The Queen’s coffin has begun its journey to its final resting place as it travels from Balmoral to Edinburgh.
Draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland and with a wreath of flowers on top, it has remained at rest in the Balmoral ballroom so that the late monarch’s loyal Balmoral estate workers can say their last goodbyes.
The oak coffin was lifted into a hearse by six of the estate’s gamekeepers, who have been tasked with the symbolic gesture, ready for a six-hour journey to Edinburgh. The Queen was played out of Balmoral by her piper.
The hearse was accompanied by her daughter Anne, Princess Royal.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the “poignant” journey, which will see the Queen’s coffin transported to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, would give the public a chance to come together to “mark our country’s shared loss”.
Well-wishers are expected to gather along the route the cortege will take as it travels from Balmoral to the Scottish capital.
It will first head to the nearby town of Ballater, where it is expected at approximately 10.12am.
About an hour later it will arrive in Aberdeen, with tributes expected to be paid in the city’s Duthie Park.
Travelling south along the A90, it will then arrive in Dundee at about 2pm.
In Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon and other party leaders in Scotland are expected to observe the coffin as it goes past the Scottish Parliament.
From there it will be taken into the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where it will remain for the night.
Transport bosses said an “unprecedented” amount of preparation and planning had gone into drawing up the route.
Mourners will be able to view the Queen’s coffin in Edinburgh from 5pm on Monday September 12, officials have confirmed.
A queuing system will be in place with security checks and restrictions on mobile phones will apply.
Members of the public who wish to pay their respects have been warned they face long waits due to the anticipated demand.
Officials say weather conditions may be challenging and standing for a number of hours should be expected.
Senior members of the Royal Family including the King, will hold continuous vigils from 7.20pm on Monday known as the Vigil of Princes.
The events are set to be “truly historic” according to Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge.
He said: “The news of Her Majesty The Queen’s passing has been met with great sadness around the world and has been greeted with an outpouring of emotion that reflects how highly regarded she was at home and abroad.
“I’m preparing to warmly welcome King Charles and royal family members and of course to express deepest sympathy on behalf of the city.
“The next few days will be truly historic for Edinburgh, with tens of thousands of people descending to pay their respects and millions more across the world tuning into the broadcast coverage.
“I believe Scotland can take real pride that Her Majesty cherished her time here and now the eyes of the world will be upon the Capital as we unite in national mourning and herald our new King.
“This is a time for our communities to stand together and for people to reflect on our shared history.
“The outpouring of grief from citizens and visitors is touching and demonstrates the special relationship the city shared with the Queen.
“Edinburgh’s Books of Condolence have been opened online, at Central Library and across the city for citizens and visitors to pay their respects.”
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