THE FUNERAL OF one of Britain’s most divisive prime ministers has taken place at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Big Ben’s bell was silenced as Margaret Thatcher’s coffin was driven through the streets lined by 700 soldiers, sailors, airmen, protesters and supporters.

There was twice as many security as mourners with some 4,000 police officers deployed at the event, amid heightened security following the bombings at the Boston Marathon and fears of protests.

Over 2,300 mourners waited her coffin in the cathedral, led by Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister David Cameron, three of his predecessors and guests from 170 countries.

Here are some pictures from the former British prime minister’s funeral:

Pics: Protesters, supporters and mourners at Margaret Thatcher's funeral

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The coffin of Baroness Thatcher. (Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
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A hearse carrying the coffin bearing the body of Margaret Thatcher arrives at the Palace of Westminster.
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The coffin of Margaret Thatcher is carried aloft by members of the armed forces prior to her funeral at St Paul's Cathedral, central London. (Dave Thompson/PA Wire)
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Miners arrive at Easington Colliery club for Margaret Thatcher's funeral. (PA Photo: Owen Humphreys)
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Carol Thatcher, her partner Marco Grass (centre) and Michael Thatcher (right) leave the home of Margaret Thatcher in Chester Square, Belgravia, on their way to her funeral service at St Paul's Cathedral, central London.
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attend the funeral. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
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A flag draped coffin bearing the body of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is carried on a gun carriage drawn by the King's Troop Royal Artillery during her ceremonial funeral procession. (Matt Dunham/PA Wire)
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A banner in Grimethorpe, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire as the funeral of Baroness Thatcher takes place in London.
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Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara Netanyahu (R) are greeted by Labour leader Ed Miliband. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
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A Catholic nun protests outside the Courts of Justice in the Strand prior to the funeral service of Baroness Thatcher at St Paul's Cathedral, central London. (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
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Protestors turn their backs as the coffin makes its way past the Courts of Justice in the Strand prior to the funeral. (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
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A man holds up a banner as spectators line the funeral route prior the funeral service.
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Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Cherie Blair attend the funeral. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
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Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha arrive for the funeral service of Baroness Thatcher, at St Paul's Cathedral, central London.
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Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg attends the funeral. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
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Mark Thatcher during the ceremonial funeral of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at St Paul's Cathedral. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
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The coffin bearing the body of Margaret Thatcher is carried into St Paul's Cathedral, central London for her funeral service. (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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The Union flag flies at half mast on Admiralty Arch on The Mall. (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

More: Thatcher supporters set up camp ahead of funeral >

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Thatcher funeral

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Thatcher funeral

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Read: Thatcher’s funeral to have twice as many security staff as mourners >

More: Thatcher supporters set up camp ahead of funeral >

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.