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The British Royal Family was joined by the International Community representatives and Millions around the globe today to bid the final farewell to the beloved Queen Elizabeth II at the state funeral. The venue of the funeral holds a very special place in the life of Her Majesty. Princess Elizabeth married the lover of her life, Prince Philip, at the Abbey in 1947. In 1952 she was crowned as the Queen at the same Abbey.
Ministry of Defence
Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on September 08, 2022. Since then The UK, The Crown, and The Commonwealth have been going through a historical change. The State Funeral Service and the associated ceremonial arrangements paid tribute to The Queen’s extraordinary reign, and Her Majesty’s remarkable life of service as Head of State, Nation and Commonwealth.
The Queen was lying in state at the Palace of Westminster since Wednesday where thousands of people pay their last respect to the Queen. The Lyin-in State ended this morning. Ahead of the State Funeral, King Charles thanked the members of the public and share a message,
“As we all prepare to say our last farewell, I wanted simply to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those countless people who have been such a support and comfort to my Family and myself in this time of grief.”
Over the last ten days, my wife and I have been so deeply touched by the many messages of condolence and support we have received from this country and across the world.
In London, Edinburgh, Hillsborough and Cardiff we were moved beyond measure by everyone who took the trouble to come and pay their respects to the lifelong service of my dear mother, The late Queen.
As we all prepare to say our last farewell, I wanted simply to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those countless people who have been such a support and comfort to my Family and myself in this time of grief.
The Royal Family
The Queen’s Coffin was covered in Royal Standard. The Imperial crown was placed on a velvet cushion. The Wreath on the coffin was made from flowers and foliage cut from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Highgrove house. About the wreath Buckingham Palace said,
At His Majesty The King’s request, the wreath contains flowers and foliage cut from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Highgrove House. This includes foliage chosen for its symbolism:
Rosemary for remembrance; Myrtle, the ancient symbol of a happy marriage, and cut from a plant that was grown from a sprig of myrtle in Her Late Majesty’s wedding bouquet in 1947; And English oak, which symbolises the strength of love.
Also included are:
Scented pelargoniums; garden roses; autumnal hydrangea; sedum; dahlias; and scabious, all in shades of gold, pink and deep burgundy, with touches of white, to reflect the Royal Standard, on which it sits.
Again at His Majesty’s request, the wreath is made in a totally sustainable way, in a nest of English moss and oak branches, and without the use of floral foam.
The Queen’s coffin was borne in Procession on the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey for the State Funeral.
Immediately following the Coffin were The King, Members of the Royal Family and members of The King’s Household. It was announced in the early morning that Prince George and Princess Charlotte of Wales will attend the state funeral and will participate in the procession inside Westminster Abbey.
To give you a sense of the heightened security and crowd numbers in London today:
– Tubes around Buckingham Palace and Westminster were closed early/interchange only due to capacity (pre 9am)
– Green Park viewing area was full before 9am, with people being directed to Hyde Park
Almost 200 people who were recognised in The Queen’s Birthday Honours earlier this year also joined the congregation, including those who made extraordinary contributions to the response to the Covid-19 pandemic and have volunteered in their local communities.
Mr and Mrs. Middleton, parents of The Princess of Wales arriving at the Abbey.
11 years ago they attended the happy event of their daughter getting married to the Prince. https://t.co/0XziepAhVy
The Archbishop of York, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and the Free Churches Moderator said Prayers. The Sermon was given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who also gave the Commendation.
The Dean of Westminster pronounced the Blessing. The ceremony was brought to closure with the Last Post sound followed by Two Minute’s Silence to be observed in the Abbey, and throughout the United Kingdom. The National Anthem ended the State Funeral Service.
The final moments of George VI’s funeral procession in Windsor Castle, back in February 1952. Hard to imagine how Britain will feel tomorrow when similar rites happen, marking the final journey of their great queen. pic.twitter.com/WlaYQ7Rmkq
Charles Spencer, brother of late Lady Diana shared these lovely pictures.
After the service, Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin was borne through the Abbey, returning to the State Gun Carriage for the Procession to Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner, arriving at 1300hrs. The King and Members of the Royal Family followed The Queen’s Coffin in Procession. The Procession included detachments from the Armed Forces of the Commonwealth. Minute Guns were fired in Hyde Park by The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, and Big Ben will toll throughout the duration of the Procession.
At Wellington Arch, the Coffin was transferred to the State Hearse to travel to Windsor. As the State Hearse departs Wellington Arch, the Parade gave a Royal Salute and the National Anthem was played.
The Royal Family departed for Windsor to continue the second part of the funeral.
When the Coffin reaches Windsor, the State Hearse will slow to join a Procession to be formed up on Albert Road to travel via the Long Walk to St George’s Chapel, Windsor for the Committal Service. Members of the Royal Family will join the Procession in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle. Minute Guns will be fired on the East Lawn, Windsor Castle by The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, and Sebastopol Bell and the Curfew Tower Bell will be tolled.
The Procession will halt at the bottom of the West Steps of St. George’s Chapel where a Guard of Honour, found by the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, will be mounted. The Queen’s Coffin will be borne in Procession into the Chapel.
The Committal Service will begin at 1600hrs, and alongside His Majesty The King and Members of the Royal Family, the congregation will be made up of past and present members of The Queen’s Household, including from the private estates. Also in attendance will be Governors-General and Realm Prime Ministers.
The Service will be conducted by the Dean of Windsor, with prayers said by the Rector of Sandringham, the Minister of Crathie Kirk and the Chaplain of Windsor Great Park. The Choir of St George’s Chapel will sing during the Service.
Before the final Hymn, the Imperial State Crown, the Orb and the Sceptre will be removed from Her Majesty The Queen’s Coffin, and placed on the Altar. At the end of the final Hymn, The King will place The Queen’s Company Camp Colour of the Grenadier Guards on Her Majesty’s Coffin. At the same time, The Lord Chamberlain will “break” his Wand of Office and place it on the Coffin.
As The Queen’s Coffin is lowered into the Royal Vault, the Dean of Windsor will say a Psalm and the Commendation before the Garter King of Arms pronounces Her Majesty’s styles and titles.
The Sovereign’s Piper will play a Lament and The Archbishop of Canterbury will pronounce the Blessing. The National Anthem will be sung after the Service.
A Private Burial will take place in The King George VI Memorial Chapel later that evening, conducted by the Dean of Windsor.
The Queen is to be buried together with The Duke of Edinburgh.
PS: The post is in progress will be updated shortly.
