The UK and the world have officially said their last goodbyes to Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning Monarch, with an emotional state funeral on Monday morning, September 19.
Her funeral brought guests from all religious backgrounds and cultures, in what will go down in history as one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in years. As the end of the Elizabethan age is here, and the reign of King Charles III begins, Starts at 60, looks back at some of the most moving pictures from Her Majesty’s funeral.
Queen Elizabeth II’s historical funeral was met with hundreds of thousands of mourners in the UK and watched on live television by millions of people across the globe.
Those in the UK unable to travel to London gathered in parks, went to cinemas, and pubs, or lined the streets where venues were broadcasting the event.
According to BBC, this was Britain’s first state funeral since Winston Churchill’s in 1965 and has now made its mark as the biggest ceremonial event since World War II.
The Queen’s coffin passed through Horse Guards Parade and down The Mall, where she was greeted by tearful mourners applauding her one last time.
While people across the globe mourned the loss of a Queen, King Charles III was mourning the loss of his mother.
Sat on the front row of her funeral service in Westminster Abbey, the newly-appointed Monarch was visibly emotional as the service drew to a close when the church choir and funeral guests began singing God Save the King.
Charles had also left a handwritten note for his mother, which sat among a wreath of colourful flowers taken from the gardens of the royal residences which included English oak, rosemary and myrtle that had previously been featured in the Queen’s wedding bouquet
The simple yet touching note read, “In loving and devoted memory. Charles R.”
During her funeral ceremony, Queen Elizabeth’s power as a sovereign was officially removed.
Three objects were laid on top of the late Monarch’s coffin to signify her power and governance, the Imperial State Crown, the Sovereign’s Sceptre and the Sovereign’s Orb, each item was taken off by Crown Jeweler Mark Appleby and placed on the church’s altar, signifying the separation of the Queen from her crown for the last time following her historical 70-year reign.
Prince George, 9, and his younger sister Princess Charlotte, 7, were the youngest mourners at the Queen’s funeral. In a church filled with grief-stricken faces and black mourning clothes, the two young royals walked alongside their parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Their attendance at the funeral marked the first time the siblings have been seen out in public following the Queen’s death, however, the youngest of the Wales children, Prince Louis, 4, was not at the funeral.
As per The Guardian, a monarch’s grandchildren or great-grandchildren do not typically play a formal role at state funerals, however “that change is in part a consequence of the Queen’s 70-year reign and long life but also as part of the current monarchy’s desire to project stability to the UK and Commonwealth.”
Since the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Prince William has often maintained his composure during various public appearances leading up to the funeral.
However, the Queen’s state funeral proved to be an emotional one for the Prince. Donned in his military uniform, William stood next to his aunt, Princess Anne, as they led the procession behind Her Majesty’s coffin.
This was the second of his grandmother’s procession the Prince attended. On Wednesday, September 14 the Prince of Wales walked side by side with his brother, Prince Harry, as their grandmother’s decorated coffin was brought from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.
William later told mourners outside Sandringham that the Queen’s coffin procession had been difficult for him as it stirred up a “few memories” of his mother’s funeral.
Stoic Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter, has been the only female member of the royal family who has escorted the Queen’s coffin from start to finish.
Since the Queen’s death on September 8, at Balmoral Castle, the 72-year-old had the responsibility of ensuring her mother’s casket arrived safely at Buckingham Palace in London before the Queen embarked on her final trip to Windsor, where she is now buried.
In a touching tribute shared with Insider, Princess Anne spoke about her mother, saying it was an “honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys.”