Crowds line streets as Queen's coffin makes final Scottish journey

Crowds lined the streets of Edinburgh as Queen Elizabeth's coffin made its final journey in Scotland.

There was applause as the coffin left St Giles' Cathedral, where it had been lying at rest since Monday, to travel to Edinburgh Airport.

It was then flown to London on board a military plane.

About 33,000 people had filed past the coffin in the cathedral, with thousands queuing through the night for the chance to pay their respects.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was among those to attend a final prayer service at St Giles' Cathedral on Tuesday afternoon, alongside Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone and Scottish Secretary Alistair Jack.

An honour guard and royal archers lined the street before the Queen's coffin was brought outside.

It left St Giles' Cathedral on a hearse shortly before 16:20 to make the journey to Edinburgh Airport.

Thousands of people packed into the historic streets of Edinburgh for the third day in a row to see the coffin.

Support worker Bethany Walker, 21, said she came straight from her night shift to queue to pay her respects to the Queen.

"It's a historic event and we want to be there. It's part of the history books," she said.

Duncan Wilson Paisley, who served in the Royal Highlanders for 25 years, said he felt a particular gratitude to the Queen.

"She was a wonderful lady for whom everybody has the utmost respect," he said.

The coffin was taken to Edinburgh Airport as well-wishers lined the streets.

Princess Anne, Ms Sturgeon and Mr Jack watched from the tarmac as the Queen's coffin was placed on the plane in front of a guard of honour from the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The Princess Royal, who accompanied the coffin on the flight, said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys."

The coffin was flown to London on an aircraft that was used to evacuate thousands of people fleeing the Taliban in Kabul last summer.

The C-17 Globemaster has also been used to take humanitarian aid and weapons to Ukraine following Russia's invasion.

The coffin arrived at RAF Northolt before being taken to Buckingham Palace, where it was met by King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, as well as other members of the Royal Family.

It was received by a guard of honour - formed by the King's Guard - before being taken to the Bow Room inside the palace where it will be watched over by a rota of chaplains.

The King left Scotland earlier on Tuesday, travelling to Northern Ireland as part of his Operation Spring Tide tour.

He visited Belfast for the first time as monarch, accompanied by Camilla, Queen Consort.

They met Northern Ireland's political and religious leaders and took part in a prayer service at St Anne's Cathedral.

Speaking after the coffin left Scotland, Ms Sturgeon said: "Over these past few days we have seen just how much Her Majesty meant to the people of Scotland.

"As anticipated, people from all walks of life gathered across the country and in our capital city to pay tribute to the only monarch most of us have ever known."

She added: "Scotland has now bid our Queen of Scots a sad, but fond farewell. We will not see her like again."

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