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The late monarch’s destination is the Houses of Parliament, where she will lie in state for four days.
People in the crowd cheered when Charles waved to them as he drove from his residence, Clarence House, to the palace.
The crowds are the latest manifestation of a nationwide outpouring of grief and respect for the only monarch most Britons have ever known, who died at her beloved Balmoral summer retreat Thursday at age 96, ending a 70-year reign.
“It’s a very sad day, but it’s our last opportunity to do our duty for the queen and it’s our first opportunity to do it for the king, and that makes us all very proud,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, of the Household division, who is responsible for organizing the ceremonial aspects of the queen’s funeral.
Guards stiffly marched by Queen Elizabeth II’s side as her coffin was carried through the streets to be seen publicly by mourners.
After the barrier of guardsmen escorting the queen, the royal family marched close behind with King Charles III, Princess Anne and Prince William wearing formal military uniforms. Prince Harry and Prince Andrew wore formal coattails with military patches attached to the chest.
Teary onlookers watched from the barricades, capturing the moment on their cellphones as their longest reigning monarch’s remains passed by.
