anyone queuing to see the coffin in London atm?

[DickDarstedly]

I am wondering how long the queue is and how the organisation is working out. Are there enough toilets? Is it true that the wristband allows you to leave and come back?

EDITED BY MNHQ Please find the link to the new thread www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/4635946-anyone-queuing-to-see-the-coffin-in-london-atm-pt-2

Re how long it is all taking: we were 9 hours from start of queue to exit. Today I would anticipate 10-12 but ‘pack for’ up to 16 (layers, food/drinks)

The security staff ask you to get rid of any liquids (including hand sanitizer, lotion etc), I was ok to keep a small amount of (sealed) food at the end (but I think that is at the discretion of security ) and there is also a food bank collection for any sealed items so we donated a box of biscuits & my friend’s Pringles but ok to keep a granola bar & a Kit Kat- I think they don’t want people munching away at the end /making a mess. My ‘last’ snacks were on a zip lock so I think they were more lenient as obviously packed for journey home

I mention this as it’s hard to know what you need if you don’t know how long you will be!

I do suggest extra layers & a Mac (which you could sit on if line grinds to a halt)

All those mentioning about liquids being taking off them, I am on 4 hourly liquid opioids? What about situations like this, liquid medications etc

@walkingonsunshinekat I saw them come from the steps & balcony on the side and join the queue just at the end of the side stairs...so definitely didn't queue with everyone else

The idea of a period of mourning stems from a Victorian age, when everything took so much longer and they had a fascination with death. Now, to me, I prefer the more modern celebration of life. While that is undeniably occurring, the long lying in state period of mass mourning, the cessation of normal lives and a suggestion that on the actual day of the funeral, to do anything remotely enjoyable is ‘disrespectful’, is totally archaic.

You know many, many cultures do mourning. Not just Christian, post Victorians. It doesn't 'stem' from there.

I'd be interested to know which cultures don't mourn.

@Herejustforthisone

Guidance says you let security/police know:

'Essential medication or medical equipment that you need to keep with you. Please explain this to the security staff or police at the security search point.'

www.gov.uk/government/publications/attending-ceremonial-events-for-the-lying-in-state-and-the-state-funeral-of-her-majesty-the-queen/her-majesty-the-queens-lying-in-state-at-the-palace-of-westminster-houses-of-parliament#whattobring

can people in wheelchairs go in i havent seen any

I’m not saying other cultures don’t mourn. Where did I say that? I’m talking about the current ‘style’ of mourning in our culture stems from the era of Queen Victoria. I’m not suggesting either that there is no period of mourning, I’m suggesting that the extended cessation of normal life and suggestion of any kind of normal activity being an act of disrespect, that is archaic.

Crikey.

Yes there have been lots of people in wheelchairs - coming in from a separate entrance

Yes, I was watching last night and saw quite a few people go past in wheelchairs. Also some in motorised mobility scooters. There is a separate queue for people with accessibility needs.

No one told me anything. I was told I was ignorant if I didn’t ‘get it’.

Yes, been plenty of people in wheelchairs
I think there is an accessible queue if you need it.

oh thats good i hadnt seen any myself glad they can get in

I've just exited. It's alMost surreal as it's so still in there. I'm very very glad I came.

It's taken me just over 5 hours but I think with the length of the queue now it'll be more like 8.

The "idea of mourning" does not "stem" from the Victorian Age at all, what nonsense. The nature of some of the mourning rituals we see in our own society and similar ones has been influenced by certain ideas/traditions that originated in that era, but most if not all human societies (and even some non-human ones) have rituals related to death and mourning/grief, dating back to the dawn of time. And yes, some may well involve ceasing "normal" activities for a period.

*I’m not saying other cultures don’t mourn. Where did I say that? I’m talking about the current ‘style’ of mourning in our culture stems from the era of Queen Victoria. I’m not suggesting either that there is no period of mourning, I’m suggesting that the extended cessation of normal life and suggestion of any kind of normal activity being an act of disrespect, that is archaic.

Crikey.*

I think archaic is what this is all about! Centuries of tradition.

suggestion of any kind of normal activity being an act of disrespect, that is archaic.

Life going on here. Closed for funeral for many. Pretty standard.

Yes. Times slots given for disabled visitors, they need to go to Tate Britain for this and they remain north of the river along Chelsea Embankment/Millbank.

I’m now about 30 mins away I think. Arrived at the Globe just after 9. Wristband given by Tate Modern. Near constant moving. Now in the final snake queue.

@Herejustforthisone

was for you obvs below

There's plenty of normal activity going on everywhere.

Ah thankyou, i did wonder if this was true, as she didn't appear to have any protection around her.

Dh did the accessible queue earlier. Got to Tate Britain just before 7 , timed ticket 7-8 through by 8:10. It is about a 15 minute walk along Millbank to security and there are rest facilities and catering at Tate Britain.

Well, you’ve all certainly proven the comments in the other threads correct. What a shame.

Why? Curiosity, willingness to learn about people, society, etc There is no need to know, just a desire because it's interesting to think about different things! & these are particularly unusual things due to the circumstances going on at the current time. There's no law that people have to explain themselves in this context but asking is harmless. In turn, why are you het up about it?

Well, you’ve all certainly proven the comments in the other threads correct. What a shame.

sorry don't know what you mean.

Brace yourself, @HauntedDishcloth, they’re not keen on those who want to understand why.

I’m not going but I imagine there’s a sense of community beforehand and being in the hall is very moving

I’d like to have that sense of sparse quietness at the time in there

Of course it’s only one perspective and others may feel differently.