The Archbishop of Canterbury has joined people in the queue outside Lambeth Palace to pray ahead of the start of the lying-in-state at Wesminster Hall. 

Most Rev Justin Welby was accompanied by the Archbishop of York, Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, as they stopped to speak to mourners who had been queuing since last night to pay their respects to the Queen. 

The two Archbishops were en route to Westminster Hall where the Queen's coffin will arrive after a procession from Buckingham Palace. 

On Tuesday, Archbishop Stephen was also seen singing a hymn with those first in line to pay their respects.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “These amazing ladies are numbers one, two and three in the queue to pay their last respects to our late Majesty the Queen.

“I chatted with them this evening and we sang the first verse of Praise my soul the King of heaven. Wonderful!”

Most Rev Justin Welby will lead a short service of reflection when the coffin arrives and then thousands of mourners will be able to file past 24 hours a day until 0630 on Monday 19th September. 

The Archbishop responded to a request for prayer by saying:

"Lord Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead,

"Bless the people in the crowd.

"Help them to keep warm, help them to enjoy each other's company.

"And enable them as they go to the Lying in State, to be able to find both your comfort, also in their presence to comfort others.

"Amen."

A rendition of 'Praise My Soul the King of heaven' could then be heard among the crowd.