LONDON -- Many thousands of mourners are paying their final respects to the queen mother and witnessing the end of an era in Britain's royal history.

To the sound of 128 pipers, her coffin was borne by gun carriage to Westminster Abbey in London, the scene of her wedding, the coronation of her husband George VI, and now her funeral.

Nine senior members of the royal family walked solemnly behind her coffin as it made its way to the Abbey, led by the massed pipes and drums, comprising 192 musicians from 13 regiments.

Up to 400,000 people lined the streets to watch the solemn funeral cortege, said reports released on Tuesday.

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