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Tens of thousands of North Koreans have braved sub-zero temperatures to line the streets of the capital, Pyongyang, for a glimpse of the funeral cortege of Kim Jong-il.

Snow lay on the ground as the funeral procession of North Korea's "Dear Leader" made its way through the streets of the capital Pyongyang.

Images on state television showed the longtime dictator's third son and appointed successor, Kim Jong-un, walking beside his father's hearse.

Thousands of North Koreans lined the streets to express their grief and anguish in what the BBC's John Simpson called an "elaborate choreography" of "grossly emotional crowd scenes".

Thousands Weep as Kim Jong-il's Final Journey Begins

Kim Jong-il died on December 17 of a heart attack at the age of 69, state media reported.

He has been lying in state since his death as the nation prepares for the transition to power to Kim Jong-un.

The younger Kim is expected to share control of the country with the powerful military elite.