Westminster Hall opens to publicThe doors of Westminster Hall have now been opened to allow the public to pay their respects to the Queen.
The Queen’s coffin was taken to the hall in a procession from Buckingham Palace this afternoon.
She will now lie in state until 6.30am on Monday, when the coffin will be taken to nearby Westminster Abbey for the funeral.
As of 5pm, a government tracker said the queue was 2.8 miles long.
From Westminster Hall, the queue extends south and crosses Lambeth Bridge before turning north and snaking up the South Bank, ending just after London Bridge.
Thousands of people queue in London to see Queen’s lying in state – videoEmine Sinmaz
Cheryl Thomas set off from Crowthorne, Berkshire, at 5.30am, and had a prime position for the procession at the front of the barrier.
Fighting back tears, the 75-year-old said: “I thought the procession was wonderful, it made me cry. People were respectful and I’m glad there was no shouting.
“I was particularly emotional because I saw the coronation, and the Queen has been with me my whole life. It’s very sad.
“I can’t stop crying. I Ioved the way the Queen didn’t let politics get in the way, she was very cheerful, and she was good for the nation.”
President Biden has offered his condolences to the King, telling him that the Queen’s “dignity and constancy” helped strength the relationship between the US and the UK.
The White House readout of the call said: “President Joseph R Biden, Jr spoke today with King Charles III to offer his condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
“The president recalled fondly the Queen’s kindness and hospitality, including when she hosted him and the First Lady at Windsor Castle last June.
“He also conveyed the great admiration of the American people for the Queen, whose dignity and constancy deepened the enduring friendship and special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
“President Biden conveyed his wish to continue a close relationship with the King.”
King Charles III led a procession behind the Queen’s coffin as it began its journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where it will lie in state.
He was accompanied by Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward and other members of the royal family including Prince William and Prince Harry. The coffin was pulled on a gun carriage of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, draped in the royal standard.