Watching the Queens lying in state and I have questions

[Theblackdogagain]

I've got the live stream on as I'm finding it soothing, I'm in hospital with my son and it's helping to see the passage of time and other people.
People make the sign of the cross in different ways, I was taught the Catholic way as a child so I wondered what the other ways were.
I love to see the old armed forces making a final salute. And the human touches and hugs.

I think the Russian Orthodox way does right then left,

Catholic - up/down, left/right/left, kiss thumb

i think some do up/down, left/right.

I find it relaxing too but this mornings offic4ous looking steward rushing people through while they are praying is really bugging me, none of tne other stewards have done this, people have been queuing for hours and he keeps interrupting them, i hope the senior stewards tell him to relax and chill out.

How often do the police change, every time I happen to look in when they are changing the guard it is only the soldiers that change?

That I don't know, also lots in the VIP lane, I couldn't name Amy though

Slightly disappointed that the guy who climbed onto the platform was wrestled to the ground by ordinary policemen. It would have been good to see the soldiers actually doing something rather than just standing there as they are supposedly guards. I wonder if they are actually allowed to use their pikes?

I am an anti monarchist but have found the endless stream of humanity fascinating.

I've seen the police change at the same time as the guards, but only half at a time so they are definitely there much longer. Maybe it's less of a strain as their uniforms aren't as heavy and they don't have to be quite so stiff.

Not sure where I first learnt it (probably my Nana) but I've always done
Forehead, down, right, left (finishing over heart), to the lips.

As my dear departed CofE grandmother taught us - "spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch"