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Original poster

What happens if you need the loo (Westminster Abbey)?!

105 replies

JessieLola · 19/09/2022 09:04

Makes me cross my legs just thinking about it. Some of those people have been sitting there for ages already and the service doesn’t start for two hours. No-one seems to be getting up and popping off for to the loo…maybe they’re told they can’t once seated?

I think I would actually turn an invite down on that basis!!!

OP posts:
Crinkle77 · 19/09/2022 11:20

Windinthepillows · 19/09/2022 10:32

Really, you’ve never had to sit anywhere like that? You just don’t drink too much in the morning and go to the bog before hand.

I have an overactive bladder which is made worse by anxiety. Even if I don't drink I still need the loo.

Randomword6 · 19/09/2022 11:25

Someone I know was at a royal event once and asked to use the loo before the royal turned up. The equerry or usher or whoever she asked made a point of asking another staff member who was some distance away about "facilities" very loudly and my friend was so embarrassed she said it didn't matter. So I think that must be how they keep loo visits to a minimum. Fear must constrict the ureter.

Playplayaway · 19/09/2022 11:28

My thoughts exactly whenever we see these royal occasions.

I'd have to not drink anything for at least 12 hours before and no caffeine for at least 24 hours before.

And what about the crowd outside? It must be difficult to leave your spot to go and find a loo.

It's just very uncomfortable all round. I feel sorry for those who have no choice but to attend.

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SuperCamp · 19/09/2022 11:29

I had occasion to attend a long event at the palace. Facilities were freely available: big square wooden seats and a pull chain!

SuperCamp · 19/09/2022 11:30

Playplayaway · 19/09/2022 11:28

My thoughts exactly whenever we see these royal occasions.

I'd have to not drink anything for at least 12 hours before and no caffeine for at least 24 hours before.

And what about the crowd outside? It must be difficult to leave your spot to go and find a loo.

It's just very uncomfortable all round. I feel sorry for those who have no choice but to attend.

There are huge lines of ‘event toilets’ in Hyde Park where most of the crowds will be. I saw them installing the last ones yesterday.

DontKeepTheFaith · 19/09/2022 11:37

SuperCamp · 19/09/2022 11:29

I had occasion to attend a long event at the palace. Facilities were freely available: big square wooden seats and a pull chain!

Oh yes, we used those loos when my Dad got his OBE. Took a photo and everything! Quite impressive loos.

Even for that ceremony, I got a bit twitchy. It is the thought of not being able to wee that sets me off.

I wouldn’t cope with the length of the funeral if I had to be there early.

BattenburgSlice · 19/09/2022 11:41

I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought this!

themimi · 19/09/2022 11:45

There was a moment Princess Charlotte wriggled and whispered to Kate. I thought - she must need the loo!

picklemewalnuts · 19/09/2022 11:46

Perhaps you arrive at 8am, if that's your slot, but are expected to remain seated from 10am. So all shuffling stops an hour before the service starts.

BrownTableMat · 19/09/2022 11:50

I recall reading once that at another such event, might have been Charles’s wedding to Di, guests were advised to wear incontinence products. Personally I’d imagine it’s a combination of people doing that just in case (I probably would, and I’ve got no incontinence issues!) and as others have said, it being possible to nip to the loo up til about an hour before the service starts - I have some experience of large-scale cathedral services (though nothing like this of course!) and that’s what happened then.

gettingolderandgrumpier · 19/09/2022 12:00

BattenburgSlice · 19/09/2022 11:41

I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought this!

Same !
I remember thx last funeral I went to I stupidly didn’t go to the loo before I left . We followed the funeral cars , had the funeral chatted etc so approx 2 hours before I got to a loo was bursting and also incredibly parched too .

KangarooKenny · 19/09/2022 12:03

Knowing I couldn’t go to the loo would make me want to go even more.

Rainbowcat99 · 19/09/2022 12:08

Just as the funeral started there was a blonde lady (one of the minor royals I think??) sidling quietly back into her pew. I presumed she'd been to the toilet.
I suppose they're discouraged and most people just won't drink or eat much before hand.
Also RE the children I've always assumed that there was a nanny at these events, positioned discretely out of sight who would take them if needed. The media know better than to comment on it.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 19/09/2022 12:30

I don't suppose that any of the military contingent can pop out of the ranks for a quick whizz.

IsABajan · 19/09/2022 12:41

Glad I found this post. I'm sitting here watching with amazement at the discipline that all the soldiers and sailors etc who are marching for so long with all their uniform and carrying something. I know they've rehearsed it all but I know I wouldn't last 5 minutes doing that. 🤣
What if you have a dicky tummy or they get leg cramp or they need to scratch an itch?!?

Hawkins001 · 19/09/2022 12:48

I'd be up and down, like a yoyo. My bladder is a mix at times.

Playplayaway · 19/09/2022 13:12

God yes, what if they get an itch! Just the word itch makes me itch 😆

pigalow27 · 19/09/2022 13:13

I don't go to the loo almost every day when I'm working from 7.30 until at least lunch time at 1.30. It is possible to not pee for 5-6 hours. Sometimes I wait all day and don't pee til 5 or 6

Sparklingbrook · 19/09/2022 13:16

pigalow27 · 19/09/2022 13:13

I don't go to the loo almost every day when I'm working from 7.30 until at least lunch time at 1.30. It is possible to not pee for 5-6 hours. Sometimes I wait all day and don't pee til 5 or 6

That's great for you. (Not so much for your bladder by the sound of it) But we can't assume everyone can hold it like that.

HairyMothballs · 19/09/2022 13:17

incontinence pants - yes, really.

BeaLola · 19/09/2022 13:25

Slightly different - I went to a wedding at Palace of Westminster - we had to arrive hours before it started to go through security and I recall using all possible loos just in case after I arrived in London and then at palace before I went though plus I didn't drink anything - had a mint to suck on

It was a long service - a few people looked uncomfortable by the end !

SeeSawDaw · 19/09/2022 14:12

Makes me glad I'm not in the public eye.

No liquids and some Imodium would help, plus if you've had military training or similar background you're probably used to it as part of the job. With teaching we get used to having to hold it; even then if you've got a dicky tum things can still occur so carry Imodium etc in my bag for emergencies.

Becoming unwell and fainting is something that happens - we've seen that on parades before.

BirdinaHedge · 19/09/2022 14:22

I was brought up - (it's pretty normal in an upper middle-class upbringing) - that you don't trot off to the loo all the time - in the morning & the evening should be enough. And you exercise common sense - you don't drink much, you eat early. Normal self control & common sense, really.

IchbineinBerlinerin · 19/09/2022 14:52

I said this to DH. I have a weak bladder and no way would I manage. I'd wager some have adult nappies on! Obviously just for a wee... (I'd hope)

IchbineinBerlinerin · 19/09/2022 14:52

BirdinaHedge · 19/09/2022 14:22

I was brought up - (it's pretty normal in an upper middle-class upbringing) - that you don't trot off to the loo all the time - in the morning & the evening should be enough. And you exercise common sense - you don't drink much, you eat early. Normal self control & common sense, really.

🤣