Amanda Holden witnesses Queen’s funeral rehearsals – ‘Privileged’

Queen: Amanda Holden recalls seeing funeral rehearsals

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Whilst passing Buckingham Palace and travelling down The Mall as she made her way to the Heart FM studios in Leicester Square, Amanda Holden, 51, who presents the radio stations breakfast show alongside Jamie Theakston, shared a video of the moment she saw soldiers practising ahead of the state funeral that will take place on Monday, September 19.

In a video posted on the Heart Twitter account, which has amassed more than 150,000 followers, Amanda explained to listeners that she felt “privileged” to see what she referred to as one of the “most incredible sights around London.”

A video then showed what Amanda witnessed during her early commute in the capital.

“I saw rehearsals of what is going to be on television and what we are all going to be able to see over the next few days,” Amanda explained.

“It was unbelievable!

“Everyone was in their full uniforms. The bear hats, the red uniforms. It’s just extraordinary.

“I still just can’t get over it all,” a bewildered Amanda added.

The star went on to explain that since the Queen’s death was announced on Thursday, September 8 she has been watching all of the special programmes on television and reading everything she “possibly can” in the media.

She finished by saying: “It is just one of those things that you know we will never ever get to see.”

It is likely that what Amanda witnessed was rehearsals for the State Funeral Service, which will involve a Procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey, where the service will take place.

According to the BBC, the funeral procession will start around 2.20pm where the coffin will be carried on a gun carriage of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, with King Charles III and members of the Royal Family walking behind.

From there, guns will be fired from Hyde Park at one minute intervals throughout the procession, which is expected to arrive at Westminster Hall at 3pm.

Members of the public will be able to watch the procession in person at ceremonial areas along the route including at the side of The Mall, where Amanda’s video was taken.

Other possible viewing areas will include:

  • Horse Guards Parade Ground Whitehall (West)
  • Parliament Street (West)
  • Great George Street Whitehall (East)
  • Parliament Street (East)
  • Bridge Street.

In order to pay her respects to the late monarch, Amanda joined thousands at the gates of Buckingham Palace where she laid a singular pink rose in her memory on Friday.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge wore a navy blue, knee length dress featuring a matching statement belt.

The accessory worked to cinch in her already slim figure, complementing her hourglass figure as she walked through the streets of London.

The dress was styled with coordinating navy heels and the star accessorised her look with numerous delicate silver bangles, clutching her phone in one of her hands.

Posting a heartfelt video of the crowds, and her single pink rose, Amanda also shared a series of photos of herself meeting the Queen.

Along with paying tribute in person, Amanda shared an image of the late monarch with her 1.8 million Instagram followers alongside the caption: “I think we all thought our Queen would live forever…

“Her grace ,good humour and indomitable spirit.. embodied everything that made Great Britain , Great . I just can’t imagine our country without her… My thoughts are with her family #godsavethequeen.”

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