the involvement of the public was to be part of all events leading up to the funeral. thousands lined the streets of central london to see the journey to westminster hall for lying in state. the queen's four children walked behind their mother's coffin, as did some of her grandchildren, including princes william and harry. prince william has since spoken of the memories this brought back of his mother's funeral. at westminster hall, queen elizabeth ii lay in state until the day of her funeral. tens of thousands came to share this experience in silence, in prayer, sometimes in tears, and they had waited many hours to do so.