A FUNERAL FIT FOR A QUEEN

After 10 momentous days of mourning, millions across the world gathered to farewell Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, September 19. At 6.30am, the monarch’s lying in state ended, and the Queen’s coffin was later taken in a grand military procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey for her state funeral. As Elizabeth’s casket was carried on the State Gun Carriage, a grieving family followed.

A simple but touching ceremony was made even more emotional with the moving words from the Dean of Westminster David Hoyle and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

At the funeral’s close, Her Majesty’s casket was carried from Westminster Abbey where it began its journey to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the journey from London.

Following a committal service at Windsor, led by the Dean of Windsor David Conner, the Queen’s coffin was lowered into the royal vault. As night fell, a private burial service, attended only by the royal family, took place.

Her Majesty was laid to rest at the King George VI Memorial Chapel alongside her husband Prince Philip, her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and her sister Princess Margaret.

Siblings Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward followed their mother’s coffin.

King Charles had a hand in selecting the flowers for his mother’s wreath, which included myrtle grown from the same plant that provided a sprig for the bouquet she held during her wedding in 1947.

A solemn Prince of Wales waved to the crowd as he arrived at Westminster Hall.

Senior royals were visibly overcome, but remained strong for George and Charlotte.

Brothers William and Harry were united in grief.