Electricfairy
I find myself recognising a synergy between sporting fandom and the collective sense of belonging, that we see at royal events like the current one . Since passion for sport is feature throughout the globe, I don't link it to feelings of British 'exceptionalism'.
I think there is an element of feeling oneself a part of a drama playing out; and a recognition that state occasions and football games both contain symbolism. A game of football can often seem as a metaphor for the set backs and fight backs of everyday life. A state occasions, such as a funeral of the monarch, or the annual laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph can seem like a symbolising of deep feelings about community.
Like with football, key royal 'players' and the public are joined in a symbiotic relationship, At times of enactment the two groups can seem to become one - especially when fans rush into the pitch and maybe get given a shirt. These times at the end of a game seem highly dramatic, but nobody is dramatising themselves and being arrogant.
The football team couldn't survive without the many fans and the fans would have nothing without the players. They need each other and they are equally important partners. The team are there to put on a show for the supporters, to serve them, as the monarchy are there to represent and serve the people.
So events like this state funeral are there to show the people as the key players, and I think that those who queue up do feel this and don't think of themselves as behaving like serfs. They know that if nobody turned up to see the procession, the monarchy would soon have to fold. Those who queue can only be doing so because they genuinely believe in something. They aren't fools who have been brainwashed and made hysterical. They are calm and resolved. They probably feel that some discomfort and standing is what the young Queen put up when on full-on royal duties. They probably feel happy to do something in return - to honour her service.