Sir Mark Rowley began his new job by swearing in the King, believed to be the first senior police officer to do so. He has many priorities, none more so than ensuring security for the Queen’s funeral in a week when scores of foreign heads of state and up to a million visitors are expected to flood into London. King to address Westminster before leading royal procession – live updates He said: “We have been preparing for this for many, many years. “There are some very diligent and determined people who are putting a lot of effort into this. “I have great confidence and trust in the fantastic police officers who are going to support this event. “We’re going to put thousands of officers into it because of the level of security required and the millions of people who want to pay their respects.” The Queen will lie in state at Westminster Hall before her funeral on September 19. Number 10 said the military would be able to assist alongside the “significant” police operation, with 1,500 military personnel available. The public is warned of long queues with people encouraged to avoid bringing items such as tents. Sir Mark, who was appointed to his post four years after leaving the Met, reiterated his intention to revamp a policy of consensual policing and restore public confidence in a force that has been dogged by scandal over the past two years. He promised “more trust, less crime and high standards” after much criticism of the Met’s culture and performance. The force was placed in special measures by Her Majesty’s Police Inspectorate for Policing and Fire & Rescue. Read more: How you can see the Queen lying down on StateQueen’s final journey: The people who have been waiting for the story to unfold Outgoing Home Secretary Priti Patel warned Sir Mark last week that he needed to restore trust after “the appalling mistakes of the past”. His deputy Dame Lynne Owens also started her new job today. Meanwhile, a spokesman for 10 Downing Street said people should expect London to be “very busy” and that more details would be available online on how to prepare and what to bring.
