Woman's visited the Queen's coffin at St Giles' Cathedral SEVEN times

2022-09-13

Woman reveals she’s queued to see the Queen’s coffin at St Giles’ Cathedral SEVEN times in 16 hours because ‘it’s divine and deeply moving’

Elizabeth Sabey, 43, a missionary, has visited the coffin at least seven times
She travelled from the Isle of Lewis and started queueing in Edinburgh at 5pm
Told the BBC that by 6.30am she had seen the Queen’s coffin around five times
Full coverage: Click here to see all our coverage of the Queen’s passing

A woman has revealed she’s visited Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh at least seven times.

Elizabeth Sabey, a 43-year-old evangelist and missionary, explained to the BBC her reasoning for lining up for the visit on a number of occasions, saying that ‘there’s something divine there and it’s deeply moving’.

She travelled from the Isle of Lewis and started queueing at 5pm yesterday, reported the Telegraph, and by 6.30am she had seen the late monarch’s coffin around five times.

Throughout the night, thousands of mourners queued and filed past Her Majesty, before her body begins the journey to London at 5pm today ahead of the funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19.

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Elizabeth Sabey (pictured), a 43-year-old evangelist and missionary, explained to the BBC her reasoning for lining up for the visit on a number of occasions, saying that ‘there’s something divine there and it’s deeply moving’

She travelled from the Isle of Lewis and started queueing at 5pm yesterday, reported the Telegraph , and by 6.30am she had seen the late monarch’s coffin around five times. Pictured, King Charles III, centre, and other members of the royal family hold a vigil at the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II at St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh

Speaking to the BBC, Ms Sabey said: ‘It’s beautiful when you enter into the Cathedral, it’s the atmosphere, the presence, there’s something of definitely the divine there.

‘It’s beyond words and I feel deeply moved every time I go through. I wouldn’t miss it so every time I’ve gone back again and again.

‘Queen Elizabeth II was such a notable… irreplaceable and I wanted to pay my respects but it was more than that, it was an experience I just didn’t want to miss. Every time I’ve gone back… it’s been so beautiful.’

Ms Sabey was also inspired by the late monarch’s faith in God, according to The Telegraph.

The Christian, who plans to visit the coffin as many times as she can before it departs for London, told the publication that she felt ‘God’s presence’ when visiting.

She added: ‘Sometimes I’ve gone in and they’ve been praying or they’ve been changing the guards around her. It’s a once in a lifetime experience, and when you go round just once it’s like you just want to remember it.

Speaking to the BBC, Ms Sabey (pictured) said: ‘It’s beautiful when you enter into the Cathedral, it’s the atmosphere, the presence, there’s something of definitely the divine there

People queue to enter St. Giles’ Cathedral and pay respects to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth

‘I am a Christian, a really strong Christian, and [the Queen] lived her life, faith was central to her life and essential to my life.

‘She’s not just a figurehead she’s actually a spiritual representative that actually walked the life of Jesus in a pure way, humble way.’

Ms Sabey had worked as a missionary in Cambodia, and in lockdown she said she ‘positioned myself on a bench’ to chat with people who were concerned or anxious about the Covid pandemic.

Sharon Baum, 53, and her partner Alison Evans, 50, were at the front of the queue yesterday, as members of the public paid personal tributes to the beloved late monarch.

The couple queued up for nearly 11 hours and told MailOnline of their extraordinary experience on an historic day at St Giles’ Cathedral.

People queuing in the Scottish capital to catch a glimpse of the coffin of Her Majesty before her body is flown to London later today

Thousands of mourners queued into the night to catch a glimpse of the Queen’s coffin in Edinburgh before the late monarch’s body is flown to London later today

Mrs Baum, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire said: ‘It was really serene and peaceful and solemn. We feel so privileged to be allowed to see it and do what we did. We felt like we were involved in a little bit of history.

‘You can’t prepare yourself for how you are going to feel when you go through the door. I knew I would be upset. As soon as you are there it brings it all home. We are really big Royalists.

‘I shed a tear — several. I said a little prayer and bowed my head. We probably could have stayed a little bit longer. There was nobody rushing you but there were so many people waiting.

‘It was one of the most memorable and sad experiences of my life. I will remember it until my dying day. It was so emotional.’

The couple set off from their home at 10pm on Saturday and drove through to travel to Ballater near Balmoral at 5am as the Queen made her final journey from the castle.

Nicola Sturgeon tells Kind Charles how her husband saved one of the Queen’s corgis from being electrocuted – as she vows Scotland ‘stands ready’ to support the new monarch

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told how her husband saved one of the Queen’s corgis from being electrocuted – as she vowed Scotland ‘stands ready’ to support King Charles III as he continues his mother’s legacy of public service.

Speaking as she moved a motion of condolence in honour of the late monarch, Ms Sturgeon told of how Peter Murrell stopped the dog, a puppy named Sandy, from chewing through a lamp switch after a light began to flicker at Balmoral.

‘To my great alarm, he was, after all, in the presence of Her Majesty, my husband suddenly leapt up and darted across the floor,’ the First Minister said.

‘Peter had spotted the cause of the flickering light.

‘One of the Queen’s young Corgis, a beautiful pup called Sandy, was eating through a lamp switch.

‘Thankfully, tragedy was averted and Sandy emerged unscathed, though not before a ticking off from his mistress.’

She continued: ‘We are honoured by the presence today of His Majesty, King Charles III, and The Queen Consort. Your Majesty, we stand ready to support you, as you continue your own life of service – and as you build on the extraordinary legacy of your beloved mother, our Queen.

‘Queen Elizabeth, Queen of Scots – we are grateful for her life. May She now rest in peace.’

Last night the couple were returning home but are hoping to be in London for the Queen’s funeral.

Eleanor Wardrop, 72, and her twin sister Jennifer Davis were among the first in the queue arriving at 8am yesterday.

The former executive PA said: ‘It was a priceless moment. It really was very, very special. It was completely serene, just so dignified and quiet. It was just so beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

‘People were taking their time, walking slowly. Men were saluting to the Queen, bowing to the Queen and the women were curtseying. I did a little curtsy as I went past. I was so glad that I was able to honour her in that way.

‘It was very quiet. There were two ministers on duty saying prayers as we walked through. It was very dignified. There were the archers standing there with their heads bowed and there were police guards as well.’

Describing the experience Eleanor said: ‘We wanted to come to the vigil to pay a personal tribute. We grew up with the Queen. She has been a constant in our lives. She was our true north.

‘She took an oath and she stood by it her whole life. As a young woman she promised to do her duty and she did that right to the end.

‘She was a remarkable woman and nobody else will ever be like her. She has been a role model to us all.’

Peter Binder, 60, travelled down with wife Georgina from the north of Scotland arriving at 7am.

He said: ‘There were literally half a dozen people but that changed very quickly. It’s been a very long day but it has certainly been worthwhile.

‘There has been a very good spirit in the crowd. Everyone has got to know each other. We have been supporting each other and there has been a good camaraderie. I suppose we are proud British monarchists. It has been a very moving experience.’

King Charles III, his sister the Princess Royal and brothers the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex all arrived at St Giles’ Cathedral after the sun had set over the Scottish capital, then kept a vigil by their mother’s coffin from 7.46pm until 7.56pm while members of the public walked past silently.

The King, who was wearing the Prince Charles Edward Stuart tartan and white heather in his lappelle from Balmoral, kept his hands joined and looked towards the floor as he stood alongside four suited members of the Royal Company of Archers, who were standing guard dressed in long-feathered hats and armed with arrows and quivers.

Afterwards, tears appeared to fill his eyes as the monarch completed an emotional day which began with him addressing MPs in the Palace of Westminster.

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