Tens of thousands of members of the public from across the country have been queuing for up to 12 hours in London to pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen while she is lying-in-state in Westminster Hall ahead of her state funeral on Monday (19th September 2022).
Meanwhile, MPs and dignitaries have been able to skip the queues – and each MP has also been allowed to share access with four guests.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Dr Kieran Mullan used his guest access to arrange for four local residents to pay their respects to The Queen – each of whom have met Her Majesty during her remarkable 70-year reign.
Dr Kieran Mullan MP invited Sarah Winchester, Gerald Newbrook, Phil Malam and Steve Weekes – all of whom visited the capital on Sunday (18th September) to represent the people of Crewe and Nantwich.
Dr Mullan said: “I had the privilege of visiting to Her Majesty lying in state and paying respects on behalf of the constituency on Thursday night. As an MP we are also able to invite four guests.
“I wanted to invite people to represent the relationship between The Queen and the constituency – but not just with dignitaries, but the people of Crewe and Nantwich.
“Also, the relationship between The Queen and the military and voluntary organisations.
“There is no perfect way to do this and we didn’t have much time to organise but I hope this group of people are a good way of representing the people and organisations of Crewe and Nantwich and our history with the Queen.
“I am very grateful to them all for taking part.”
Sarah Winchester
Sarah was one of the pupils at Monks Coppenhall who were invited to perform for The Queen when she visited to open Crewe Heritage centre in 1987. This was a visit remembered by many local families who saw The Queen as she travelled around the constituency.
Gerald Newbrook
In 1995 The Queen visited Crewe Station and Gerald was the local Scout leader asked to organise for 200 local Scouts to greet The Queen at the station. Voluntary organisations like the Scouts were important to the Queen.
Phil Malam
The Queen met Phil in 1972 when he was just 19 when she opened Leighton Hospital, having started work just before the visit as a hospital porter. Phil has worked there ever since as their longest serving member of staff. He not only represents this important visit but public sector staff who reflect The Queen’s own values as a public servant.
Steve Weekes
Steve is a veteran, having served 24 years as a Welsh Guardsman who met The Queen on numerous occasions during his duties. Steve represents the important relationship between local armed forces personnel and veterans and The Queen.