Not since lockdown have we seen our towns so deserted.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were hauntingly empty on Monday morning as people gathered with family and friends at home to witness Her Majesty the Queen's funeral at Westminster Abbey.

Roads were quiet and shops closed ahead of the momentous ceremony in London.

In Christchurch, the High Street was eerily quiet as the regular Monday market was suspended, with Poole town centre also empty of people and activity.

Bournemouth was also free of it's normal hustle and bustle with Ringwood also deserted of shoppers and visitors.

At sites across Dorset, people have left flowers and gathered to remember Her Majesty on this historic occasion.

Bournemouth Echo: NewsquestNewsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Crowds of mourners have flocked to London, Windsor and royal sites throughout the UK on the national bank holiday, with the service set to draw millions of TV viewers across the globe.

Read more: The Queen's funeral in pictures

Bournemouth Echo: NewsquestNewsquest (Image: Newsquest)

People descended on the streets of London to pay their respects, with all public viewing areas for the funeral procession declared full. 

Bournemouth Echo: NewsquestNewsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Around 2,000 people attended the Queen’s funeral at Westminster Abbey, including members of royal families from across Europe, politicians from all sides of the political spectrum and world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.