Armed Forces members pay respect to the Queen at Bitts Park

Both veterans and active soldiers attended the public ceremony orchestrated by Carlisle City Council, as they offered their respect and commemoration to Britain’s longest-serving monarch.

Veteran Mark Ingleton, from Thursby, who served in the King’s Own Border Regiment, said the day meant 'absolutely everything' to him.

“The Queen was our boss," he said.

"Even though I’ve been out the service a long time now, I feel it was absolutely necessary to come show my respects to the greatest Queen we’ve ever seen.

Members watch the funeral procession from Bitts Park (Image: PMcTaggart)

“King Charles has prepared for this all of his life, I do believe he will be a wonderful King to follow,” he said.

It wasn’t just members of the armed forces who live near Carlisle that had turned out however.

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Phil Cable, who travelled through from Maryport, who also served in the King’s Own Border Regiment, said it was an 'emotional' day.

“I joined as a boy soldier at the age of 16, I remember standing at Carlisle train station, the biggest shock of your life leaving home without your mum.

“But it was the privilege of swearing that oath to the Queen and country that meant so much.

"It’s been a lovely day today, we’ve got to take our hats off to Carlisle City Council for what they’ve done here.

“It was great to see some youngsters even come out and park their bikes up and watch the service.

"It’s heart-warming to see them there as opposed to sat at home playing computer games.

“We look forward to seeing The Queen off with a toast now,” he said.

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