THOUSANDS OF POLICE officers have attended the funeral of Keith Palmer today, the policeman stabbed to death in a terror attack outside the British parliament last month.
Officers lined the cortège route from the Houses of Parliament, where his body lay in rest yesterday in a rare honour normally granted to senior politicians.
The service took place across the River Thames in Southwark Cathedral, with Palmer’s wife and five-year-old daughter in attendance.
Normally bustling streets in central London were at a standstill for the procession, led by the hearse with a floral tribute reading “No 1 Daddy”.
Officers wearing dress uniform with white gloves and medals stood with heads bowed during a two-minute silence at the start of the service.
Some 5,000 officers from around the country took part, along with Cressida Dick, the first female head of London’s Metropolitan Police.
Palmer, aged 48, was killed on 22 March by a 52-year-old convert to Islam, Khalid Masood, as he stood guard outside parliament.
Masood attacked Palmer after he had driven into pedestrians nearby, killing three and fatally injuring a fourth. He was shot dead by an armed officer.
Parliamentary officials have ordered a security review after it was revealed that Palmer was not armed.
In addition, the vehicle entrance gate to parliament which he was guarding was open, as it often is to allow MPs in and out of the building more easily.
Palmer’s body was taken to a chapel inside parliament yesterday, where a private service was held after Queen Elizabeth II granted special dispensation.
Others who have previously been granted the honour include former prime minister Margaret Thatcher.
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