Tearful David Beckham says ‘we’ll never see her like that again’ after queuing for 13 hours to see the Queen’s coffin

TEARFUL David Beckham queued almost 13 hours to see the Queen’s coffin yesterday before declaring: “We will never see her like this again.”

The former Three Lions captain joined the queue at 1.45am on Friday – although he went unnoticed for several hours as everyone moved towards Westminster Hall.

10

10

10

When spotted, he was posing for selfies and chatting with his fellow campaigners, revealing he was doing so in memory of his late grandparents.

When he finally walked past the Queen’s coffin at 3:26 p.m., he was visibly touched, impressed by the celebratory atmosphere.

So many people wanted to queue yesterday that it had to be held for several hours for new arrivals, with warnings people may have had to wait over a day for.

It is understood Beckham was offered the opportunity to skip the line but instead took his place in public in the middle of the night.

The Manchester United legend, 47, said: “I thought if I came at 2am it would be a little quieter. I was wrong.

“Everyone had that in the back of their minds.

“Everyone wants to be here to be part of this experience and to celebrate what Her Majesty has done for us.”

When asked if Britain would ever see her like that again, he gently shook his head and said: “I don’t think so, no.”

The father-of-four, who was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty in 2003, added after leaving Westminster Hall: “It’s very emotional, the stillness, the feeling in the room is very difficult to explain.

“We are all here and thanking Her Majesty for her kindness, care and reassurance throughout the years that she was our Queen.

“The legacy she has left is incredible.

“I think that someone who’s led the country the way he’s led our country over the many years, with the respect he’s earned around the world, not just in our own country, speaks volumes for that what he did for us.

“Everyone thinks the same and that’s why we all lined up today because I think it’s the right thing to do.

“We pay respects to our queen.”

He previously shared how he wanted to pay tribute to his grandparents, who were staunch royalists.

Dressed smartly in a black three-piece suit and a flat cap, the East Londoner said: “I grew up in a royalist household and was brought up that way.

“If my grandparents had been here today, I know they would love to be here.

“So I’m here on her behalf for my family and also to celebrate with everyone else.”

Becks said he was fortunate to meet the Queen several times during his career.

He continued, “Every time we stood there wearing those three lions shirts and I had my armband and we sang ‘God Save Our Queen’ it meant so much to us and every time we did, it was so special.”

10

It comes as…

He seemed to go unnoticed for several hours as he quietly edged along the banks of the Thames with everyone else.

Behind him was Danielle Lewis, 49, from Dartford, Kent.

She said: “We didn’t notice him until around 12pm.

“It was quite solemn.

“He stopped to take pictures with people but he didn’t really say anything – he seemed lost in his own thoughts.

“But he was beautiful.”

Good Morning Britain TV presenter Susanna Reid was also in the queue on Thursday, accompanying her mum.

She later tweeted: “Together with my dear mother and her very good friend, I have just witnessed a moment in history – witnessing the Queen lying in state at Westminster Hall.

“Both majestic and peaceful.”

She added: “If you’re planning to queue up, here are our tips. We joined at 1.23pm near Butlers Wharf and entered Westminster Hall at 8.43pm – 7 hours 20 minutes.

“Wear the most comfortable shoes you own. Go with someone if you can, although everyone in the queue was friendly.

“Don’t carry too much in a bag – water is freely available and there are plenty of cafes along the route. Also many toilets.

“I put my phone on battery mode and it lasted the whole time.”

Her colleagues Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield also paid tribute, but entered the room as professional journalists, avoiding long waits.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern also paid her respects ahead of Monday’s state funeral.

Also there yesterday was Victoria Cross winner Johnson Beharry, who saved the lives of his comrades in Iraq in 2004.

Johnsen, who was dating his wife Mallisa, said the Queen was a perfect role model.

He told The Sun: “We’re talking about commitment, loyalty, integrity.

“She showed all those values ​​and standards and anyone who doesn’t look up to her doesn’t understand what values ​​really are.”

World boxing champion Tyson Fury was also pictured yesterday laying flowers outside Buckingham Palace with his wife Paris.

10

10

10

10

10

10