The Met Police has praised its officers for not having any “gripes or groans” about the efforts expected from them in the aftermath of the Queen's death.

A huge security challenge is in place at the moment to deal with the millions of people in the capital visiting to pay respects to the Queen in the build-up to her funeral.

Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: “It will be challenging, but the plan is very good, it’s been in place for a long time.

“It’s what we do, none of the officers are concerned about what’s in front of us or are daunted by it because it’s all laid down, it’s all planned, it’s all prepared.

“We haven’t had any gripes or groans about what’s asked of them or what’s required of them because they all, to a man and woman, had affection for our Queen and want to be part of it, and want to show their respect in any way they can.”

Mourners pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Many police officers have had to work long 12-hour shifts or cancel leave in this period, every person is needed for such a big operation.

Mr Marsh added: “There’s a massive requirement for firearms, more than for routine officers, because of the amount of dignitaries that are coming.

“All the dignitaries, all the major players, they come with their own teams most of them, but there are specific things in place for all of them.

“There’s all sorts of requirements that we’ll have to get right as we go along.”

In terms of crowds, some teams of officers will be held in reserve so the force can respond if larger numbers of people than expected come to the capital.

Mr Marsh said: “There’s a four-day resting so that’s quite a long period, around 100 hours. We have no idea of the numbers who will turn up.

“That makes it difficult for us in terms of the policing planning because if you put a plan in place for half a million then two million turn up, then clearly you haven’t got enough officers to keep it safe.

“So, we’re having to make sure that we’ve got the most required if necessary.”