Gurkhas mourn Nepalese dead

Thousands gather to remember the slain monarchs in Nepal

FOLKESTONE, England -- Hundreds of soldiers from Britain's Gurkha regiment have gathered to commemorate Nepal's slain royal family.

Around 800 members of the Nepalese brigade -- which has served former colonial ruler Britain for 180 years -- laid individual flowers in front of portrait pictures of the late King Biendra and Queen Aiswarya.

The Himalayan nation has been plunged into turmoil following Friday's massacre.

"There is a deep feeling of shock and sadness here," army spokesman Paul Beard told the Associated Press after the service at the regiment's barracks in Folkestone, southern England.

"It has come as a bitter blow to everybody that this has happened in their peaceful country. I don't think many have come to terms with what has happened," he said.

The Union Jack and the Nepalese flag were draped either side of the portraits, swamped by bouquets of flowers. Flags throughout the camp were flown at half- mast as a mark of respect.

"It was quite a moving event to see each soldier lay their flowers individually, much as people did for (Princess) Diana when she died," Beard told the Associated Press.

Prince Gyanendra, brother to the slain King, took the throne on Monday hours after royal heir and murder suspect Prince Dipendra died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.