London calling: We’re full for Queen’s funeral

Officials are preparing for the ‘very real possibility’ that London will become ‘full’ for the first time.

People gather at the gates of Buckingham Palace in London on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

Officials are preparing for the “very real possibility” that London will become “full” for the first time.

The Cabinet Office has drawn up plans to deal with millions of mourners descending on the capital in the run-up to the state funeral.

If numbers in the city reach bursting point, rail operators will be told to ask passengers not to attempt to travel into London.

“There is real concern the capital will reach bursting point,” a rail source said. “All the planning has been done by the Cabinet Office as part of Operation London Bridge and it will be for officials to tell the rail industry to instruct passengers not to travel.”

Rail operators are warning passengers to expect long queues and extremely busy services in the coming week. The Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operating companies, has told passengers it will not be possible to view the funeral in London next Monday and then travel to Windsor, where the Queen will be laid to rest.

In an attempt to ease crowding, passengers who booked to travel in the week before the announcement of the Queen’s death and whose plans change will be offered refunds. The Department for Transport is also understood to be working with the Cabinet Office as final preparations are made for the state funeral.

The Times