King Charles 'moved beyond measure' by public mourning

King Charles III has issued a public statement of thanks after 10 days of public mourning for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The late monarch's lying in state at Westminster is set to come to a close in the coming hours, with thousands of people having passed through to pay their respects.

The official funeral service is set to begin tomorrow (tonight AEST).

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"Over the last ten days, my wife and I have been so deeply touched by the many messages of condolence and support we have received from this country and across the world," Charles said in a statement.

"In London, Edinburgh, Hillsborough and Cardiff we were moved beyond measure by everyone who took the trouble to come and pay their respects to the lifelong service of my dear mother, the late Queen.

"As we all prepare to say our last farewell, I wanted simply to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those countless people who have been such a support and comfort to my Family and myself in this time of grief."

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Up to 10,000 police have descended on London ahead of the funeral, along with world leaders and dignitaries from across the globe.

The queue to view the Queen's coffin has stretched to 24 hours, with people being asked to stop joining it or risk not making it into Westminster.

The Queen’s eight grandchildren, led by heir to the throne Prince William, circled the coffin and stood with heads bowed during a silent vigil on Saturday evening.

Crowds also gathered Sunday near Windsor Castle, where the Queen will be laid to rest at a private family ceremony on Monday evening.