David Beckham tears up as he stands in front of Queen's coffin after queuing since 2am
David Beckham could be seen getting emotional as he finally made it inside Westminster Hall to pay his respects to the Queen's coffin after queuing for hours on end.
The football star joined the lengthy queue at 2am this morning (16 September) to file past the Queen's coffin as she lies in state following her death last week (8 September).
Beckham, 47, joined thousands of members of public in moving slowly through the streets of London to reach the coffin, which will remain at Westminster Hall until the State Funeral takes place on Monday (19 September).
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He spoke to BBC News while waiting in the queue, saying: "We all want to be here together, we all want to experience something where we celebrate the amazing life of our Queen.
"I think something like this today is meant to be shared together so the fact that we've been here, we're eating Pringles, we're eating sherbert lemons, we're eating sandwiches, having coffee, doughnuts..."
Beckham could have been fast-tracked to visit the Queen's coffin, but he pointed out everyone wants to celebrate.
After hours of queuing, Beckham made it into the Hall this afternoon and could be seen looking emotional as he made his way down the steps towards the raised platform where Her Majesty's coffin is on display.
He took a moment to pause by the platform, then bowed towards the coffin before moving on with the rest of the crowd.
Beckham's visit to the coffin comes after he paid tribute to the Queen in a heartfelt statement, saying: "I’m truly saddened by the death of Her Majesty, The Queen. What an outpouring of love and respect we saw for the Platinum Jubilee for her life of service.
"How devastated we all feel today shows what she has meant to people in this country and around the world. How much she inspired us with her leadership. How she comforted us when times were tough.
"Until her last days she served her country with dignity and grace. This year she would have known how loved she was. My thoughts and prayers are with our Royal Family."
Beckham was appointed an OBE by the Queen for his for services to football in June 2003, and he told ITV News today he was 'so lucky' to have had moments in his life that he could share with the Queen.
"It’s a sad day, but it’s a day for us to remember the incredible legacy that she’s left," he added.
Topics: David Beckham, The Queen, UK News
Emily Brown