BRIGHTON has become almost a “ghost town” as the city prepares to pay a final farewell to Her Majesty the Queen.
A state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II, the country’s longest-reigning monarch, will take place from 11am at Westminster Abbey.
Today has been declared a bank holiday to allow people to watch the ceremony, with Argus reporter Zac Sherratt describing Brighton town centre as being all but deserted during a normally busy rush hour.
He said: “There’s a sombre feeling in the streets this morning. Many shops are closed and just a handful of people are lining the pavements.
“Royalist or not, today is certainly an occasion that has captured the city and country.”
Brighton Station has also been left surprisingly empty, despite fears that many would flock to the capital to line the streets ahead of the funeral.
Zac said: “The small number of people who are at the station this morning look to be heading to places of leisure rather than the Queen’s funeral this morning.
“The Monday morning station buzz is still here, with the coffee vendors as loud and cheerful as always.”
Shops and supermarkets across the city are closed until at least 5pm to allow staff and customers to watch the funeral, with billboards and noticeboards displaying the Queen’s royal cypher on a black background.
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