King’s Counsel came out in force yesterday to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s ‘steadfast and true public service’ following the death of Her late Majesty last week.
Dozens of barristers, in court robes and mourning attire, gathered outside the UK’s most high-profile criminal court, the Old Bailey, at 4pm, before setting off to Gray Inn’s Chapel. The procession was led by Criminal Bar Association officers Laurie-Anne Power KC, Kirsty Brimelow KC and Tana Adkin KC.
Members of the public stopped to take photos as the group walked down High Holborn, past Chancery Lane tube station, then turning right into Lady Hale Gate. They headed towards Gray’s Inn Hall, briefly pausing for press photographers, before making their way to the chapel, situated next door to the hall.
The group watched as Brimelow (pictured above) laid a wreath by the chapel entrance.
The wreath said: ‘The Criminal Bar Association joins with legal professions across the Commonwealth in mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. We pay tribute to the Queen’s steadfast and true public service and offer our deep condolences to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family. We mark with sorrow and dedication to justice the change of Queen’s Counsel to King’s Counsel.’
A minute’s silence followed.