Cross-section of society gathers solemnly to reflect on a loss and to record an unforgettable moment
The stream of people, bouquets in hand, hugged the palace tight. Slowly, dutifully, they skirted the perimeter wall of Buckingham Palace and its 39 acres of gardens in what seemed to be inexhaustible numbers, some among them perhaps feeling a little self-conscious and awkward, others proud of being part of the moment, happy to catch the eye of those around them.
From Birdcage Walk, at the south-east edge of the palace, clockwise the thousands went, flowing by the palace estate, around Hyde Park Corner and on to Constitution Hill, to emerge in an orderly fashion, guided by polite police officers in traditional helmets, so they might lay their floral tributes in front of the famous front gates or tie them to the black rails.
