LONDON — International soccer star David Beckham said he waited over 12 hours with other members of the public on Friday to pay his respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
“I grew up in a royalist household and that’s how I grew up,” Beckham told British broadcaster ITV News from the line. As he gave the interview, he continued to move forward as the line snaked its way towards Westminster Hall.
“I get turned away if I hold the line up,” Beckham said.
“I was so fortunate to be able to spend a few moments of my life with Her Majesty
“A sad day, but it’s a day to remember the incredible legacy she left behind”
David Beckham to ITV News @neilconneryitv He is in line for 12 hours to see the Queen Lying in Statehttps://t.co/tMtgIn9Bst pic.twitter.com/vPYR8SObXB
— ITV News (@itvnews) 09/16/2022
The wait for the visit of the Queen in state early Friday was so long that the line was temporarily suspended for six hours.
Beckham, who said he drank coffee, Pringles and donuts with people waiting around him, said he was there on behalf of his grandparents, his family, “and of course to celebrate with everyone else here.”
“That day has always been difficult and it’s difficult for the nation, it’s difficult for everyone around the world because I think everyone feels it,” he said. “Our thoughts are with the family and of course everyone here today as it is special to be here, to celebrate and to hear the different stories.”
Beckham said he joined the line, which meanders through central London, early Friday morning. The wait time shared on a live line tracker has increased to 14 hours.
“I thought if I come at 2am it would be a little quieter. I was wrong,” Beckham told ITV News. “But people here, you know, all ages … Everyone wants to be here, to be part of this experience, to celebrate what Her Majesty has done for us.”
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