As promised, here is the first batch of photos I took during my walk around London to see how the vibe is following the passing of our previous monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. I have to admit, outside the perimeter of London proper - The palaces, Westminster, and the bit between, the mood wasn't as sombre as I expected. Yes, there was an air of heaviness in the air, but how much of that was due to the fact that every advertising space I saw had been replaced with Her Majesty's photo I don't know.
The West End wasn't as busy as usual either, even for a working day. Perhaps everyone, tourists included, was at the scene - either at Westminster where the queen had been laying in state, or in the parks where the tributes were to be placed. Buckingham Palace announced previously that flowers and other tributes should not be left at or near the palace. Mind you, as I approached the palace, especially on Pall Mall, and St. James Park, floral and other tributes could be observed.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF LEICESTER AND TRAFALGAR SQUARES
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The crowd had moved on to Westminster, presumably on the long queues, when I was at the palace. As such, I was able to move quickly through while also taking photos and videos. It was a much more pleasant experience that if I had been there days earlier. There could be seen all evidence of heavy foot traffic of the large crowds - the provided mobile seating presumably for the elderly, drinking water stations and welfare kiosks for whoever needs it. I also spotted a lot of various security personnel ranging from regular police, contracted security firms to the military. I saw members of the Royal Air Force and Military Police present.
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To end part one of my posts about this day, I want to share my favourite tribute I saw. Someone left a Paddington Bear toy and a sandwich in a plastic bag with the massage "for later". I stayed at that point for a while observing people's reactions and occasionally someone that got the reference would stop, smile and take a photo or two.
Peace & Love,
Adé