LONDON - The world is preparing to say its last goodbyes to Queen Elizabeth II as her state funeral is set for Monday.Events surrounding Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on Monday cap 10 days of national mourning and are expected to be watched by hundreds of thousands of people packed onto the streets of London and millions around the world.
The late monarch died Sept. 8 at 96 years old. Her death at her beloved Balmoral Castle summer retreat ended the monarch’s 70-year reign.RELATED: Bidens among thousands to pay respects at Westminster Hall to Queen Elizabeth IIMourners have spent the last few days lining up for hours, sometimes in chilly weather, to view the queen’s coffin at Westminster Hall.
President Joe Biden and other leaders have been arriving in London ahead of the Monday funeral for Queen Elizabeth II.The numbers of mourners have grown steadily since the public was first admitted on Wednesday, with a queue that snakes around Southwark Park and stretches for at least 5 miles.Overnight, volunteers distributed blankets and cups of tea to people in line as temperatures fell to 6 degrees Celsius (43 degrees Fahrenheit).
Despite the weather, mourners described the warmth of a shared experience.RELATED: King Charles, Prince William greet mourners lined up to view queen's coffin"It was cold overnight, but we had wonderful companions, met new friends.