A WORCESTER woman has said it was an "honour and a privilege" to pay respects to her Majesty The Queen at Westminster Abbey.

Sarah Murray, of Warndon, left Worcester in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, (September 17), with her mother to head to London.

She joined the accessible queue with her mother, who Sarah said was well cared for by the staff.

Sarah said: "It was an honour and a privilege to be allowed to pay our respects to Her Late Majesty. 

"I am enormously grateful for the hard work and organisation of the public servants who are working tirelessly to keep everyone safe. 

"I am particularly grateful for the care they took of all the vulnerable members of the public in the accessible queue."

Worcester News: Sarah MurraySarah Murray (Image: Councillor Sarah Murray)

Mrs Murray arrived in London at 3.30 am, having left Worcester at 1am on Saturday.

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She said: "On arrival, we were informed that the queue had been paused and was advised to return at midday. 

"Having nowhere to wait, we decided to join what emerged to be a queue. 

"We had to wait outside and it was very cold. I wasn't sure we would manage the eight-hour stretch that lay before us. 

"There was a great atmosphere in the queue, all of us determined to reach Westminster Palace and willing to brave the cold despite mobility issues."

Mrs Murray said that Tate Britain staff, the army and the London Ambulance Service were providing chairs, water and blankets to those waiting.

She said: "After around two hours a paramedic made his way through the queue to check on the more vulnerable people. 

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"My mother is 84 and he was concerned for her. He checked her temperature and oxygen levels and requested extra blankets for her as she was a bit cold. 

"At around, 5.30am we were issued with wristbands and taken inside to be kept warm. We finally got to witness the solemnity and reverence of the lying in state just after 6.30am.

"It wasn't perfect but they went the extra mile to look after us when they had to pause the queue. 

"I am desperately sorry for anyone who missed out following the permanent closure of the accessible queue today - we were extremely lucky that it worked out for us."