Summary

  • The queue for members of the public to see Queen Elizabeth II lying in state has now closed

  • King Charles thanks people around the world for their support since the death of his mother

  • He says he has been "so deeply touched" by the many messages of condolence and support before the Queen's "last farewell"

  • World leaders have been arriving in London ahead of the Queen's state funeral on Monday

  • US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have paid their respects to the late monarch at Westminster Hall

  • Camilla, the Queen Consort, has paid tribute to the Queen, telling a BBC programme she “carved her own role” in a world dominated by men

Live Reporting

Edited by Gareth Evans

  1. What's happening on Friday?

    On Friday, the Queen's coffin will lie in state for a second full day in Westminster Hall. Thousands are expected to queue in order to pay their respects to the Queen.

    Some of those in attendance will be there to see the King, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex hold a 15 minute vigil around the coffin at 19:30 local time.

    Earlier in the day, King Charles III and the Queen Consort will travel to Wales, marking the last visit to all four nations of the UK since becoming king. They will go to the Welsh Parliament where they will receive condolences and meet members of the Senedd.

    Additionally, the Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to visit Army Training Centre Pirbright in Surrey to meet troops from the Commonwealth who are taking part in the state funeral.

  2. Welcome to our live coverage

    Welcome to Friday's live coverage.

    Queen Elizabeth's coffin is currently lying in state in Westminster Hall.

    Here's what happened on Thursday:

    With the new Prince and Princess of Wales in Norfolk, the Princess Royal back in Scotland and the Earl and Countess of Wessex in Manchester, senior royals carried out another day of duties as official mourning for the Queen continued.

    During his trip to Sandringham House to read floral tributes left for his grandmother, Prince William told well-wishers that walking behind the Queen's coffin yesterday was "challenging" because it brought back memories of having to do the same at his mother - Princess Diana's - funeral.

    Here's what else has happened:

    • A queue of 4.9 miles (7.8km) and nine hours long has formed, with people waiting in line to see the Queen lying in state at Westminster Hall. It is the second night in a row people have braved the cold, with the Hall staying open 24 hours a day for the four days the Queen's coffin rests there
    • The UN General Assembly held a special session in New York as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
    • In Canada, parliament held a similar session, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaking personally and emotionally about the Queen
    • King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, stayed out of the spotlight, with the pair spending the day at their country home Highgrove before they embark on the last stop of their UK tour on Wednesday, to Wales
    The queue to see the Queen's coffinPA Media

    As day turned to night, those queuing to see the Queen's coffin edge closer to Westminster Hall