This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22149303

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Baroness Thatcher funeral rehearsal staged Baroness Thatcher funeral rehearsal staged
(35 minutes later)
A full rehearsal of Baroness Thatcher's funeral procession has taken place in central London. A military rehearsal of Baroness Thatcher's funeral procession has taken place in central London.
Hundreds of members of the armed forces drawn from all three services took part in the practice in the early hours. More than 700 members of the armed forces drawn from all three services took part in the practice before dawn.
They will line the route of the funeral procession from Westminster to St Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday.They will line the route of the funeral procession from Westminster to St Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday.
Lady Thatcher's coffin is to be carried in a gun carriage drawn by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, which was also involved in the rehearsal. Lady Thatcher's coffin is to be carried in a gun carriage drawn by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, which was involved in the rehearsal.
Maj Andrew Chatburn, the man in charge of choreographing the parade, said the rehearsal "went very well" and it was "vitally important" to stage a trial of Wednesday's event.
"Timings are most important," he said.
Maj Chatburn, ceremonial staff officer for the Household Division, who was also behind the royal wedding procession two years ago and last year's Diamond Jubilee parade, added: "Bearing in mind these are sailors, soldiers and airmen who have come in to do this specific task from their routine duties, so it's new to them.
"They need to see the ground as well so they can get a feel for how it's going to go and they can perform their duties with confidence on the day."
The procession band played the funeral marches of Chopin, Beethoven and Mendelssohn as it made its way along the deserted streets for the rehearsal.
The Chelsea Pensioners from Royal Hospital Chelsea did not take part due to the early start, but they will line the west steps of St Paul's for the real event.
The BBC's Ben Ando watched the rehearsal and said it was for the benefit of the service personnel taking part.The BBC's Ben Ando watched the rehearsal and said it was for the benefit of the service personnel taking part.
Scotland Yard's preparations are ongoing, he added, and the force says the security operation on the day will be in line with the perceived threat level.Scotland Yard's preparations are ongoing, he added, and the force says the security operation on the day will be in line with the perceived threat level.
Lady Thatcher, who died at the age of 87 on 8 April, has been awarded a ceremonial funeral with military honours, one step down from a state funeral.Lady Thatcher, who died at the age of 87 on 8 April, has been awarded a ceremonial funeral with military honours, one step down from a state funeral.
On Wednesday, the former prime minister's coffin will initially travel by hearse to the Church of St Clement Danes - the Central Church of the RAF - on the Strand. On Wednesday, the former prime minister's coffin will initially travel by hearse from the Palace of Westminster to the Church of St Clement Danes - the Central Church of the RAF - on the Strand.
It will then be transferred to the gun carriage and taken in procession to St Paul's Cathedral.It will then be transferred to the gun carriage and taken in procession to St Paul's Cathedral.
St Paul's Cathedral has published a full funeral programme.St Paul's Cathedral has published a full funeral programme.
Respect MP George Galloway has said he will try to block plans designed to allow MPs to attend Lady Thatcher's funeral.Respect MP George Galloway has said he will try to block plans designed to allow MPs to attend Lady Thatcher's funeral.
Ministers want to cancel Prime Minister's Questions and delay the start of parliamentary business - an approach backed by Labour.Ministers want to cancel Prime Minister's Questions and delay the start of parliamentary business - an approach backed by Labour.
But Mr Galloway has said he will object. Under parliamentary rules, the proposal would then have to be withdrawn, or MPs would have to hold a debate followed by a vote.But Mr Galloway has said he will object. Under parliamentary rules, the proposal would then have to be withdrawn, or MPs would have to hold a debate followed by a vote.
On Sunday, a song at the centre of an online campaign by opponents of Baroness Thatcher, reached number two after selling 52,605 copies.On Sunday, a song at the centre of an online campaign by opponents of Baroness Thatcher, reached number two after selling 52,605 copies.
The 51-second song, Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead from the Wizard of Oz film, was not played on BBC Radio 1's Official Chart Show.The 51-second song, Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead from the Wizard of Oz film, was not played on BBC Radio 1's Official Chart Show.
Instead, presenter Jameela Jamil linked to a Newsbeat reporter who explained why the song was in the chart.Instead, presenter Jameela Jamil linked to a Newsbeat reporter who explained why the song was in the chart.
The news report - which included a brief snippet of the song - also included two views from members of the public on the controversy, with one saying it was "quite funny", while the other said it was "disgraceful".The news report - which included a brief snippet of the song - also included two views from members of the public on the controversy, with one saying it was "quite funny", while the other said it was "disgraceful".