Watch: rehearsals held for the Queen’s funeral

Preparations in Whitehall continue at pace ahead of Her Majesty's funeral on Monday. And for a handful of hardy souls queuing overnight, they had the privilege of witnessing the rehearsals ahead of the great event.

One organiser told Steerpike's man on the spot that the run-through was meant to be conducted without a public audience but the lengthy queues to Westminster Hall meant such a crowd was unavoidable.

Only a handful saw the practice ceremony, which involved all the Queen's ceremonial bodyguards and equerries who will be surrounding her on Monday. They included the Guards of Honour and the Household Cavalry, with their arms reversed to pay respect.

Let's hope they all give the Queen the fitting send-off next week that she deserves.