Mourners arrive for Thatcher funeral

Admirers of Britain's "Iron Lady" prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, spent the night on the pavement opposite St Paul's Cathedral, for a front row seat to her ceremonial funeral procession.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) MARGARET KITTLE, WHO CAME TO LONDON FROM CANADA ESPECIALLY TO WATCH FUNERAL, SAYING:

"I came yesterday morning at eight o'clock, but I've been waiting for the funeral because I always said I would come to Mrs Thatcher's funeral because I really admired her."

Wednesday's funeral with military honours is Britain's biggest political funeral since that of Winston Churchill in 1965.

Security is tight with global leaders attending the service and some Thatcher detractors threatening to disrupt the procession route.

Polls have shown that many are unhappy that the estimated 10 million pound bill for the funeral is being picked up by the tax payer, for a woman who still divides Britons politically.

More than 2,300 mourners will attend the service, but