Inside Westminster Hall

They arrive one by one, all races, all ages, full of decorum and reverence, and patiently join a line that stretches anywhere from five to 10 miles, waiting from six to 30 hours. All to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II, a monarch whose 70-year reign is not likely to be matched by her son, King Charles III, or any future monarch. 

I'm Marco della Cava, and the scenes in London these days bring to mind the huge, flower-filled outpouring of grief that accompanied the far more shocking death of Princess Diana that I witnessed firsthand back in 1997.

Our latest dispatches from the British capital include a remarkable look inside Westminster Hall, where the queen's body will lie in state until her funeral on Monday. As our U.K.-based correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard tells us, he was among a small group of reporters allowed inside to glimpse the scene surrounding the massive lead-lined casket.

Strict rules were in place, including no cellphones, no interviewing mourners, and black funeral attire was a must. But Kim's unique vantage point allowed him to capture not only the disposition of visitors but also details about the pageantry and jewels on display. It all adds up to a vivid portrait of a nation's grief and its historic rituals.

For those of you looking ahead to Charles' reign, we've got all the basics covered in a story that answers questions that include his age, his siblings, when he'll be crowned and who his successors will be. We also have a closer look at his wife, Camilla, including the specifics on her new title.

Stay with us as the world rushes headlong toward this remarkable monarch's funeral.

- Marco