Fermanagh people pay last respects to The Queen

Fermanagh joins the world in paying final respects to the late, much-loved Queen

AS THE United Kingdom and indeed the world now adjusts to a new monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, many in Fermanagh have paid personal tribute to Her Majesty.

From the symbolic reenactment of her short journey across the street from St. Macartin’s Cathedral to St. Michael’s Church last Sunday, to those who travelled over to London to pay a final farewell with the hundreds of thousands of other people who lined the streets on Monday, to the people who bowed their heads during the National Moment of Reflection on Sunday, the people of Fermanagh and beyond have played their part during these remarkable days.

These days on the cusp of autumn have marked the end of the Second Elizabethan Age – an age that is all the vast majority of the population have ever known.

In this week’s edition of The Impartial Reporter we take an in-depth look at Her Majesty’s funeral, and speak to those who travelled over to be part of such an historic occasion.

For example, Catherine Lindsay, her mother Diannah Gott and sister Alex Mckee (inset left) queued for 12 and a half hours to pay their respects at The Queen’s coffin in Westminster Hall, before standing at The Mall on Monday for the funeral.

We also look back at the Sunday evening service when the congregation moved from one church to another, just as Her Majesty did in 2012, in a simple yet profound gesture that resonates today.

Fr. Brian Darcy also pays tribute to a Queen of “outstanding” faith.

We also look at King Charles III, who made his first trip as monarch to Northern Ireland last week, but we also look back at previous visits to Fermanagh, when he charmed all those he met.

FOLLOWING the death of Her Majesty The Queen, people all across Fermanagh and surrounding areas have expressed their sadness and support for the Royal family over the past week of extraordinary change.

While many people mourned Her Majesty’s death, thoughts too have turned to her son, King Charles III – no stranger to our corner of the United Kingdom.

Communities and organisations have shared a feeling of grief and loss, tempered with hope for the future, too, and the wish to support The King.

Here, we look at a week we will all remember.

Catherine Lindsay (right) with her mother, Diannah Gott, and sister, Alex Mckee, in London.

Photo: PA Wire. Coffin bearers carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II into St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, Berkshire, as Her Majesty’s remains arrive for the Committal Service, ending her long and final journey from London.