LONDON - Britain and the world said a final goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II at a state funeral Monday that drew presidents and kings, princes and prime ministers — and crowds that massed along the streets of London to honor a monarch whose 70-year reign defined an age.A day packed with funeral events in London and Windsor began early when the doors of 900-year-old Westminster Hall were closed to mourners after hundreds of thousands had filed in front of her flag-draped coffin.
Many had waited for hours in line, including through cold nights, to pay their respects in an outpouring of collective grief and respect."I felt like I had to come and pay my final respects to our majestic queen.
She has done so much for us and just a little thank you really from the people," said Tracy Dobson, who was among the last to join the line.By the numbers: Facts and figures about the queen's funeralIn a country known for pomp and pageantry, the first state funeral since Winston Churchill's promised to be a spectacular display: 142 Royal Navy sailors drew the gun carriage carrying Elizabeth’s coffin to Westminster Abbey, with King Charles III and his sons Princes William and Harry walking behind as pipers played.
At the Abbey, around 2,000 people ranging from world leaders to health care workers and volunteers have gathered to mourn her.