Beckham Also Waited in Line for 13 Hours

English Football Star David Beckham Pays Respects at the Queen's Coffin
Shows Tears in Front of the Coffin

English football star David Beckham is leaving after paying respects to Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall in London on the 16th (local time). Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung]

David Beckham, a football star representing the United Kingdom, paid his respects to the Queen's coffin on the 16th (local time) after standing in line for 13 hours.

Dressed in a flat hat, dark navy jacket, and black tie, Beckham came alone to join the mourning line.

While waiting, he shared simple snacks with others and took photos together.

Joining the long line along the Thames River around 2 a.m., Beckham was finally able to stand before the Queen's coffin at 3:30 p.m.

Upon entering Westminster Hall where the coffin was laid, he wiped his eyes as if overcome with sorrow and slowly bowed his head in front of the coffin.

When asked about his thoughts after standing in line for a long time, Beckham said, "I thought it would be a bit less crowded if I came around 2 a.m., but I was wrong," adding, "My knees are fine, but my back and feet hurt."

Beckham has a connection with Queen Elizabeth II, having received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from her in 2003, and shortly after news of the Queen's passing was announced, he posted a tribute on his Instagram saying, "I am truly heartbroken by the news of Her Majesty the Queen's passing."

Meanwhile, on the same day, the UK government blocked new entries for 7 hours when the queue of mourners reached as long as 8 km, before reopening it.

After reopening, the government warned mourners in advance that "the waiting time will exceed 24 hours from now, and the temperature will drop overnight, so it will be cold."

Due to the long waiting times, various incidents and accidents have been ongoing.

As of the 16th, over 430 people fainted and sustained head injuries requiring treatment, and a teenage male was arrested after sexually harassing two women in line and jumping into the Thames River.

Additionally, controversy arose when it became known that members of the House of Commons and House of Lords could pay respects without standing in line and could be accompanied by up to four people.