Richard III has left the building

All eyes were on Leicester University this morning as thousands of people descended upon the city to watch the procession of Richard III’s coffin.

Press getting ready for footage

530 years after he was killed in battle and over two years since his body was found under the Leicester car park, the long-lost remains of the last English king emerged from the Fielding Johnson Building today.

The President and Vice Chancellor of the university welcomed guests and press to the event before the chaplain of the university conducted a short public ceremony.

Photo credit: Rachel, 3rd year Ancient History and History student

University doctors, professors and staff delivered readings and paid their respects as part of the ceremony and reflected of the finding and the history of the monarch.

Crowds then watched the coffin being placed into a waiting hearse and followed as the king was driven off campus, followed by a small party of cars that included the university’s Dr Richard Buckley OBE.

Members of the Leicester University team who discovered the king’s remains laid white flowers upon the coffin which were then placed inside the hearse.

We spoke to Leicester students who witnessed the historical event.

Momo, Accounts and Finance postgrad who was at the ceremony said: “As an international student, I am really interested in history of England but I know very little about it.

“The history of UK is very different when compared to my country and I try to learn as many interesting stories as I can for the time I am here as a student.

She added: “As I live and study in Leicester, naturally I pay more attention to local history than other cities in the UK. I thought of this ceremony as a historical time I can share with my social circle now and later in my life. I’m happy I’ve witnessed it.”

English finalist Anna said: “I like to read about history, and Richard III is something very interesting not just for the university but Leicester city.

“My parents in Spain now know my university for Richard III and that’s how they introduce my university to their friends or relatives. It’s quite funny.”

Mass Communication postgrad Qing said: “Since I have been here, everybody seems to talk about Richard III as if it’s a very big thing for the university.

“I just wanted to see the ceremony and take photos so I can share it with my friends and family.”

The coffin is now on a tour through Leicestershire, including the the Bosworth battlefield site, before being placed on public display at Leicester Cathedral until the official re-burial on Thursday.