GOODNIGHT & GOD BLESS
Thousands of wellwishers attend emotional service for the Queen at St Paul’s Cathedral – and you can watch on TV
THOUSANDS of well-wishers have flooded into St Paul's Cathedral in London this evening for an emotional service honouring the life of The Queen.
Her Majesty died "peacefully" on Thursday at Balmoral with her family at her bedside - ending a historic 70 year reign.
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The Queen's "long life spent in the service of this country", love for her family and commitment to duty will be honoured with this service of prayer and reflection.
Members of the public had to queue to get their hands on a limited 2,000 wristbands - which ran out in just three hours.
But the service will be broadcast live on BBC One from 6pm for those who cannot attend.
Members of the Royal Family are not expected to attend.
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The service will see Dean Designate Andrew Tremlett give thanks for the Queen's "devotion to all her people".
As part of the service, Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, as Dean of the Chapels Royal, will deliver the address.
And the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will deliver the blessing.
Among the well-wishers will be the new Prime Minister Liz Truss, who will deliver a Bible reading from Romans 14.7-12.
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A spokeswoman for the cathedral said Ms Truss is expected to be joined by Lord Mayor Vincent Keaveny.
The Prime Minister was pictured deep in reflection as she joined the congregation on Friday
Scores of politicians from across the political spectrum will also be in the congregation.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was seen looking saddened outside St Paul's.
And Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was seen visibly upset as he prepared to enter the historic cathedral.
While Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, was seen walking into the service looking overwhelmed with emotion.
Audio of the King's televised address to the nation will be played inside the cathedral if it coincides with the service - this is expected at 6pm.
Hundreds queued outside St Paul's from 3pm this afternoon, winding all the way from St Paul's to beyond the Tube station, which is streets away.
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Mourners were dressed smartly in black suits and ties while others wore black veils as they waited to take their seat inside the cathedral.
Dean Designate is expected to say: "We remember her long life spent in the service of this country and of her Commonwealth realms around the world.
"We give thanks for a life of devotion to God, her Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, and of devotion to all her people.
"As we call to mind the promise made at her Coronation that all her judgements should be guided by Law, Justice and Mercy, we rejoice in her steady acceptance of this vocation.
"We celebrate her love for her family, her commitment to duty, and her calling to create unity and concord at the heart of the Commonwealth.
"We pray for the Royal Family, as they mourn their loss.
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"We pray too for our most gracious Sovereign Lord, The King, that placing all his trust in God, he too may rule over us in peace with justice and compassion."
Those members of the public lucky enough to get a wristband had to queue outside the City of London tourism office - only one wristband was issued to each person.
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