Edinburgh: Thousands want goodbye

Several hours earlier, they secured seats on the Royal Mile through the old town to watch the procession as the sarcophagus passed in the afternoon. While it was still torrential rain in Edinburgh on Sunday evening, the sun was shining on Monday morning.

John Burley, 69, had traveled from near Glasgow in a tartan kilt with his wife, Heather. He described himself as a strong Scotsman, but also a supporter of the monarchy and the United Kingdom. “In Germany there is also Bavaria,” he told dpa. And East and West came together – ‘Wonderful’. He hopes that this community spirit will continue to prevail on the island.

An excited Earliss of Glasgow, settled down on a folding chair: “She was such a lady, so gracious.” Her companions Amy, Rebecca and Fiona were snuggled up in thick blankets. Meanwhile, Dennis Melvin, in a black tie and Union Jack shoes, with his two dogs, crouched on the ground just in front of the bulkhead for a clear look at the afternoon parade. He said the Queen was “awesome”. Surely King Charles will do well too. Then he wanted to travel to London for the state funeral there in a week.

A procession carrying the Queen’s casket, planned for the afternoon, leads from the Royal Residence at Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral. Charles wants to walk a short distance with the coffin. Then he and other members of the royal family attended mass in the cathedral. The Scots would then have 24 hours to bid farewell to the Queen in church.