't have been easy!

Scotland is beautiful on a sunny day

They didn't cover up the Mercedes badge on the front of the hearse, so free advertising for them too. I think it makes a big difference as to whether something was already there in the normal course of events or has been deliberately added for free publicity. I presume hearses don't, as a rule, have 'Fat Willy's' stickers on them, or signs saying 'honk if you're horny' anyway! I wonder if they issued strict instructions to farmers along the route not to install/to remove battered old trailers with huge adverts on the side!

I'm glad they aren't throwing flowers at the cars. They did that at Diana's funeral (I know this isn't the funeral yet) and people were outraged that the drivers had to put the wipers on to clear them off, so they could actually see where they were going! That seemed especially in poor taste, considering the circumstances of her death. Well-meaning or not, you're still effectively lobbing a missile at a moving vehicle.

I also wonder what would happen if a vehicle used in a royal procession breaks down, with the eyes of the world on them - especially as they often favour Range Rovers, which have quite the reputation for it. I'm sure they have them fully serviced just before, but that's still not a 100% guarantee that they won't break down or get a puncture. It wouldn't be very dignified to see the royals standing in a layby whilst steam/smoke is billowing from the bonnet!

I’m watching it. DH has said he can imagine Anne in the back with a red tartan flask of coffee and The Racing Post.

I'm laughing that I wasn't the only one whose first thought was, "Oh, poor Princess Anne, I wouldn't like to sit in a car for 6 hours without a leg stretch or a toilet break!" Glad that has been catered for.

I agree with a PP that the scenery around Balmoral looks stunning and makes me want to go on holiday there - the only bits of Scotland I've been to are Dumfries/Galloway and Edinburgh.

Would be interesting if we knew the different towns and villages they were driving through. Am loving the fact that they’re covering the entire journey without commentary, though. Much more dignified than constant yabber.

What channel is this on? I've turned to BBC 1 and it's just more waffling.

The more you think about it, the more you realise just how very many tiny little details that have to plan and prepare for in advance, when it comes everything involving the royals.

I actually rather enjoy being a nobody, with no-one who could care less about the mundane stuff I'm doing or if I make a small mistake and look a bit foolish. If I want to have a look around a shop, go to a pub or sit in the park for an hour, I have the freedom to just do it, lucky pleb me!

Where is everyone watching this?

BBC News 24

Did anyone see the tractors lined up in respect in the fields on either side of the road?

Really disappointed it was not commented on by the TV presenters. It was such a beautiful gesture and moved me to tears.

If you go on IPlayer, there are various ‘royal’ programmes available, one of which is the live coverage of the cortège.

I like Frank Gardner but he's doing posh waffle and I've had to turn it down. I want a geographical commentary on the journey, not a reminiscence about a 2008 lunch fgs

Am loving the fact that they’re covering the entire journey without commentary, though. Much more dignified than constant yabber.

Most of the BBC coverage - of actual events rather than just the endless filler about when Doris from Stevenage waved at the Queen when her car drove past - has had the option to press red for no jibber-jabber.

It's very touching watching her travel in an ordinary hearse towards Edinburgh. In death we are all the same.

Watching on sky

The heraldry stuff and ceremonial uniforms are absolutely bonkers but I have to admit I love it all. The sight of people marching in 1640s Civil War uniforms with pikes in the City of London yesterday was a particular highlight, along with the chap in the fur hat. (I'm on BBC1 for the Scottish proclamation.)

In death we are all the same.

Without wanting to be flippant or disrespectful, it genuinely occurred to me that I now have more money than the Queen!

Drove through our town. Watching on the tv and nipped out when she got near.
Following behind are about a dozen vans/cars crammed with armed police and soldiers plus the spare hearse.
All morning police have been up and down the streets. A lot of security.
Definitely don’t think locals are put out by road closures. We feel honoured that she wanted to have her last journey through Aberdeenshire. She could have chosen a much more direct route driving south but deliberately chose going through the shire.

Annoying commentary - at least could have had someone who knows the area and the names of the towns and villages!

Amazing scenes from Edinburgh.
Spine tingling stuff!

I think its interesting that Scotland was obviously very important to the queen and the Royal family and this programme showing people out lining up to pay respects is in such contrast to liz struss saying nicola sturgeon should be ignored. Whatever you think of the snp, truss dismissing sturgeon so openly shows the contempt the government has for Scotland and its people, in total contrast to the queen.

My first thought was what about loo breaks! I am off that age!!

@Royalistforaday

Thanks, always love an "on the ground update!"