Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Monday’s front pages feature pictures of the Queen’s coffin being carried by members of the Royal Company of Archers in Edinburgh. Most of the headlines express sadness over the Queen’s “final journey.”
The papers also report on the Ukrainian army making advances to reclaim territory.
Queen’s final journey
The Times uses the headline: “Five-mile queue for Queen” and says more than 750,000 people are expected to file past her coffin in Westminster Hall, during her lying-in-state. The paper says to expect queuing times of up to 20 hours with as many as 10,000 cops deployed and soldiers available to help control the crowds.
The Telegraph describes people waiting to see the Queen’s coffin – along the Scotland route. The paper says “ripples of applause broke out, heads were bowed, eyes misted over.”
The Guardian reports that foreign heads of state arriving for Monday’s funeral have been told to travel by bus to Westminster Abbey, rather than private cars. The paper says it has seen government documents urging dozens of presidents, kings, queens and prime ministers to travel by commercial flights to avoid swamping London airports. The plans will likely be a problem for President Biden who will likely need a lot of security.
Another report from the Times says the Queen’s heavy coffin was made more than 30 years ago from English oak and is lined with lead. The coffin will be carried by eight military bearers on the day of the funeral, due to how heavy it is.
The Sun reports on the royal family’s response to the Queen’s death, praising William, Kate, Harry and Meghan for coming together for a walkabout in Windsor. The paper notes King Charles has made a seamless transition from prince to monarch.
The Daily Express says the Queen’s beloved corgis will be looked after by Prince Andrew and his daughter Princess Beatrice.
The Daily Star says Camilla will assume the oversight of 24 race horses and some 80 mares, which King Charles has inherited.
Massive advances made by Ukrainian army
Away from royal news, the papers report on the latest from the Ukraine war.
The Guardian highlights the massive advances made by the Ukrainian army against Russia. The paper says Ukraine has quietly amassed forces in the region while Russian military intelligence failed to spot the build-up.
The Financial Times reports on comments from a senior Ukrainian commander, who told the paper he was surprised by what he called Russian troops “cowardly behaviour.” he said they fled so quickly that meals were still set on canteen tables and there were stashes of ammunition and weaponry near trenches.