thousands of people queuing to attend the lying in state for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in April 2002. Especially as on the first day - Friday 5 April, the crowds were already exceeding expectations, with enthusiasts starting their wait at Lambeth Bridge from 9.
30am, even though the Westminster Hall doors were not due to open until 2pm. So many mourners were gathering that by 2. 30pm, the queue stretched back over the bridge and along the Thames.
Officials realised that closing at 6pm as planned was not an option and agreed to let the public process past the coffin throughout most of the night.
Cafes along the South Bank began offering coffees, sandwiches and loo breaks. Estimates of waiting times grew from four hours to eight to 12 hours.
Read more on msn.com