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Wait to see queen’s coffin extends to 24 hours

Published:Friday | September 16, 2022 | 11:25 AM
People walk in a queue in front of Tower Bridge to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II during the Lying-in State at Westminster Hall, in London, England, Friday, September 16, 2022. The Queen will lie in state in Westminster Hall for four full days before her funeral on Monday, September 19. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

LONDON — The line organised by British authorities for people to view Queen Elizabeth II's coffin as she lies in state has reopened after being closed for more than seven hours due to a surge in numbers.

But officials said Friday afternoon that people may have to stand in line for more than 24 hours before reaching Westminster Hall.

And they say that it will be cold during the night.

The line was about five miles long, snaking along the banks of the River Thames.

Authorities laid on more than 500 portable toilets, while around 1,000 stewards and marshals were on duty at any given time.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to pay their respects before Monday's state funeral.

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