Queen's coffin leaves Westminster Hall for her state funeral service

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By Phoebe Egoroff

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Queen Elizabeth II's coffin has begun its journey from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey for today's funeral service, set to start at 11:00AM BST.

Beginning at 10:44AM BST, the Queen's coffin is now en route to Westminster Abbey, a journey which is expected to take around six minutes.

The coffin is being carried by a gun carriage, which is being towed by 142 sailors from the British Royal Navy and followed by King Charles III, as well as members of the Royal household.

Both sides of the road are also lined with members of the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines.

This somber procession marks the end of the late Queen's lying-in-state, which concluded mere hours ago at 06:30AM BST.

The four-day period saw thousands of people from all walks of life - including celebrities such as David Beckham - queue for five miles and wait up to 14 hours to pay their respects to the popular monarch at Westminster Hall.

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The Queen's coffin was lying-in-state for much of last week, with thousands of people lining up for hours to pay their respects. Credit: PA Images / Alamy

Prior to the Queen's state funeral, the doors to Westminster Abbey were opened from 08:00AM BST, with guests slowly making their way in, congregating under the flying buttresses of the medieval church.

An eery silence has seemed to spread across the city on this day of mourning. In fact, schools and many businesses have closed on what has now been declared a national bank holiday by the new king.

Multiple outlets have reported that up to 2,000 people are in attendance at today's funeral, with high-profile politicians and public figures included in that number.

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has been joined by former PMs such as David Cameron and Gordon Brown. US President Joe Biden is also in attendance, joined by his wife, Dr. Jill Biden.

Thousands of early risers have made their way into the city and are huddled close together in anticipation of Her Majesty's arrival.

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Thousands of people queued to see the Queen's coffin lying-in-state, and similar number of people are expected to be surrounding Westminster Abbey for the late monarch's funeral today. Credit: David Levenson / Alamy

Coaches of guests have already stopped in front of the Abbey, with officers in uniform, members of the clergy, and politicians all being spotted entering the church.

BBC News has reported that numerous foreign royals - including Japan's Emperor, Naruhito, and the King and Queen of Spain - will be in attendance. High profile politicians, such as POTUS Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, are also expected to show.

The dean of Westminster, Dr David Hoyle, will lead the funeral service - while a sermon will be given by the Archbishop of Canterbury. At 11:55AM, the last post will be played, a poignant piece associated with war remembrance and military funerals across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

This will be followed by a two-minute silence.

After the service comes to an end, the Queen's coffin is expected to make a 1.5-mile journey to Wellington Arch, being transferred to a hearse before moving to Windsor Castle late this afternoon.

Featured image credit: PBWPIX / Alamy