London terror attack: UK police honor officer slain near Parliament

Pall bearers carry the coffin of PC Keith Palmer into the Southwark Cathedral in London, Monday, April 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

LONDON – Several thousand police officers from across Britain lined the streets of London Monday for the funeral procession of a fellow officer killed in an extremist attack last month.

Constable Keith Palmer was stabbed to death by Khalid Masood on March 22 in the cobbled forecourt of the Palace of Westminster, Parliament's home.

Two minutes of silence were observed by police throughout the country and by many others to pay respects to the 48-year-old husband and father killed in the line of duty.

Police Chief Inspector Neil Sawyer said in his eulogy that the entire force is proud of Palmer.

"As police officers we go to work every day knowing that we may be called upon to put our own lives in danger," he said. "And many do. And on Wednesday 22nd March 2017 Police Constable Keith Palmer did just that to protect life and to protect Parliament — and he did not waver — he stood firm and made that ultimate sacrifice in doing his duty. A hero to us all."

Palmer's coffin lay overnight in a chapel at Parliament after special permission was granted by Queen Elizabeth II.

During the funeral procession, it was covered with a floral tribute that read: "Number 1 Daddy."

Some 50 members his family, including his wife, child and parents, attended the service at Southwark Cathedral.

Masood killed four other victims as he rammed pedestrians on Westminster Bridge with a rented SUV. He was shot dead by police after stabbing Palmer.