Braintree ex-army cadet lays floral tributes at Buckingham Palace

The Royal Family confirmed the news last Thuesday Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral.

The sad news hit millions across the country and the world, with many paying their respects online and in person.

Charlie Knibbs, from Braintree, served in the Essex Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums, and was based in Chelmsford.

He said: “I was at home with my partner when I heard the news.

“I am an ex-Army Cadet of three years, and we swear our allegiance to the Queen, so it did hit me - the news was quite upsetting.

“I messaged a few of my friends to see if anyone wanted to go up there, and so me and one friend headed up to London on the Thursday night.”

Charlie was not the only one, as thousands headed to Buckingham Palace to lay floral tributes to Britain’s longest-serving monarch.

He described the journey and atmosphere outside the palace on the evening.

Charlie said: “I got the train down there, it wasn’t too busy, but I noticed when we got into central London it did get quite busy quickly.

“When we were walking up to the palace there was a crowd of people that had gone there, and it was absolutely packed when we got there.

“Throughout the whole evening the atmosphere was really nice. Everyone was really quiet and respectful, there were a few shouts of 'God save the Queen' and 'God save the King' too, which was nice.

“It was really great to see the respect, and it goes to show how a community and country can come together in times of need.

“She was our monarch, our Queen for 70 years, and people have grown up with her and the current monarchy.

“Let’s just say it is certainly something I will never forget.”