James Blunt jokes he was ‘ushered to front of queue after offering to sing’ as he waits to see Queen lying in state-Louise Griffin-Entertainment – Metro

James Blunt joined the queue and joked about being ‘ushered to the front’ (Picture: Getty)

James Blunt is the latest star to join the queue of mourners waiting to see the Queen lying in state, joking he was ‘ushered to the front after offering to sing’.

The You’re Beautiful hitmaker was joined by his wife Sofia Wellesley as he joined the miles-long queue stretching through London.

James wore a black suit and tie as he waited to pay his respects, with Sofia also opting for darker clothes for the sombre occasion.

Responding to reports that he had joined the queue, James tweeted: ‘Offered to sing, and am now being ushered to the front.’

Before his career as a musician, James was a reconnaissance officer in the Life Guards regiment of the British Army,

In 2000, he was posted to the Household Cavalry Mounted regiment in London, as the Queen’s guard. 

He stood guard at the coffin of the Queen Mother when she was lying in state following her death in 2002, and was part of her funeral procession.

James also became close friends with Prince Harry, and attended his wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018.

Also attending Westminster Hall were stars including David Beckham, who queued for 13 hours and appeared to shed a tear when he filed past the Queen’s coffin.

At the time, he told the BBC: ‘We all want to be here together, we all want to experience something where we celebrate the amazing life of our Queen.’

The Queen meeting James Blunt and Russell Brand in 2007 (Picture: POOL/ Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty Images)

James Blunt and Prince Harry in 2014 (Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Susanna Reid and Tilda Swinton were also seen paying their respects.

Meanwhile, Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have faced backlash after being accused of jumping the queue.

However, This Morning issued a statement insisting this was not the case, and that they were there as part of the press.

The Queen died at the age of 96 (Picture: Ben Stansall – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

‘We asked Phillip and Holly to be part of a film for this Tuesday’s programme.

‘They did not jump the queue, have VIP access or file past the Queen lying in state – but instead were there in a professional capacity as part of the world’s media to report on the event’.

The queue to see the Queen lying in state has now closed ahead of her funeral.

The Queen died peacefully at the age of 96 at her Balmoral home on September 8, with Buckingham Palace issuing a statement.

Her funeral will take place on Monday, with billions expected to tune in to watch it on TV.

The ceremony will start at 11am, with the procession from Westminster Hall beginning at 10.35am.

A nationwide two-minute silence at 12pm (midday) will also take place.

MORE : Line of Duty’s Daniel Mays queues for 11 hours to see Queen lying in state: ‘Made me proud to be British’

MORE : All the stars who have queued to visit the Queen lying in state – from David Beckham to Susanna Reid and Tilda Swinton

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