Leeds mourners defy weather to watch Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in Millennium Square

Millennium Square was opened up for a live screening of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral and Leeds mourners gathered to watch.
By Tom Coates
Published 19th Sep 2022, 16:30 GMT
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Her Majesty symbolised Great Britain and mourners were undeterred by another symbol of the island she was monarch of – rain.

Such was the extent of the desire to pay public respect to her, people descended upon the city centre armed with umbrellas, ponchos and waterproof coats to ensure they could watch the live screening.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

David Malone was in attendance and said: “We wanted to pay our respects. The rain’s not going to harm them – it’s a good turn out for her.”

Such was the extent of the desire to pay public respect to her, people descended upon the city centre armed with umbrellas, ponchos and waterproof coats to ensure they could watch the live screening. Image: Simon HulmeSuch was the extent of the desire to pay public respect to her, people descended upon the city centre armed with umbrellas, ponchos and waterproof coats to ensure they could watch the live screening. Image: Simon Hulme
Such was the extent of the desire to pay public respect to her, people descended upon the city centre armed with umbrellas, ponchos and waterproof coats to ensure they could watch the live screening. Image: Simon Hulme

Funerals are usually sombre occasions but in Millennium Square, it felt as much as a celebration of her life as it did a mourning of her death.

Screening attendee Helen Atkinson said: “She was a legend, she dedicated her entire life to serving the country.

“It’s such a moment in history and it’s really important to mark it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s amazing, there’s so many people here to whom the Queen meant so much.”

Funerals are usually sombre occasions but in Millennium Square, it felt as much as a celebration of her life as it did a mourning of her death. Image: Simon HulmeFunerals are usually sombre occasions but in Millennium Square, it felt as much as a celebration of her life as it did a mourning of her death. Image: Simon Hulme
Funerals are usually sombre occasions but in Millennium Square, it felt as much as a celebration of her life as it did a mourning of her death. Image: Simon Hulme
Read More
The Queen's state funeral: Moving pictures from Westminster Abbey as the nation ...

Fellow attendee Jaci Johnson: “I’ve always admired the Queen and in maturing years, you value what she stood for and the service she gave for the country.

"I just love the Queen and I want to pay my respects and just say thank you.”

Behind each mourner was a reason they were in Millennium Square to watch the funeral. For some, it was as straightforward as love and respect for Her Majesty.

Others had unique tales to tell.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hannah Solloway was supposed to have started her university studies today after moving to England from the United States. With her orientation cancelled, she took the opportunity to pay tribute to someone her mum felt a close connection with.

She explained: “The most interesting thing for me is that my mum was a huge fan of the Queen.

“Her sister apparently looked a lot like the Queen when she was young and she died very young so my mum felt very close to the Queen.”

The funeral itself was held far from Yorkshire in the capital city of London, the city most commonly associated with Great Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.

However, the extent to which she was revered further north in Leeds was on full display as she was laid to rest.

Related topics:Elizabeth IIQueenLeedsGreat BritainHelen Atkinson