One of the largest funeral rituals in London’s history has been planned for today as the late Queen of England prepares to leave the earth. It is said that King George VI’s funeral in London 70 years ago was the largest funeral service ever held in the city. As such, we have included a summary of some of the most touching moments from the London memorial ceremony for Queen Elizabeth II. Please continue reading to view the links.
Here are the four most memorable parts of Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral:
Westminster Abbey in London played host to the state funeral service for Queen Elizabeth II, and these are the four most memorable moments. Find out more about them here.
1) The cortege carrying Queen Elizabeth II’s body reaches Westminster Abbey
Beginning with a viewing at Westminster Hall, the casket of Queen Elizabeth II was moved to Westminster Abbey for the funeral service proper. A procession of 142 members of the Royal Navy, complete with bagpipes and muffled drums, carried the coffin on a state gun carriage. Thousands of people lined the eight-minute drive to get one last glimpse of their longest-reigning monarch.
The Imperial State Crown, the scepter, and the orb were laid on the coffin, which was wrapped in the royal standard. During the funeral service, these objects remained on the late monarch’s casket.
2) The mournful procession includes King Charles III and the Queen’s children
As the state gun carriage bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s body entered Westminster Abbey, King Charles III, his wife, sister, and two sons followed the procession. Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as their respective wives, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, followed behind King Charles in the parade.
The Queen’s grandson, Peter Philips, and her nephew, the Earl of Snowdon, were also in attendance. There were also the Queen’s great-grandchildren there, including the current heir apparent, Prince George, who is only nine years old. When Queen Elizabeth was crowned and married, the entire Royal Family processed down the main aisle of Westminster Abbey.
3) A few kind words from the Archbishop of Canterbury on Queen Elizabeth II
The Archbishop of Canterbury spoke warmly of the Queen and her long reign during the state funeral events held in Westminster Abbey, London. The Archbishop of Canterbury preached during the state burial of Queen Elizabeth and compared her leadership style to that of Jesus Christ.
According to the Archbishop, “the pattern for many leaders is to be elevated in life and forgotten after death.” The late monarch’s “example was not set via her ambition…but through those she follows,” he continued.
In response to these encouraging words, the Archbishop of Canterbury paraphrased some of Queen Elizabeth’s remarks to the nation during the early stages of the coronavirus-driven pandemic.
With that, he said, “We will meet again” for all those who take their cues from the queen and put their faith in God.
4) Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were seen in the second row.
Regarding the location of the Royal Family members during the funeral, King Charles III, Camila, the queen consort, and the king’s siblings were seated in the front row, to the right of the Queen’s coffin. The Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales, along with their children George and Charlotte, were standing nearby.
Conversely, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, now known as the Duchess of Sussex, were spotted in the second row of the church during the state funeral. Prince Harry chose not to wear his military uniform, unlike his brother, Prince William, who did. This was because of his higher status in the Royal Family.
Notable world leaders such as President Obama, Vice President Biden, Prime Minister Trudeau, President Macron, King Felipe VI of Spain, Emperor Naruhito of Japan, and Sultan Qaboos of Oman have all been spotted in attendance at the state funeral. There were about 2,000 mourners during the state burial, which concluded with a two-minute national moment of silence and the playing of the UK national song.
These are just a few of the many remarkable aspects of Queen Elizabeth II’s state burial. After the funeral began, preliminary arrangements for the Queen’s committal service were initiated. Transport of the casket to Windsor Castle is planned, where the Queen will be laid to rest next to Prince Philip. The four most memorable parts of Queen Elizabeth II’s state burial
Here are the four most memorable parts of one of the largest state funerals in UK history, held for Queen Elizabeth II.
One of the largest funeral rituals in London’s history has been planned for today as the late Queen of England prepares to leave the earth. It is said that King George VI’s funeral in London 70 years ago was the largest funeral service ever held in the city. As such, we have included a summary of some of the most touching moments from the London memorial ceremony for Queen Elizabeth II. Please continue reading to view the links.
