HER FINAL RESTING PLACE

At the end, the queen returned to her beloved Windsor Castle, her home for the past two years.

Her coffin travelled in procession from Wellington Arch in London to St George’s Chapel at Windsor, a journey of about one hour.

A committal service was held at St George’s Chapel. Her Majesty had a hand in selecting the final elements. These included several of the organ pieces, which were arranged by William Henry Harris, organist at the Royal Chapel from 1933 to 1961.

He’d inspired the young queen’s interest in music and taught her to play the piano. He also wrote the hymn Bring Us, O Lord God, which was sung as part of the service.

The service was led by the Dean of Windsor, David Conner, and featured chaplains from three of the queen’s favourite residences – the rector of Sandringham; the minister of Crathie Kirk, the church near her Balmoral Estate; and the chaplain of the Royal Chapel in Windsor Great Park.

Itwasanemotionalmoment when the crown jeweller removed the Instruments of state from the coffin, the orb, sceptreandImperialcrown.

Afterwards Charles laid the queen’s Company Camp Colour of the Grenadier Guards on the coffin and the head of the queen’s household, the Lord Chamberlain, broke his wand of office and placed it on the coffin.

The service ended with the

Archbishop of Canterbury pronouncing his blessing and the congregation singing God Save the King.

Away from the cameras, the king and the royal family gathered for a private burial service at St George’s Chapel conducted by Connor.

“The service and burial will be entirely private, given it is a deeply personal family occasion,” a palace official said.

This one was for her nearest and dearest only, after a week of public events.

It’s a fitting finale for a woman who lived a life of duty and service.

A woman who, despite being a global figure and one of the most photographed people in the world, was also deeply private.