"We can't see anything but we just wanted to be part of it," said Hilary Matthews, a 70-year-old retired nurse in a Union Jack bowler hat.
For 61-year-old tree surgeon David Hare, the event was a moment of joy after grim world events. He said he has come out for all the royal weddings, too, sometimes sleeping outside the night before.
Among these were 65-year-old Gilbert Falconer, who had come with his wife from Scotland after striking lucky in the national ballot.
"It's like winning the lottery for me," said the ambulance service worker.
"We just want to show our appreciation for what she has done for this country," Falconer said of the queen.
"She's done such an amazing job through her reign.
