Outside Buckingham Palace, a handful of willing observers, plus a woman from Grande Prairie, set up camp during the week to secure a front-row spot for the Queen’s funeral.
Bernadette Christie, 68, passionate about the royal family, flew to London on Wednesday to pay tribute to the defeated Queen Elizabeth II.
On Friday morning, Christie had the opportunity to stop by Westminster Hall, where Her Majesty’s coffin rests.
“I cried all the time,” Christie told CTV News Edmonton. “She has been a part of my life for so many years. “
“What I liked (though) was that everyone had their little moment to bend over, bow or say hello. “
Christie estimates that he has set his sights on the royal circle of relatives at least 10 times in his life, adding that he saw Princess Diana and shook Hands with Prince Charles on his stopover in Edmonton in 1983, prince William and Princess Kate Middleton being in the crowd, and two of Queen Elizabeth’s jubilees.
Growing up in England, Christie says he remembers seeing the royal circle of relatives on important occasions.
“It’s very vital in our circle of relatives,” he recalls. “I love the story and I love that the royal circle of family members continues to do the same thing year after year. “
“It’s a ceremony,” he added. “It’s nice. “
Bernadette Christie tent and view of Buckingham Palace in London, England (supplied).
Since arriving in the UK, Christie set up a tent and camped in front of the palace. Every night, he arrives at his tent after 11 a. m. and has to do so before 7 a. m. m. Then look.
“I was given a front row seat on Monday when the (Queen’s) coffin passed,” Christie said.
For her, the Queen represented a lasting legacy of dedication.
“She’s been with me and our community all our lives and has done an amazing job for all of us,” Christie said. “For her commitment and promises to make the world a better place, I appreciate that from her. “
“I think he would go to 101, like his mother,” he added. I don’t know why I think that. I think I would have a few more years. “
With files through Jessica Robb of CTV News Edmonton