A SOLEMN CEREMONY

The service, led by the Dean of Westminster, Dr David Hoyle, was filled with meaningful music. The queen was consulted on all the arrangements before she died and her personal taste is reflected in the final selection.

It featured three hymns, two anthems and two new works by Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan and master of the king’s music Judith Weir, specifically composed for the funeral.

The first hymn, The DayThou Gavest, Lord, is Ended, was sung after Hoyle gave the bidding prayer. The second, The Lord is My Shepherd, was one of the queen’s favourite pieces of music and the same hymn was sung on her wedding day in 1947. The third – Love Divine, All Loves Excelling – was sung afterThe Lord’s Prayer was read.

Towards the end of the serviceThe Last Post was sounded by the StateTrumpeters. Then, after a two-minute national silence, The Reveille was sounded by the StateTrumpeters, followed by the national anthem, God Save the King.

Sleep, Dearie, Sleep was played by the Sovereign’s Piper of the Royal Regiment of Scotland as the coffin and procession left the church.

The funeral at Westminster Abbey in London was attended by 500 heads of state.

Guests and officials take their seats insideWestminster Abbey for the sovereign’s funeraI.