The Queen’s coffin was first seen leaving Balmoral at the start of her journey to her final resting place | UK News

The wise men of Scotland said their goodbyes to the Queen, with her coffin first seen as it made its slow journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh.

Decorated to Scottish Royal standards and with a wreath on top, the oak coffin was making its way from the royal castle, through the Aberdeenshire countryside, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

As the hearse left Balmoral in the blazing sun, members of the public lined the road and stood silently to pay their respects and a mourner threw flowers at the vehicle, when the police officers bowed.

The gentle rush of water could be heard across the River Dee as the seven-car crossed a bridge, as wise men gathered at the end of the route out of Balmoral.

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Watch the cortege as it continues its journey to Edinburgh

The Queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence were part of the royal procession traveling by limousine directly behind the hearse.

The train, escorted by police, was slowly moving towards the Scottish capital, as people turned to see it pass, including hundreds of people in Ballater, Aberdeenshire.

Crowds of three to four watched as the train made its way through the village, including passing by the local church.

Some mourners threw flowers into the hearse.

Ballater is the closest village to the Balmoral estate, where many locals consider the royal family as neighbors.

In the town of Banchory, crowds gathered again in great numbers, some clapping their hands on the goblet as it passed.

Sky’s royal commentator, Alastair Bruce, said: “A wonderful greeting from Banchory, quiet gentle applause and a few of them hurling flowers in the hearse’s path.”

Following the Queen’s death on Thursday, the coffin was laid to rest in the Balmoral ballroom to give the estate agents there a chance to say their final goodbyes.

Six of the estate’s custodians lifted the coffin into the hearse at 10am, marking the beginning of the coffin’s six-hour journey to Edinburgh.

The wreath placed on top of the coffin was made from some of the Queen’s favorite flowers picked from the Balmoral garden.

Sky News understands that these include phlox, daisies, sweet peas, limonium, white heather and pine feathers.

Nicola Sturgeon, the country’s first Minister, said the “pervasive” journey would give Scots the opportunity to come together to “mark the common loss of our country”.

Today’s itinerary will:

• Passing through Aboyne, Banchory, Peterculter
• Arrive in Aberdeen around 11:20 a.m., moving through the city’s suburbs
• Move through Porthleven, Stonehaven before going inland
• Passing through the Angus countryside and through Brechin
• Arrive in Dundee around 2:15pm where it will circumnavigate the city on Kingsway
• Head towards Perth, cross the Friarton Bridge and get off the M90
• Go through Queensferry Crossing towards Edinburgh
• Entering Edinburgh from the west, surrounded by Edinburgh Castle
• Travel the entire length of the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse around 4pm

The plan boss said:

Ms Sturgeon and other party leaders in Scotland are expected to observe the coffin as it passes the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

After arriving at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, it will be moved to St Giles’ Church, where it will lie for 24 hours so that the public can pay their respects.

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Public viewing of coffins begins at 5pm on Monday but people have been warned about long waits and photography and video recording are strictly prohibited.

Princess Anne will fly to London with her mother’s body on Tuesday.

The events in Scotland are the first meticulously planned steps that lead to Funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September – one day will be a bank holiday.