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The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have said it was an “honour” to pay respects to the Queen on behalf of islanders in London.
Deputies Kristina Moore and Kirsten Morel were part of a delegation of five States Members given special passes to attend the lying-in-state at Westminster Hall.
Joining them were Chief Scrutineer Deputy Sam Mézec, Privileges and Procedures Chair Constable Karen Shenton-Stone and Comité des Connétables Chair Constable Mike Jackson.
It was an honour to be able to pay my respects to Her Majesty, on behalf of Islanders, this evening alongside the Deputy Chief Minister, President of the Scrutiny Liaison Committee, Chair of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, and Chair of the Comité des Connétables. pic.twitter.com/B1KP9DTuq6
— Chief Minister of Jersey (@ChiefMinJSY) September 17, 2022
After attending this morning's Service of Thanksgiving led by the Dean at the Town Church, the group set off for London this afternoon.
They passed Queen Elizabeth II's coffin on the catafalque at Westminster Hall shortly before 19:20.
The group were given tickets by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport following a request of the Earl Marshal's Office.
This morning's service of Thanksgiving was deeply moving.
— Kirsten Morel (@KirstenJersey) September 17, 2022
To represent all islanders at the Queen's lying in state this evening, was an incredible honour.
Jersey's loyalty to the Crown has lasted centuries and will continue for many more. pic.twitter.com/oS2gVONWLa
It meant they did not have to join 'The Queue', which, at the time of writing, stretches all the way to Southwark Park.
The current waiting time is approximately 17 hours.
Among the Channel Islanders to have waited in line to pay their respects was Joanne Vandermerwe-Mahon from Jersey, who described the atmosphere in Westminster Hall as "absolutely magic".
Video: The live queue-tracker.
Near-equally special, she said, was the exciting and sometimes chaotic experience of being in The Queue, and the 'family' she made along the way.
Inspired by his "staunch royalist" later mother-in-law, who was once photographed kissing the then-Prince Charles in the 1970s, Guernseyman Paul Watts was also inspired to make the trip.
Once finally at Westminster Hall, "I bowed my head, and just recited the Norman French 'Dieu sauve la Reine' and 'Notre duc' because that is what she was," he explained.
Pictured: Joanne and her Queue Family with their precious wristbands.
Invited to officially represent Guernsey were Guernsey Lieutenant-Governor Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell CB CBE, Bailiff Richard McMahon and Chief Minister Peter Ferbrache.
The lying-in-state will end at 06:30 on Monday 19 September, the day of Her Majesty's funeral, which is a bank holiday.
The Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, will be attending in his capacity as Acting Lieutenant-Governor.
Numerous businesses will close around the island and the service will be live-streamed at Parish Halls and at the Airport. Pubs have also been encouraged to show the service.
Express would like to hear from islanders who have attended Her Majesty's lying-in-state in London or are planning to do so. Please get in touch by emailing editor@bailiwickexpress.com or calling 01534 887740.
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Pictured top - from left: Deputy Kirsten Morel, Constable Mike Jackson, Deputy Kristina Moore, Constable Karen Shenton-Stone, Deputy Sam Mézec. (@Moore4Jersey/Twitter)
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