What is normally an area for traffic and people going from A to B in London has now become something of a festival area.
Several miles of fences have been erected around Buckingham Palace to block roads and areas near what was once the Queen’s home.
According to the police, a security agreement never seen before in the history of Great Britain is being finalized in connection with the funeral of Queen Elizabeth.
– POLICE: There is a large police presence around Buckingham Palace. Photo: Sigve Bremer Mejdal / TV 2
–
– It’s not about hundreds of thousands of people arriving, it’s about so much more.
This is what Salahi Izzet says. He works at Ses Group, one of the security companies hired, among other things, to build fences.
Among other things, fences will prevent rows from joining and cars or trucks from moving through the crowd.
According to police, millions of people are expected to make the trip to Buckingham Palace for the funeral.
– FENCED: Buckingham is fenced off, so only people on foot can enter – and the Queen’s procession. Salahi Izzet participates in the works. Photo: Sigve Bremer Mejdal / TV 2
–
Terrorist danger
They don’t know exactly how many millions, says police officer Andy. He and his colleague Ben patrol the areas around the castle to keep peace and order.
They are among more than 10,000 police officers who will be seen on the streets of London every day for the next week, according to British media.
It is with a background. The level of terrorism in the UK remains “significant” and an attack is described as likely.
The Armed Forces Prepare for the Worst: Attacks with knives, bombs and other types of violence.
– PEACE AND ORDER: Cops Andy and Ben patrol in Green Park. Photo: Sigve Bremer Mejdal / TV 2
–
Rooftop snipers
However, Andy and Ben ensure it will be safe to visit Buckingham Palace.
– It is 100% safe. Everyone should feel safe, assures Ben.
Neither he nor his colleague want to give their surnames for their own safety.
Salahi Izzet in the security company is not that robust. He believes he’s as safe as possible, but “you’re certainly not completely safe,” he says.
– We can never 100 percent protect ourselves from accidents. But that’s also true in life elsewhere, says Izzet.
– SECURITY: In addition to patrolling the police at street level, special forces will also be stationed on the rooftops during the Queen’s funeral. Photo: Sigve Bremer Mejdal / TV 2
–
When the Queen died on Thursday last week, “Operation London Bridge” was launched. Activate plans for her funeral and security measures around what is a historic event.
Izzet says, like the police, that terror or violence can happen because it is an open event, but says it “takes the money to go well”.
The platinum anniversary was something of a dress rehearsal for this week’s events, he believes.
Then he was present and saw, among others, sharpshooters on the rooftops. It will also be when the procession with Queen Elizabeth goes through the streets.
– PLANNED: Salahi Izzet states that the measures are carefully planned. Photo: Sigve Bremer Mejdal / TV 2
–
– Alarming
A number of people TV 2 spoke to outside Buckingham Palace took security mostly with overwhelming calm.
– This is scary, but at the same time fantastic. It is a good experience. It’s something we’ll remember for the rest of our lives, says Clare, who visited Buckingham Palace with her family on Sunday.
He says they feel very safe and wanted to be part of the story by being present at Buckingham Palace.
– Why is it scary?
– There are several people here, but I’m here to show respect, continue.
– FLOWERS: There are largely large quantities of flowers and cards in Green Park in memory of the Queen. Photo: Sigve Bremer Mejdal / TV 2
–
She says she’s not worried, because she and her family live in central London, after all.
The fact that no serious incidents have occurred so far is also cited as a reason why the people TV 2 has spoken to say they are not concerned about safety.
Many also describe the atmosphere as calm and peaceful and that it makes you feel safer.
– FRIENDS: Andrea Allen, Laetitia Kent, Bevereley Casgrande and Michelle Edwards say it’s sad to say goodbye to the queen and believe Charles’s popularity will grow over time. Photo: Sigve Bremer Mejdal / TV 2
–
– There is an incredible number of people, but it is surprisingly quiet. It’s special to be here, says Andrea Allen.
She came to London from Wales with three other friends before the weekend, a trip that was planned some time ago. Fortunately, they were on time, she notes her friend Michelle Edwards.
Criminal opportunities
The police talk BBC that there will be a fair amount of police visible in the city until after the funeral. The aim is to prevent crime.
– The police face large crowds and crime. Large crowds sadly lead to criminal opportunities, former police chief Bob Broadhurst tells the BBC.
– KILOMETERS: Several kilometers of such fences have been installed, but also much higher. Photo: Sigve Bremer Mejdal / TV 2
–
He was in charge of the police at the 2012 Olympics in the city, a demanding task also in terms of security.
He says what is most typical of such incidents are the reports of missing children in the crowd. However, it is the concern for terrorism that can affect most people.
– PRESENT: TV 2 counted eight ambulances on one side of the main road to Buckingham Palace on Sunday. Photo: Sigve Bremer Mejdal / TV 2
–
– We are not necessarily concerned only with organized crime, but those acting alone are also a factor, says Broadhurst, who has worked in the police for 36 years.
People are expected to queue for several hours both before the Wednesday procession and before the funeral. People are also expected to line up the day before.
According to the BBC, people waited up to ten hours to attend Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997 and when the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth, died in 2002.
– CLOSE: Even on Sunday, when there were no events related to the Queen’s death, there were many people in front of Buckingham Palace in London. Photo: Sigve Bremer Mejdal / TV 2
–
One consequence of people queuing for a long time is that they prove it. TV 2 witnessed this even before the biggest events took place.
Several ambulances, nurses and doctors are on hand to take care of those who, among other things, collapse.
The eagerness to catch a glimpse of the royals is great among British and tourists alike.
– It’s been 70 years since a monarch’s last burial, and it’s probably a few more years until the next time, if you look at how long King Charles’s parents have persevered, says Michelle Edwards from Wales.
–
