People gather in Guernsey for Queen's funeral

  • Published
Big screen in Guernsey's Saumarez Park showing the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
Image caption,

Hundreds of islanders watched the Queen's funeral on a big screen in Saumarez Park

People have come together in Guernsey to watch the Queen's funeral.

A big screen was set up in Saumarez Park to show the funeral, which began in London at 11:00 BST.

Hundreds of people attended the screening which was organised by the States.

Chief Minister Peter Ferbrache told the crowd of his pride in how the bailiwick had responded and "shown such warmth" for the Queen.

He said he was among those invited to see the Queen's lying-in-state and it was "something that will stay with me forever".

Mr Ferbrache said the islands, with their special link to the Crown, would "remember Her Majesty forever and ever".

Image caption,

Chief Minister Peter Ferbrache told the crowd of his pride in how the bailiwick had responded and "shown such warmth" for the Queen

Many of those attending the screening in the park spoke of feeling a "sense of togetherness".

Shane Le Page was among those who gathered to pay their respects.

The 40-year-old remembered meeting the Queen on her visit to Guernsey in 1989.

Then aged seven he was part of the 1st Guernsey Scouts, which was among organisations the Queen met at Beau Sejour.

Mr Le Page said they were in the crowd that welcomed the Queen when she came ashore at St Peter Port Harbour and they "had to rush from the Town Church up to Cambridge Park" to meet her in person.

Image caption,

Shane Le Page and his partner Dita Delle were among those who arrived early to secure a spot at the park

Image caption,

Guernsey Scouts were on hand to offer refreshments to those attending the screening

Current members of the scouts provided teas and coffees at Saumarez Park on Monday.

Bailiwick Commissioner Andy Snell said: "It's a fantastic opportunity to perform our last duty to Her Majesty.

"We make our promise annually to do our duty to her and now King Charles. We've had 120 scouts helping with the lying in state and that includes our own Amy Woodland representing us there.

"This is our chance to do something, it's a privilege to join here with so many locals to say farewell to our wonderful monarch."

Image caption,

Veterans among the crowd spoke of it being a "sad day"

Veterans among the crowd spoke of it being a "sad day" and an end to the "constancy" the Queen had given for 70 years.

Chris, who served in the British Army and as a reservist, came to pay his respects to "a great lady, a great monarch and a role model to be aspired to".

"It's a sad occasion... what a great life and a great example she was".

Six-year-old Grace said she was sad as the Queen "did a lot of kind things for us".

Image caption,

This tribute was spotted on Bordeaux Beach on Sunday

A Guernsey police officer was among those lining the procession route in London.

PC Damien Ormrod was selected as one of the officers to line the procession route of Queen Elizabeth II's coffin.

Five other officers from the island were also in London to support police.

A service of commemoration and thanksgiving was held at the Town Church on Saturday.

Follow BBC Guernsey on Twitter, external and Facebook, external. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk, external.