The calm that reigns in the Palace of Westminster around the coffin of the queen has been disturbed. On Friday night, a man crossed the security line established around the catafalque, climbed the four steps leading to the oak coffin in which Elizabeth II rests and managed to touch it, reports the guardian. The individual was quickly subdued by security guards and later arrested.
“The Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command has arrested a man at Westminster Hall following a disturbance. He has been taken into custody,” said Scotland Yard, a police force in London.
“Absolutely disrespectful”
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. local time (11 p.m. in France), when thousands of Britons queued to gather for a few seconds in front of the queen’s coffin. His retirement is broadcast live on English channels, but the brief intrusion temporarily interrupted the transmission.
“It’s unbelievable, terrible, absolutely disrespectful,” a woman who was queuing with her 7-year-old niece told News Sky. She claims that the girl was pushed by the man when she was running towards the catafalque.
Since Wednesday, tens of thousands of Britons have marched to greet their queen for the last time, who is in Westminster Hall, the oldest chamber of parliament. After a final procession, Elizabeth II will be buried privately on Monday in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, alongside her father, King George VI, and her husband, Prince Philip.
Source: BFM TV
