A teacher from Porthleven has explained why he made the last-minute decision to travel to London to witness the Queen's funeral in person today.
James Kitto travelled up on Saturday and stayed with friends, before camping out on the street last night to get his spot.
He was able to secure a position on the pavement in Parliament Street, halfway between Westminster Abbey and the Cenotaph, where the Queen's coffin, on top of a gun carriage pulled by Royal Navy sailors – including a number from RNAS Culdrose in Helston – passed by in procession along with members of the Royal Family.
The Queen's coffin passes by on its route bewteen Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace Picture: James Kitto
Explaining why he made the spontaneous decision be part of the mourners on the street, he told the Packet: "I made the last minute decision as I wanted to represent my family, to say thank you to the Queen for all her years of devoted service; also to be part of such an historic event."
He described the atmosphere on Monday morning, in the hour before the funeral, as "one of expectancy", with Big Ben tolling every minute. He added that the crowd had become quieter, with voices lowered respectfully.
The Royal Marines Band Picture: James Kitto
And after seeing the funeral procession make its way past, from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, from where the Queen was taken by hearse for her final journey to Windsor, James said: "It was actually more emotional than I was expecting it to be – to see the coffin topped with the crown, the orb and the sceptre made it all feel very real I guess.
"Also to see her family following her coffin really was a reminder that they are grieving just as any family grieves at the loss of a loved one.
James formed a bond with those he waited with overnight - including a woman who, by chance, was from neighbouring county Devon, who was then his neighbour on the street Picture: James Kitto
"The military part of the procession was incredible too.
"I’m so glad I came up for the Queen’s funeral – it was like nothing I’ve ever witnessed before. And it was an opportunity to pay my respects on behalf of my family."
Royal Navy sailors on parade before they escoted the Queen's coffin Picture: James Kitto
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