Thousands in Britain queue up to pay respects to Queen lying-in-state: See Pics

One of the biggest logistical events London has ever witnessed is underway as the first few thousand members of the public file past the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II lying-in-state at Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament complex in the heart of UK's capital.

One of the biggest logistical events ever witnessed in London is under way on Thursday as the first few thousand members of the public file past the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II lying-in-state at Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament complex in the heart of the UK capital. Credit: Reuters Photo

A week since the 96-year-old monarch died peacefully at her Scottish summer residence of Balmoral Castle, her coffin has been part of a historic journey by road and air until it was conveyed in a grand procession from Buckingham Palace to lie in state in the historic hall within the Palace of Westminster. Credit: Reuters Photo

The ancient ceremony of lying-in-state, dating back to the 19th century, involves the coffin resting on a raised platform called catafalque in the middle of Westminster Hall as members of the queuing public are allowed in to walk briskly past it. Credit: Reuters Photo

Within hours of the lying-in-state ceremony opening to the public at 5 pm local time on Wednesday evening, the queue was said to be over four-km-long winding around the river Thames. Credit: Reuters Photo

People pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London. Credit: Reuters Photo

According to the Department of Digital, Media and Sports (DCMS), which is coordinating the logistical aspect of the ceremony, the queue would not be allowed to get any longer than 16 km and has warned mourners of an estimated 30-hour overnight wait to get to Westminster Hall. Credit: Reuters Photo

The 24-hour round-the-clock process will remain open to the public until 6.30 am local time on Monday (September 19), just hours before the funeral ceremony for Britain’s longest-reigning monarch at Westminster Abbey at 11 am. Credit: Reuters Photo

People queue to pay respects to the Queen as the coffin of Britain's Queen Elizabeth lies in state inside Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster in London. Credit: Reuters Photo

The reception of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth for her lying-in-state at Westminster Hall in London. Credit: Reuters Photo