King Charles and siblings hold vigil for Queen at St Giles' Cathedral

Thousands of mourners are queueing for miles to pay their respects to the late monarch.

12th Sep 2022

King Charles III and his siblings returned to St Giles’ Cathedral on Monday evening for a vigil held beside the Queen’s coffin.

Thousands of mourners are queueing for miles to pay their respects to the late monarch before her coffin is flown to London on Tuesday.

On Monday evening, the King, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and Earl of Wessex took their places at the four sides of the oak coffin for a silent vigil.

They stood alongside four suited members of the Royal Company of Archers, who were standing guard dressed in long-feathered hats and armed with arrows and quivers.

A procession of members of the public queuing to view the coffin on Monday evening was temporarily paused to allow the royals to take their places.

The Duke of York kept his eyes closed for a period of time during the vigil, while the Princess Royal and Earl of Wessex had their eyes fixed towards the floor.

The King kept his hands joined and also looked towards the floor as members of the public filed past.

Shortly after they took their positions at the coffin the public procession resumed.

A number of members of the public bowed as they passed the King, with others walking solemnly by with heads down.

The King and his family began their vigil at the coffin at 7.46pm and finished it at 7.56pm.

The Queen Consort and Countess of Wessex sat on seats opposite the coffin while the vigil took place.