PHOTOS From Senator John McCain's Funeral! #McCainMemorial #McCainFuneral

Former presidents, congressional colleagues and family have gathered in Washington to mark the passing of US Senator John McCain with a procession through the capital before an invitation-only funeral service.

McCain, who died on Tuesday just days before his 82nd birthday, was carried from the US Capitol by Armed Forces Body Bearers, before he was transported by a motorcade to Washington National Cathedral. Eight members of the Armed Forces were seen carrying McCain's coffin from the Rotunda to a waiting hearse about 8.30am, with one man at the back appearing to direct them. At one point, the plastic covering protecting the casket from adverse weather blew off McCain and straight on to the head of a soldier. He did not flinch, and continued marching down the stairs until someone was able to take the plastic off him. The casket then joined a police motorcade, with multiple large black vans at the back. Crowds were seen lining the street outside and inside the Vietnam Veterans memorial ahead of McCain's arrival. The motorcade took McCain and his family to the Memorial ahead of the funeral, where the Senator's wife, Cindy, laid a wreath to honor those lost in the Vietnam War.