RING OF STEEL
Police tell Royal fans to pack up their tents after camping out on The Mall before Queen’s funeral
COPS have told royal fans camping out on The Mall to pack up their tents before the Queen’s funeral.
Super Royalists John Loughrey, 67, Maria Scott, 51, and Sky London, 62, were asked to collapse their temporary shelters after pitching their tents near Buckingham Palace.
8
8
8
8
The trio - among the country’s most devoted Royal-followers - have been sleeping on air beds, in two-man tents just 100 yards from Victoria Monument.
After hearing the news of the Queen's death, they rushed to stake a claim for the best spot in the house.
But they have since been told by police they need to take down their tents.
In video footage, an officer is heard saying: "I understand why you guys are here but obviously there's loads of stuff going on, we can't have tents here for security reasons and under regulations.
READ MORE ON ROYALS
"So I'm going to ask you to pack everything up and take your tent down.
"It's up to you where you go but if you do end up camping somewhere else you'll probably be asked the same thing again."
It comes as...
- Queen was ‘clearly not well but absolutely on it’ at our last meeting two days before her death, says Boris Johnson
- Poignant moment King’s Guard rehearse for Queen’s funeral as they march towards Westminster in emotional scenes
- Thousands of tearful mourners queue through the night to see Queen lying in state
- King Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward bow their heads in moving vigil as they stand guard over the Queen’s coffin
- Queen’s coffin to be flown to Buckingham Palace today with Princess Anne by her side – as millions queue to say goodbye
- Over three million mourners set to visit London this week to pay respects to Queen
- Oprah Winfrey hopes Queen’s death helps Harry & Meghan ‘make peace’ with royals after bombshell interview caused chaos
In the clip, the policewoman is heard explaining to Mr Loughrey that they are welcome to be there, but their tents are the issue.
"You can sit here, nobody's going to stop you from sitting here, but you just can't have a tent here."
Most read in The Sun
The group has already met The Queen three times, seen her countless times, and have been saving for this “expedition” for years - dreading the moment the Monarch finally died.
After following the Royals for 20 years they have a slick set-up of tents, umbrellas and camping chairs - and a network of cafes and takeaways - to ensure them front-row seats for history.
When she comes down The Mall in her coffin - that’s when I will believe she has gone. Not until then
John Loughrey
But people have been warned not to wait or camp along the route where the Queen's coffin will be taken from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall for the lying in state.
The Home Office is asking fans who are keen to catch a glimpse not to wait or camp in advance of the funeral.
If you camp before this time you may be .
'WHOLE TEN DAYS'
Mum-of-two Maria - a full-time carer - who arrived on Thursday, has travelled 245-miles from Gateshead to pay her respects.
She told The Sun: “We’re here for the whole ten days - we just have to be.
“The three of us go to all these Royal events together and we’re not afraid to sleep on the path to be in line to see The King.
“We’re very comfortable - we have a blow up bed and food from nearby shops. It’s a small price to pay to be here.
“The Queen has been such a constant presence in our lives. She’s got the country through so much."
Retired chef John Loughrey, of Streatham, London, said: “We’re doing the whole ten days of mourning on The Mall.
“We’ll take it in turns to pay our respects to Her Majesty’s coffin so we can keep our place.”
John - who attended every day of Diana’s six-month inquest - added: “When she comes down The Mall in her coffin - that’s when I will believe she has gone. Not until then.
“I miss her and miss her presence. She was the mother of the country and the world and I respect that hugely. There will never be another monarch like her.”
Retired pet shop owner Sky London, 62, of Paddington, London, said: “There are events every single day and we want to be there for it all
“Ten days of a 70-year reign is nothing and it’s time to pay our respects. We just need to say ‘thank you ma’am.”
Prince William came out of Kensington Palace and privately thanked them.
They were all in line for the birth and presentation of throne-heir Prince George and have covered Royal Weddings, Jubilees and funerals together.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The Sun
Maria has previously met The Queen on her 90th birthday Windsor, when her daughter presented her with roses at Windsor Castle.
The Sun Online has contacted Metropolitan Police.
8
8
8
8
Topics