Queen Elizabeth’s portrait released on February 6, 2022 to mark the start of her Platinum Jubilee year.Photo: Chris Jackson/Buckingham Palace via Getty

Thousands of visitors have been gathering outside Buckingham Palace and lining up for hours outside the Palace of Westminster in order to pay their respects toQueen ElizabethII. But the sites are far from the only places in London that hold special significance in the life of the late monarch.
The Queen, who died on Thursday at age 96 ather castle in Scotland, was transported to Buckingham and then on to Westminster, where she will lie in state for four days. Members of the public were admitted to the building starting at 5 p.m. local time on Wednesday.
Those unable to wait in the now-miles-long queue might consider visiting the Queen’s birthplace, her childhood home or even her favorite shops. Here are just a few of the places that were near and dear to the moarch.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey.Tim Graham/Getty

At age 21 in 1947,Queen Elizabethmarried Lt. Philip Mountbatten at the world-famous church near the Thames River. Just a few years later, she was crowned there. Throughout the years she’s celebrated countless significant events here, including the wedding of her grandsonPrince WilliamtoKate Middletonin 2011.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Matthew Lloyd/Getty

Another of London’s most magnificent religious buildings was the site of many significant services, including those marking the Queen’s Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees. Her son King Charles also wed Princess Diana here in 1981.
17 Bruton Street
E. Bacon/Topical Press Agency/Getty

145 Piccadilly
Topical Press Agency/Getty

Clarence House
Clarence House.Tim Graham Photo Library/getty

Queen Elizabethlived at Clarence House, which is a part of St. James’s Palace just a short distance from Buckingham Palace, with her husbandPrince Philipand their son Charles. Princess Anne was also born here. After Elizabeth ascended the throne, the residence became home to the Queen Mother and Elizabeth’s sister, Princess Margaret. King Charles and his wife Camilla, now Queen Consort, have also called Clarence House home.
The Queen’s Gallery
CHRIS YOUNG/AFP via Getty

The Queen’s Favorite Shops
Getty

Queen Elizabethgave many of London’s finest purveyors of everything from clothing to cars to tea her official seal of approval, known as Royal Warrants. Quintessential British department store Selfridges, above, is one such warrant holder, as are Fortnum & Mason’s tea room in Piccadilly and the pharmacy chain Boots.
source: people.com