Windsor's solemn farewell

Crowds gathered in Windsor High Street

By Denise Winterman BBC News Online at Windsor

As the body of the Queen Mother left Windsor in readiness for her coffin to lie in state in London, people gathered to say some personal farewells.

The departure of the Queen Mother's coffin from Windsor Castle on Tuesday marked the end of a private ritual for Ronald Sugger.

Since her death was announced on Saturday, the 72-year-old from Slough has been making the short train journey to Windsor every day to lay flowers as a mark of respect.

"She was a constant presence throughout my life and I just wanted to do the something for her," he told BBC News Online.

The coffin left by the Royal Lodge Gate

"I wanted to visit each day while her coffin was here. In a stupid way I wanted to make sure she wasn't alone - I know it sounds daft."

Crowds grew throughout the morning at the King Henry VIII gate to lay flowers and sign the book of condolence.

Few knew the Queen Mother's coffin was being moved to the Queen's Chapel at St James's Palace in London, but word quickly spread.

The mass of reporters, photographers and TV crews around the gate fuelled speculation that the coffin would pass by.

Sombre

People started to line Castle Hill, the High Street and nearby roads, hoping to catch a glimpse.

The mood was sombre, with few words spoken as people patiently waited.

Many were local people from Windsor, who felt the last few days had been a chance for the town to say a personal farewell to the Queen Mother.

Madeline Taylor, 52, said: "We have had our chance to say goodbye.

"Now she has gone to London, it is a chance for the rest of the nation to pay their respects."

The Queen Mother will be fondly remembered

When the coffin returns next Tuesday it will go to its final resting place, next to the Queen Mother's husband George VI.

Even when the crowds learned the coffin was leaving through the Royal Lodge Gate, several miles away, many were reluctant to depart.

"It feels quite nice being here with everyone," said Tessa Bird, from Windsor.

"We are all here to pay our respects and people seem to be getting some sort of comfort from just being together.

"There are people from all over the world, all wanting to say goodbye. It shows just what an amazing lady she was and how many people she touched."

Members of the public will be able to pay their respects in London from Friday when her coffin will lie in state at Westminster Hall.