LONDON, Sept 10 — British business paid tribute Friday to Queen Elizabeth II, with department stores shut, flags lowered, clocks stopped and meetings postponed, but souvenir sales boomed near Buckingham Palace as well-wishers thronged.
Fortnum and Mason, the Royal Family’s tea supplier, was shuttered and even stopped the clock on the front of its luxury department store in London’s Piccadilly quarter. Elsewhere, the remembrance business was in full swing nearer the palace, as well-wishers gathered to pay respects to the Royal Family — and hoped to catch a glimpse of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.“Everyone wants a queen souvenir,” shop manager Nassir Abdel told AFP at Buckingham Gate, a stone’s throw from the main royal residence.