Queen's lying in state: The military's role as hundreds of thousands of mourners expected

Military personnel will play a key role as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit Westminster Hall for the Queen's lying in state.

Up to 400,000 people are expected to brave a 12-hour wait on the banks of the Thames to catch a glimpse of the Queen's coffin ahead of her state funeral on Monday which will also have huge military involvement.

The procession of the late monarch from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall will take place on Wednesday afternoon, with thousands of members of the Armed Forces taking part.

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The procession is set to arrive at Westminster Hall at 15:00 where there will then be a service before the lying in state opens to the public at 17:00.

Tens of thousands are expected to wait in the queue before walking past the coffin, which will be raised on a catafalque and draped in the Royal Standard, with the Orb and Sceptre placed on top.

It will be guarded at all hours by units from the Sovereign's Bodyguard, the Household Division or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.

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Household troops, better known as 'the Guards', have guarded the Sovereign since 1660.

Yeoman Warders, often known as 'Beefeaters', are military veterans who have had at least 22 years' service in the Armed Forces, reached the rank of warrant officer and been awarded the long service and good conduct medal.

The Beefeaters have guarded the Tower of London since Tudor times.

Metropolitan Police officers will be joined by volunteers and stewards to manage the queue, while toilets and water fountains are provided at various points along the route.

A wristband system will be used to manage the queue, with those waiting in line given a coloured and numbered wristband.

Lambeth Palace is also expected to arrange a multi-faith pastor service to provide support to those who need it.

Senior royals may also pay their own moving tribute, standing guard at some stage around the coffin – the tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes, already witnessed on Monday at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said on Twitter that Armed Forces personnel are also supporting the Metropolitan Police and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to ensure the safety of those attending commemoration events in London.

"The long-planned activity sees personnel working alongside the police and civilian stewards from tonight," the MOD tweeted on Tuesday evening.