Tens of thousands line Thames for Queen Mother

British police estimate about 70,000 people are lining the Thames to get into Westminster Hall.

By the early afternoon queues stretched back to Southwark Bridge and extra officers were being drafted in from other London boroughs to monitor the crowds.

London's Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Andy Trotter says people are good-natured and the queues are moving faster than on previous days.

"This is a very orderly crowd, very well behaved and good-natured," he said.

"Our job is mainly to give directions, help people across the road and look out for people who might need assistance such as first aid."

Mr Trotter said he was pleased the public had taken their advice and brought hot drinks, food and warm clothing for the long wait.

But some officers had handed tea and blankets out among people who had not heeded warning about the chilly conditions overnight.

Asked about people who had already staked their positions outside Westminster Abbey for the Queen Mother's funeral, he said: "The British are particularly good at queuing.

"The determined people nearly always come with the right gear. They get the right clothes, folding chairs and sleeping bags. I'm less worried about these people, and they have thought it through.

"The ones that concern me are the people who aren't well prepared. It was very cold last night with an east-west wind blowing right down the Thames. It's a sign of the rapport we have with the crowds that our officers were noticing that some people were suffering and brought help."

British police were currently liaising with officials at Buckingham Palace about viewing arrangements for the public outside the Abbey on Tuesday but details had not yet been finalised, he added.