Queen’s funeral: Natalie Bosnic shares mourners’ reaction as St Monica to host Cairns service
A former Cairns local has checked in on the movement of thousands lining up to pay their respects to the late monarch. How you can attend a Far North commemoration.
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A FORMER Cairns local has documented the movement of thousands through London keen to be part of a historic moment to mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Aussie expatriate Natalie Bosnic after work on Friday (local time) had errands to run in the area of Westminster Hall.
Chatting with people waiting in line the dietitian soon discovered the significance of the end to the reign of the longest serving monarch in the history of England.
“Growing up in Cairns and Australia, I certainly didn’t grow up with the royals in the picture but over here they do hold the Queen very fondly,” she said.
Speaking to one woman wearing a priority disability wristband, Ms Bosnic was told about a deeply personal connection many felt despite never having met the monarch.
“It’s definitely something I always wanted to do, it’s the least I can do for her. She gave 70 years of service. The queen was constant in my life,” Ms Bosnic was told.
“(The woman told me) people resonate with that, I don’t think you have to be a royalist or monarchist, but it more that she gave so much is the feeling I get,” Ms Bosnic said.
Queuing into the night in a snaking shuffle through Southbank, along the banks of the River Thames and across Lambeth Bridge some were given an estimated wait time of up to 20 hours.
A tiny sacrifice compared to the seven-decade reign of the Queen.
“People want to be part of history, it’s just being part of a moment that will never happen again,” she said.
“Here, they are definitely very fond of her.
“Even if you are not into the royals, this is a moment in history that people will be part of.”
Ms Bosnic said it was difficult not to notice the Commonwealth’s loss of the Queen throughout London.
“Day-to-day life is still much the same but whenever you go into a shop they will have a commemoration or a note on the door or on an electric screen,” she said.
A public holiday on the day of the Queen’s funeral has been declared in England for Monday but, rather than navigate the crowds, Ms Bosnic said watching the event on TV was a more convenient option.
“Certainly for myself and my friends, obviously it’s sad that someone has passed away. I think you can appreciate what she did mean to people,” she said.
Closer to home, to coincide with the Australian public holiday on Thursday, St Monica’s Cathedral in Cairns will host a memorial service to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
Abbott St will be closed between Florence St and Minnie St, from 9am to 11.30am.
Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
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Originally published as Queen’s funeral: Natalie Bosnic shares mourners’ reaction as St Monica to host Cairns service
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