Thousands queue to pay respects to King Richard III

King Richard III's coffin will lie in repose at Leicester Cathedral until his reburial on Thursday Credit: ITV News

Thousands waited for up to four hours today to pay their respects to King Richard III ahead of his reburial later this week.

The king's coffin of the monarch is on display at Leicester Cathedral ahead of his reinterment on Thursday.

The coffin, cloaked in royal purple and with a crown atop, is being guarded by four veterans as it lies in repose.

On Thursday, there will be a procession of significant guests from Leicester Guildhall to Leicester Cathedral ahead of the Service of Reinterment of the remains.

During the service, the king's remains will be lowered into a purpose-built tomb made of Yorkshire Swaledale stone.

Members of the public will then be allowed back inside the cathedral to see the completed memorial on Friday.