Photos of the crowds gathered to mourn the Queen in London
- Text by Huck
- Photography by Theo McInnes
Yesterday (8 September) at 12.32pm, Buckingham Palace issued a statement saying doctors were concerned for the Queen’s health. Not long after, people began to gather outside Buckingham Palace in anticipation.
At around 6.30pm, BBC newsreader Huw Edwards made the announcement that the UK’s longest-reigning monarch had died at Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon at the age of 96. Thousands of people descended on Buckingham Palace, with groups singing the national anthem, laying flowers, playing trumpets and vying to get a photo with the official statement outside the Palace announcing the Queen’s death. The large crowds remained even as the rain started to pour.
The government is yet to confirm the length of national mourning, which is expected to be 12 days, PA Media reports, from now up to the day after the Queen’s funeral. Ministers will also announce that the funeral day will be a public holiday.
Photographer Theo McInnes went down to Buckingham Palace to capture the action there. 


Official statement announcing Queen’s death

Police disperse crowds trying to get a photo with the official statement announcing Queen’s death
Follow Theo McInnes on Instagram.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
In photos: The enduring resistance of Notting Hill Carnival
Carnival of Resistance — A new photobook by Wayne Campbell and Wayne Crichlow reflects on the protest beginnings of Europe’s biggest street festival, along with the traditions keeping its original spirit alive today.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Washing strangers’ feet at Houghton Festival
Pedilavium — As part of artist Henry Krokatsis’s performance piece at the weekender, we sat down with over 30 others to clean the dusty digits of passersby, while reflecting on the power of collective ritual and human connection.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Inside Yoshiwara, Japan’s oldest red light district
Asasuka soaplands — Despite numerous fires and harshening sex work laws, the centuries old area continues to persevere in East Tokyo. Manami Okazaki traces its history and meets people who shape its present.
Written by: Manami Okazaki
Lost photos from the heyday of punk and new wave
Crash Bang — DB Burkeman’s latest photobook unearths photographs from his younger years as an aspiring music photographer, which sat undeveloped in his family home for decades.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Gold-tinged togetherness as Londoners flock to Primrose Hill for the solar eclipse
Celestial gathering — Ella Glossop photographs the once in decades event from one the city’s most popular gathering spots, and the community spirit that encapsulated the moment.
Written by: Ella Glossop
Surveying community and resistance in LGBTQ+ nightlife
Sex, Clubs Dissent — A new book collates queer nightlife photography over the past 50 years, and the people who found refuge and safe spaces after dark.
Written by: Miss Rosen