While many people were warned to expect a 12-hour wait to see the monarch’s coffin at St Giles’ Cathedral, those who queued overnight said their wait-time was five or six hours.
Members of the public started going into the cathedral at about 6pm, and the procession was temporarily paused to allow the royal family to take part in a short vigil at about 8pm.
Lord Ian Duncan, the Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords, said crowds along the Royal Mile were “ten-deep”, while the streets surrounding the historic precinct were equally crammed with people.
“The sheer quantity of individuals moving into Edinburgh today (indicates) that there will be many tens – possibly even hundreds – of thousands of people who will wish to pay their respects to the late Queen,” Lord Duncan told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio National programme on Tuesday morning.
Resting on top of the Queen's coffin at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh is the Crown of Scotland.
It dates back to the reign of James V, who was King of Scotland from 1513 until his death in 1542.
5. Waiting to pay their respects
Members of the public waited outside to get in St Giles's to pay their respects Photo: LISA FERGUSON
6. A late night queue in Edinburgh
People waited into the night in Edinburgh to pay their respects to the Queen as she lies in state at St Giles' Cathedral. Picture date: Tuesday September 13, 2022. Photo: Gavin Hamilton
7. St Giles' Cathedral at dusk
St Giles' Cathedral at dusk as members wait to get a glimpse of the Queen's coffin Photo: LISA FERGUSON
8. Members of the public leaving St Giles'
Members of the public leaving St Giles' Photo: Lisa Ferguson