shortage of taxis lined the Mall in silence Thursday night as drivers paid their respects to the Queen. Roads around Buckingham Palace have now been closed off by authorities as thousands of mourners descend on the royal residence following the monarch’s death. ITV News reporter Paul Bland posted the image of the scene on Twitter, calling the scene “incredibly moving” and commentators were quick to express their agreement. “What they are doing is a wonderful thought,” said one. “Thank you so much for showing your respect in this way.”
read more
“Good old tricks,” said another. “They always get it so right. God bless them.” “It’s the heart and soul of any city,” agreed a third, while another added: “Brilliant, shows why the black cab is the best in the world.” Michael Ackerman and Robert Calder joined more than 50 black cabs lined up along the Mall / PA Taxi drivers gave a similar round of applause when Prince Philip died in 2021. Michael Ackerman, a taxi driver for 26 years, and friend Robert Caulder, who has been driving for 10 years, spoke to the PA from the back of Mr Ackerman’s taxi. Mr Ackerman said the taxi drivers had come to the Palace to “show our respect” for the monarch. “We now know that the Queen, the only woman we ever knew, our constant in both our lives, has died and we pay our respects. “There would be a lot more taxi drivers here, but they blocked the road, so no one else can get here.” Mr Ackerman said: “We’re both from London. Liz is a London girl… she’s yours, she’s ours.” Mr Caulder was one of the first taxi drivers to arrive at the Mall at around 6.50pm. He heard the news on the radio as he drove his taxi down Tottenham Court Road and said he “made a beeline” for the Palace.
