Crowds gathered outside Windsor Castle yesterday as the Queen’s loved ones travelled to Balmoral to be with her in her last hours.

Windsor fell completely silent when the flag was lowered at half mast. People shed tears and cried as they comforted one another following the announcement of the Queen's death on Thursday, September 8.

The town saw a sea of well wishers turn up to pay their respects and lay flowers down outside the castle.

The atmosphere was sombre but respectable describing the Queen's loss "as an end of an era." 

Hundreds of people streamed down the pavements winding around the castle to pay tribute at the royal residence.

Brenda Weschke, Massachusetts, Boston, recalled attending Prince Philip's death in April 2021.

Standing outside the castle a year later, she said: "I came here when Philip died and it only felt right to come here when the Queen dies.

"She was such a big part of everyone's life and I think it's only right to have to pay tribute to her.

"It's very subdued and people seem to be respecting and looking around trying to make sense of it as well. I think it's a shock as it happened so quickly." 

Teresa Paul and Jay Paul from Ascot paid their respects too.

They said: "It's very sad and I work in Windsor and it's sureael really. I knew it was coming but it happened quite quickly.

"I think she'd be really pleased everyones out here tonight. It feels very calm and peaceful but quite sombre and surreal." 

Denise Cramp witnessed the moment the half mast was lowered.

She tearfully spoke to us and said: "As we walked up the flag was there and then it went down. All I can say is my thoughts are with the family."

 

The Long Walk was just as busy with mourners laying down flowers in tribute to the long serving monarch.

Katie Dodd, who was laying flowers at the Long Walk, said: “I’m here to pay my respects. I live locally in Maidenhead so I think it’s an opportunity to come together and remember somebody who served our country for a very long length of time.”

Manager of the Prince Harry pub, Lewis Toplass, said: “It’s a really sad moment for the country. I think everyone in Windsor offers the Royal Family our condolences.”

This is how Christopher Hunt from South America and Malcolm Cexsmith reacted when they found out.

Malcolm Cexton said: “I’m crying right now. I’m not sure why but she really was an outstanding woman.”

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