The Queen's Final journey: Why I have to be there

https://youtu.be/fNOpZTgXR8M

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On the 8th September evening, my son informed me that Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle, Scotland. I felt absolutely shocked and could not believe the news as the Queen had only just met new prime minster Liz Truss two days ago.  

My son had then paid his respect to the Queen outside Buckingham Palace the very next day during his school lunch time break. It was just twenty minutes before King Charles III arrived at the gate in the palace on first day of his reign.

Through the week I had hopped to queue for attending The Queen's laying-in-state at Palace of Westminster after work on Friday evening.  However the queue has been paused from time to time on Friday and the waiting time was then stretch to over 24 hours.

Our family had then made the decision to pay our respect by leaving our garden flowers at dedicated tribute sites at Hyde Park. We then visited Green Park to read cards and messages left at the floral tribute sites and walked to Westminister Abe area. Eventually, we walked through the Mall (outside Buckingham Palace), Horse Guards Parade, No. 10 Downing Street, stopped at St Margaret's Church where we can see clearly the window lights from Palace of Westminster just across the street. I had the chance to say my pray, it was an incredible experience to see many people in London at night, yet it was so quiet.

On Monday after watching State Funeral, I still feel I need a more personal engagement to express my sorrow and asked my husband to drive us to Windsor.
We were very fortunate to park at Deer Park car park which is just next to the Long Walk at around 14:40pm.
We reached the Long Walk and just before 3pm, and waited for the road gate reopen and then we were offered to pass the security check. We managed to line along Long Walk for the Queen's coffin. As the cortege approached, my heart was pumping fast. The song played by the bagpiper were so moving, at the moment, I felt I share something in common with the Queen, our love of Scotland! It was such an intimacy experience and my tears kept running down while Queen's coffin passed through my front. I can felt some other mourners also started to bust into tears.
Thanks to all the volunteers, workers and public servants who had made it possible for me to have my person farewell to the Queen.
I will always remember the Queen's dedication and wisdom as a female role model.