Cheers erupted from the growing crowds of public mourners as the cortege passed through the gates and into the quadrangle where the Guards of the Household Division stood to attention, resplendent in their red tunics.
Myriad mobile phones and cameras held aloft had bathed the new state hearse in a sea of light, picking out the oak coffin which was draped with the Royal Standard and topped with white flowers.
Along the 14-mile route in to central London from the Queen's arrival at RAF Northolt from Scotland, thousands ha lined the streets oblivious to the downpours.
Umbrellas were lowered out of respect as the cortege passed, letting the evening raindrops mingle with tears running down the faces of many onlookers.
Some kept their emotions private and watched on in sombre silence, while others among the grieving bystanders applauded some even launched bouquets onto the limousine's bonnet.
Once inside Buckingham Palace - which was synonymous with Her Majesty even though she never really wanted it to be home - her children and grandchildren had private time with the coffin, joined by their spouses and by Princess Margaret's children Earl Snowdon and Lady Sarah Chatto.
There will be further such family moments when the monarch, who died last Thursday aged 96, is laid to rest at Windsor next week.
Meanwhile, her coffin will be taken to the Palace of Westminster this afternoon.
Service
Denne historien er fra September 14, 2022-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 14, 2022-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Amorim gears up for big shift in identity at United
RUBEN VOWS TO FIND A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Trump builds cabinet of controversial choices
PRESIDENT-elect Donald Trump has sent shock waves through Washington following a series of controversial cabinet nominations.
Beirut flats fireball after missile strikes building
AN ISRAELI bomb slams into a building in the Lebanese capital Beirut yesterday before exploding into a fireball.
'Why should NHS pick up the pieces after botched butt lifts?"
THE NHS should not be left to pick up the tab following botched Brazilian butt lifts, England's top doctor says.
King returns to Commando training centre after 50 years
THE King got a reminder of tough times from his youth as he returned to the Royal Marines base where he completed his helicopter pilot training 50 years ago.
Archbishop 'appalled and embarrassed' by handling of abuse scandal, says son
THE Archbishop of Canterbury's son last night insisted that he backed his father's decision to resign because his position had become untenable.
'Wes crossed the line in opposing assisted dying'
LABOUR grandee Harriet Harman has hit out at her party's Health Secretary for publicly opposing assisted dying.
Police drop 15-month probe into trans post
AN activist who criticised a transgender GP on social media has been told no further action will be taken after she suffered a \"terrifying\" 15-month investigation.
Governor of Bank in push to boost our Brussels ties
ANDREW Bailey has joined with the growing chorus urging Sir Keir Starmer to return to Brussels' orbit after Donald Trump's election.
Reeves effect sees growth shrinking even before impact of Budget kicks in
CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves has faced fresh condemnation over her policies as figures showed the economy is shrinking.
