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St Pauls Queen prayer service
Reuters
St Pauls Queen prayer service
Reuters
World News

An outlook from St Paul's Cathedral: The thoughts of well-wishers ahead of prayer service

by Sophie Drew

Church leaders and politicians have paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen in a public prayer service at St Paul's Cathedral.

Around 2,000 tickets were offered to members of the public; they were all taken within the first three hours of their release as well-wishers queued around the cathedral. 

Whilst waiting in line, many turned their thoughts to the 70-year reign of the monarch, who was also the head of the Church of England and a staunch Christian. 

Stuart McAlpine, 60, told Premier how he felt, waiting to pay his respects to the head of state: "Very sad, very grateful that we've had a monarch like Her Majesty the Queen for the last 70 years and a few months. 

"I think everybody in this country will find the transition difficult, but we all need to support the new King. And so I guess I would say 'God save the King.'"

Sarah Target, 59, reflected on the other significant news of the week - the appointment of a new Prime Minister, who assumed the position just two days before Her Majesty died. 

She said: "I think that the Queen has done the most wonderful job for the whole country, virtually from the day she was born to the day she died. 

"Liz Truss was very fortunate to be appointed by her. So I just wanted to do everything I could to show my regard for our sovereign Queen"

Robert Fulton, 73, echoed the sentiments of many, saying: "I think today is a day of great sadness for all. We have lost a great queen, but also a key part of all our lives; somebody who has been a constant in our lives for all of my lifetime. 

"But also I think it's a day when she would want us also to think about the future. She understood continuity. She understood that nothing lasts forever.

"Therefore I think, today for us is saying goodbye and thank you."

Sarah Christie, 49, said: "The mood is it's very sombre, but also there's a real feeling of people coming together wanting to pay tribute to her."

Sharn, 60, said: "I think everyone knew it was coming sooner rather than later, but it's still sad, isn't it? 

"She's always been here. I'm in my 60s now but she's always kind of been here. So it feels like there is something missing now. It'll be it'll be a real loss."

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