A Memorable Day

Friends went down to pay respects to the Queen last night, and joined the queue at 6pm, with the estimated arrival time of midnight. But they stuck to it, and made it home again about 1am…

But a most beautiful sunny morning, not a cloud in the sky, inspired us to go down early. I could not ‘not bother’ to go and visit the coffin while it was so near. I knew the queues at that time of day would not be like yesterday’s. 

We set off at pace, across the Meadows, collected our wrist bands (which stopped any queue jumping) and walked on through the university campus. I was flagging a bit by this time, and my face was definitely a delicate shade of puce with exertion (I’m not good at hurrying). A nice woman in a hi-viz jacket spotted my obvious discomfort, nay - distress - and came and told us that there was a taxi service just a bit further on for those who found the long walk a bit of a struggle. I was very pleased!

Sure enough, a taxi took us (JR was allowed to come too) and a couple of ladies with walking sticks past the crowds on George lV Bridge, where we could ‘filter’ in to the queue (with our different coloured wristbands) and go through security and then just round the corner to the church. Result!

It was very peaceful inside. Silent, reverential, very moving. The Queen’s Archers were standing guard - stock still, heads bowed - you could hear a pin drop. What an honour for them. I am so glad we went.

We had a coffee nearby when we came out, then stood watching the camera crews and news reporters from all over setting up their gear. A woman came over, having seen our wristbands, and asked if she could interview us. She was from the Irish Times! I think we just gave the usual platitudes - couldn’t think of anything touching and insightful to say. I do hope they have plenty of proper news to fill their paper today.

We then walked down the Mound and along Princes Street to get a bus home, as I couldn’t face walking back. As we walked down the Mound, which is very steep, we met a woman pushing a walker thing, panting and wheezing and gasping. She was carrying an inhaler. We stopped to talk to her, and to encourage her to keep going. We assured her she would be allowed to join the filter lane for mobility challenged, so it wasn’t too much further. Though still a steep hill. I truly admired her determination.

In the afternoon Maggie (the Border Terrier) and her mum and dad popped over for afternoon tea. At some point when we came back from town, JR had not only taken Archie out for a walk, but had also made a banana cake.

We were able to sit out in the back garden the sunshine for an hour or so. Maggie went crazy running round and round with a ball. Archie stood and looked at her like she was bonkers.

An historic day. This was the Kirk when we came out, the late morning sun just beginning to shine on it. The Mercat Cross is just in front of it, where the Proclamation of King Charles III  was read out a couple of days ago.