Two 'queuers' from Dorset have told of their 'humbling' experiences seeing the Queen lying in state in Westminster Hall.

The Queue, as it has become known, saw hundreds of thousands line up from Albert Embankment to Southwark Park to pay their respects to Her Majesty.

Famous faces including David Beckham spent over 12 hours queuing and residents from Dorset were among those waiting patiently in line.

Freya Puttock, from Dorchester, arrived in the queue at 10.30pm on Thursday (September 15) and made in into Westminster Hall after almost 11 hours of queuing - at 9.20am on Friday.

Freya, who served in the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, said she felt it was important for her to go and pay respect to her commander-in-chief.

She said: "It was certainly humbling to see so many people - all different age’s, different walks of life - coming out to pay their respects to the Queen.

"We all had our own reasons for being there but the purpose was the same and it was incredible, there was a really lovely spirit.

"I have the utmost respect for the Queen and how she ruled the country: her personal strength and dignity was incredible.

"I served in the territorial army and she was my commander in chief. I stand by the oath that I swore to her and I felt I had to go and pay my respects to her."

Joanne Brewer, from Weymouth, arrived at 8.30am on Saturday morning and described herself as 'a big royalist'.

She said: “It’s a once in a lifetime kind of thing - I’m quite a big royalist and I’ve always respected her for such a long time.

"She gave her life to our country and if you think back to the 60s when things weren't as progressive we had a woman on the throne and I think that's incredible."

“A lot of shops have got pictures of her at different times in the queue and we’re discussing different times of her life and it’s a really positive atmosphere. It’s definitely not a sad atmosphere and people are celebrating her life."

Freya agreed that the atmosphere was one of "respectful celebration" and said described it as "almost surreal".

Upon entering Westminster Hall, Freya said she reflected on the "incredible service and work ethic" of Queen Elizabeth over 70 years.

She said: “I took my army beret with me so I made sure I was looking as smart as I could but I was very much hoping to pay as much respect as possible; being aware that I was going to perform the most important salute of my life and just thinking about how grateful to her and her service to the country.”

“The police and marshals that were looking after everyone are the people making the experience so special and a real once in a lifetime experience.”