Queen's funeral with 4.1billion viewers became most watched broadcast of all time
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More than half the world's population are expected to tune in next week to watch Queen Elizabeth II be put to rest in an emotional ceremony at Westminster Abbey
The Queen's state funeral is expected to be the biggest live event on TV ever with no fewer than 4.1 billion people expected to watch it across the globe.
The late monarch will be laid to rest on Monday, September 19, at Westminster Abbey, London, 10 days after her death on Thursday, September 9.
Live coverage of the historic event will air throughout the day and Industry experts have suggested a staggering 4.1 billion viewers could watch the funeral.
If this happens, it will smash the previous record of 3.5billion who reportedly watched boxing great Muhammad Ali open the Atlanta Olympics back in 1996.
If their predictions are correct, the Queen's state funeral would eclipse all other broadcasting records - including the Live8 concerts in 2005, Sydney's New Year Eve firework celebrations in 2010 and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.
Carolina Beltramo, TV analyst at WatchTVAbroad.com, predicts: “Such is the love and admiration for Queen Elizabeth II around the world that her funeral is destined to be the biggest live TV event in history.
“Generations of people across the globe won’t have been alive the last time pomp and pageantry were seen on this scale.”
“While it’s a sad occasion, they can be forgiven for being enthralled by a spectacle that echoes throughout history. For that reason alone they’ll be drawn to witness the dawn of this new age in their billions.”
She went on to say that “no fewer than 4.1billion people” are expected to tune in on Monday to witness this historic moment as half the people on planet Earth pause to pay their respects.
There will be a national bank holiday to allow as many people as possible to watch the Queen’s funeral.
Officials also expect Westminster Hall will see almost half a million visitors coming to view thThose who are unable to visit the capital will instead switch on their televisions as they turn to 24hour streaming of the momentous event. e Queen's coffin in person, ahead of the state funeral on Monday.
Solemn members of the Royal Family gathered today to prepare to accompany the Queen for her poignant final journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where she will lie in state for the next five nights.
William and Harry again set aside their feud and stood next to each other as they accompanied their beloved grandmother on to Parliament.
Their wives travelled separately in cars behind.