Queen Elizabeth II's coffin has been seen for the first time, as the late Queen begins her final journey.
Draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland and with a wreath of flowers on top, her coffin had remained in the Balmoral ballroom, so the late monarch’s estate workers could say their last goodbyes.
The news of Her Majesty's death was announced in a statement on behalf of the Royal Family on Thursday evening.
Her death brings an end to a 70-year reign, the longest in history, having ascended the throne following the death of her father, King George VI on 6 February 1952.
Her Majesty The Queen’s coffin has left Balmoral.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 11, 2022
Accompanied by The Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence, the cortege will travel to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The Wreath on the coffin features Dhalias, Sweet Peas, Phlox, White Heather and Pine Fir from the Balmoral Estate. pic.twitter.com/Atv2v9SGFz
Mourners pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II begins final journey as she leaves Balmoral Estate
Today's six-hour journey began at 10am.
The hearse will travel through Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth and other towns and villages, to allow mourners to gather to pay their respects.
The procession is expected to arrive in the Scottish capital around 4pm today (Sunday) and will remain there overnight, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and other party leaders in Scotland are expected to observe the coffin's arrival at the Scottish Parliament.
As the late Queen left Balmoral, a small gathering of well-wishers stood in silence, lining the route out of the estate.
Transport bosses said an “unprecedented” amount of preparation and planning has gone into drawing up the route.
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