Worcester streets empty as city falls silent for Queen’s funeral

The usually bustling Worcester High Street was all but deserted on Monday with only a handful of shops and restaurants remaining open.

The majority of businesses in the city centre stayed shut as a mark of respect in scenes akin to the coronavirus lockdown.

The only people to be seen on Monday in Worcester city centre were crowds gathering in Cathedral Square to watch the Queen’s funeral.

READ MORE: Worcester Cathedral bells ring out to mark The Queen's funeral

Around 200 people gathered near Worcester Cathedral to watch the service on a large screen and joined the rest of the country in taking part in a two-minute silence at 11.55am.

Some businesses in Cathedral Square such as Starbucks and Five Guys stayed open on Monday with Vue cinema in Farrier Street opening its doors to screen the Queen’s funeral for free.

READ MORE: Community gather at Worcester pub to watch the Queen's funeral

Busy city centre streets such as The Cross and Foregate Street remained clear and free of cars throughout the day and Worcester Foregate Street station was similarly quiet.

Portraits of the Queen adorned advertising boards, shop windows and bus shelters throughout the city centre.

The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, who died the nation’s longest-reigning monarch on September 8 aged 96, took place at Westminster Abbey and was attended by around 2,000 guests including members of the Royal Family, dozens of world leaders and other dignitaries.

The Queen’s coffin was then moved to St George’s Chapel in Windsor in a procession led by King Charles.