Queen Elizabeth II: Funeral shown in Hull's Queen Victoria Square

Crowds gathered in Hull's Queen Victoria Square to watch the funeral on a big screen

Hundreds of people gathered in Hull city centre to watch the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

More than 400 people congregated at tables in Queen Victoria Square to take in history playing out before their eyes on the city hall screen.

Military veterans, families and students were among those paying their respects to the longest serving monarch in British history.

Ryan Burton, 33, from Hessle, said it was "time for reflection".

Mr Burton, who attended with his partner Tara and baby son Franklin, said: "It didn't really really sink until you get here and you see the marching band, you see the coffin, and then things start to really sink in of what's going on.

The Burton family, from Hessle, said it "feels like a very historic and special moment"

"It's a really sombre feeling and very quiet. People are just reflecting, taking things in.

"It's a sad moment, but it's a historic moment."

Student Sam Chan, from Hong Kong, said it was a "once-in-a-life moment"

Sam Chan, a student from Hong Kong who had been studying in Hull for a year, said he was compelled to watch in the square because he wanted to "remember this moment".

"She's been good to us and [her service] has spanned 70 years."

The 17-year-old laid flowers at the foot of Queen Victoria's statue, which had become the focal point for floral tributes left by well-wishers.

"I felt thankful. I just wanted to thank the Queen for serving us for so many years.

"My mum loves the Queen and she thinks it's a once-in-a-life moment to come here to watch this because it's never going to happen again."

Janet Mitchell: "I don't think I've cried this much since my mum died"

Veteran Janet Mitchell, from Hull, was dressed in her military uniform as she began to cry, paying tribute to her "boss".

The 61-year-old, who was a member of the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) for nine years, said: "It's sad, very sad. It's kind of like losing your relative. I don't think I've cried this much since my mum died.

"She was like a mother to everybody anyway."

Mrs Mitchell said she and her husband were unable to get to London for the funeral so it was "really important for us to be here today and pay our respects".

"She was my boss for nine years and an inspiration for all of us."

Hassan Nazary, 40, and his wife, Ehteramalsadat Faghih, thanked the Queen for "giving us a good life here"

Hassan Nazary, 40, who lives in Hull with his wife Ehteramalsadat Faghih, 32, said the service was "very emotional".

"Unfortunately she's gone. If only she could stay another 100 years.

"But she's at peace now."

Floral tributes were left at the foot of a statue of Queen Victoria

Mr Nazary, who left Iran 22 years ago, thanked the Queen for "giving us a good life here".

"We really, really respect her.

"I grew up in this country. I came from war-torn Iran to here. She gave me somewhere to stay so I feel for her."

Mrs Faghih added: "I think she's mother of England and everybody here."

Mourners gathered in the city's Queen Victoria Square

Elsewhere, more than 150 people gathered at Beverley Minster to watch the funeral.

Reverend Canon Jonathan Baker described the occasion as "unifying", with tourists joining families and the congregation to pay their respects.

"I think people are very grateful to have the opportunity to be with others at this time and the memory of watching it in Beverley Minster," he said.

"It's been a profoundly unifying occasion. It's brought people together."

Sisters Margie Moody and Sally Gutridge, who are visiting from South Africa, described the atmosphere in the minster as "very special".

"I loved all the pomp and ceremony, said Ms Gutridge.

Margie Moody and Sally Gutridge watched the funeral at Beverley Minster

In North East Lincolnshire, veterans gathered at the Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Royal Air Force Association club.

Chairman Graham Marlster said: "The Queen was my boss for 27 years so it means a lot, like it does to all veterans.

"There's a very, very strong connection between the Royal family and the military obviously and everybody feels part of it.

"It was a wonderful occasion for everybody to close the Queen's life and I thought it was really, really special."

More than 150 watched a live stream of the service at Beverley Minster

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