LONDON, Sept 19 – The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II was taken on the final journey through the city of London after a state funeral at the Westminster Abbey here today, Monday Sept 19, beginning at 11am local time.
The funeral service for the Queen was broadcast live on TV, radio and The Royal Family’s YouTube, with millions of people across the world catching the historic moment and thousands more lined up along the streets of London to join in the mourning and paying their final respects to the Queen who lived a full and graceful life for 96 years.
As stated in the Royal UK website, the state funeral service and other ceremonial arrangements, which was also attended by Malaysia’s King, Sultan Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Queen Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and other foreign royal families, heads of state and representatives of governments, paid tribute to the Queen’s extraordinary reign, and Her Majesty’s remarkable life of service as Head of State, Nation and Commonwealth.
Earlier, from the Palace of Westminster, the Queen’s coffin, which had been Lying-in-State since the evening of Wednesday 14th September, was borne in Procession on the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy to Westminster Abbey for the State Funeral.
Following the funeral service at the Westminster Abbey, the procession with the State Gun Carriage bearing the Queen’s coffin began the journey to Wellington Arch, followed by King Charles III and members of the royal family.
“Not seen on the streets of London since the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill in 1965” according to the Royal UK website, the State Gun Carriage was pulled by 98 Royal Navy sailors, with a further 40 marching behind acting as brakes.
Upon reaching Wellington Arch, the Queen’s coffin was placed in the State Hearse before continuing its journey to Windsor. The entire journey is being telecast live.
The final service for her at the St George’s Chapel is to 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 Royal UK website said.
A private burial will take place in The King George VI Memorial Chapel later Monday evening, conducted by the Dean of Windsor.
The Queen is to be buried together with The Duke of Edinburgh, at The King George VI Memorial Chapel.
–WE