In Her late Majesty's final Christmas speech, she poignantly addressed the nation and told us "life consists of final partings as well as first meetings". In the eleven days since the Queen passed away at Balmoral, her sanctuary in the Highlands, we have been preparing for today's final parting. And yet, from her dearly loved family to people all over the world who mourn her loss, nothing could quite prepare for the scenes, and emotions, which came with saying goodbye for the last time.
For a woman who gave us seventy years of unrelenting devotion and service -- as King Charles said, "A promise with destiny kept" -- an oath which she fulfilled until her last breath. The sendoff which will live in history was not only richly deserved, it was a necessary gesture of gratitude. As the Royal family came out in force, they were joined by world leaders and royals from all over the globe who came together in a show of solidarity. Yesterday, the Archbishop of Canterbury remarked: "She's going to unite more global leaders possibly more than any point in history."
Marking the end to ten days of proceedings in London and Windsor was a procession of service personnel representing a variety of regiments, ships and air stations that held a special relationship with Her late Majesty.
Around 4,000 regular and reserve soldiers, sailors, marines and aviators, as well as musicians from Armed Forces bands, took part today.
It included included over 3,000 military personnel in central London, with 1,650 personnel forming part of the procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey, and from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch.
Commanding scenes.
The State Crown, Orb and Sceptre atop Her late Majesty's coffin.
The coffin was draped in the Royal Standard.
As for her father King George VI, grandfather King George V, great-grandfather King Edward VII and great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, Her Majesty the Queen’s coffin was borne to Westminster Abbey on the State Gun Carriage.
As for her father King George VI, grandfather King George V, great-grandfather King Edward VII and great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, Her Majesty The Queen’s coffin was borne in a Procession to Westminster Abbey on the State Gun Carriage. pic.twitter.com/2Vl58ITLGp
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 19, 2022
The King chose a beautiful sustainable wreath with a touching message reading: "In loving and devoted memory. Charles R." At His Majesty the King's request, the wreath contained flowers and foliage cut from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Highgrove House.
More from the Telegraph:
'This includes foliage chosen for its symbolism.Rosemary for remembrance; Myrtle, the ancient symbol of a happy marriage, and cut from a plant that was grown from a sprig of myrtle in Her Late Majesty's wedding bouquet in 1947;
And English oak, which symbolises the strength of love.
Also included are scented pelargoniums; garden roses; autumnal hydrangea; sedum; dahlias; and scabious, all in shades of gold, pink and deep burgundy, with touches of white, to reflect the Royal Standard, on which it sits.
Again at His Majesty's request, the wreath is made in a totally sustainable way, in a nest of English moss and oak branches, and without the use of floral foam.'
The scene at Westminster Abbey.
A short procession taking less than ten minutes from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey saw King Charles lead members of the Royal family.
The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex.
The Queen Consort travelled with the Princess of Wales, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
A poignant image.
A brief video.
Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales are heading to Westminster Abbey.
— Royal Central (@RoyalCentral) September 19, 2022
They are joined by Prince George and Princess Charlotte. pic.twitter.com/v0GRVZbHbl
The royal party arrives at Westminster Abbey.
It was a significant day for George and Charlotte.
They accompanied their parents to say goodbye to Gan-Gan.
Greetings upon arrival.
A helping hand from the Countess of Wessex.
Other members of the Royal family arriving.
Kate's parents Michael and Carole Middleton were among invited guests.
A sea of world leaders.
All arriving at the Abbey to pay their respects.
The Queen's coffin was carried inside by a bearer party of Grenadier Guards.
The Queen's coffin has arrived at Westminster Abbey for her state funeral servicehttps://t.co/j5KT4znhIS pic.twitter.com/yNvwrCew9i
— ITV News (@itvnews) September 19, 2022
The Telegraph notes: "As the coffin entered, the Choir of Westminster Abbey sang lines, known as The Sentences, from Revelation 14:13, set to music written by William Croft and used at every state funeral since the early 18th century."
Many of those in attendance bowed their heads as the Queen’s coffin was placed at the centre of Westminster Abbeyhttps://t.co/j5KT4znhIS pic.twitter.com/kweFVmRqxz
— ITV News (@itvnews) September 19, 2022
At this point, it's important to note how well George and Charlotte did.
It's wonderful they have each other for this very poignant 'first'.
The Princess of Wales.
Members of the Royal family in procession.
The King and Queen Consort led the procession followed by the Princess Royal, Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Prince and Princess of Wales and Prince George and Princess Charlotte, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Peter Phillips, the Earl of Snowdon, the Duke of Gloucester, Prince Michael of Kent and the Duke of Kent.
George and Charlotte walked alongside their parents.
Of course, William and Kate were married at the Abbey in 2011.
The Order of Service for Westminster Abbey can be viewed here.
Hymns included 'The Lord is my Shepherd' which was played at the then Prince Elizabeth and Prince Philip's wedding.
An overview.
Chris Ship shared a video.
The second hymn ‘The Lord’s my shepherd’ hails back to a parish close to Balmoral Castle.
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) September 19, 2022
It was sung at the Wedding of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in 1947.
The descant by William Baird Ross was one of the Queen’s favourites.#QueenElizabeth #queensfuneral pic.twitter.com/k4nKBSIgVT
The anthem 'O taste and see' was composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams for Her late Majesty's coronation at the Abbey in 1953.
'Queenhood: a long winding procession
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 19, 2022
From the abbey door to the abbey door.'
Her Majesty The Queen's State Funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey - where Her Majesty's Coronation took place in 1953.
During his sermon the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: "The pattern for all who serve God – famous or obscure, respected or ignored – is that death is the door to glory. Her Late Majesty famously declared in a 21st birthday broadcast that her whole life would be dedicated to serving the Nation and Commonwealth. Rarely has such a promise been so well kept. Few leaders receive the outpouring of love we have seen. Jesus – who in our reading does not tell his disciples how to follow, but who – said: “I am the way, the truth and the life”. Her Late Majesty’s example was not set through her position or her ambition, but through whom she followed. I know His Majesty shares the same faith and hope in Jesus Christ as his mother; the same sense of service and duty. In 1953 the Queen began her Coronation with silent prayer, just there at the High Altar. Her allegiance to God was given before any person gave allegiance to her. Her service to so many people in this nation, the Commonwealth and the world had its foundation in her following Christ – God himself – who said that he “came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
The Archbishop continued: "Those who serve will be loved and remembered longer than those who cling to power and privilege are long forgotten."
A two-minute silence was observed.
It was deeply emotional as 'God Save the King' was sung -- especially for the King.
Imagery befitting the occasion.
A curtsy from Camilla, Kate, Meghan and Sophie as the Queen's coffin departs Westminster Abbey.
Meghan Markle, Queen Consort Camila, Princess Kate, and Princess Charlotte curtsy and Prince George bows before departing the queen’s funeral at Westminster Abbey.
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 19, 2022
📹: Mark Case/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/Jb9eExi7fl
Kate gives her daughter a sign to curtsy.
The party watches the procession before they leave by car.
The Telegraph's Charles Moore wrote: "After all the words had been spoken and all the hymns and anthems sung, the Queen’s Piper played 'Sleep, dearie, sleep'. As the sound wrapped itself round the soaring Gothic architecture, young Prince George cast his eyes about, trying to trace where it was coming from. Then it grew quieter and more distant, as if departing over the hills above Balmoral, and everything was at peace."
In the background, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
A lovely photo of Kate and Camilla with the children.
Whilst it certainly isn't an occasion where fashion is the focus, it bears noting the Princess appeared to wear the black version of the Alexander McQueen coatdress she wore during Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Kate accessorised with several striking pearl pieces from Her Majesty's Jewel Vault: the Japanese Pearl Choker Necklace, the Bahrain pearl earrings, and it looks like Kate may have worn a pearl bracelet belonging to the late Queen, as noted by Emma. Kate wore the necklace and earrings for the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.
People's reports Charlotte's darling little diamond horseshoe brooch was a gift from the Queen.
George and Charlotte with Kate and Camilla for the next stage of the journey.
From Westminster Abbey, it was time for the Long Walk home.
Her late Majesty's coffin was borne to Wellington Arch via the Mall on the State Gun Carriage.
Passing Buckingham Palace for the last time.
The royals watched the Bearer Party transfer the coffin into the State Hearse at Wellington Arch.
Scenes at Wellington Arch.
A very darling moment as Charlotte appeared to remind George to bow.
Members of the public stood on the route and threw flowers.
The procession travelled through the streets of Windsor.
Minute guns fired by the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery from the East Lawn at Windsor Castle.
Historic scenes on the Long Walk as 100,000 people lined the way.
As we watched the scenes unfold, one couldn't help but remember we're living history right now.
A captivating sea of floral tributes arranged on the lawns of Windsor Castle.
I can only imagine the work it took.
There have been different moments throughout the day which brought a tear to the eye. One of those for me was seeing the Queen's darling corgis, Muick and Sandy, on the forecourt of Windsor Castle as the coffin passed. They will now live with the Duke and Duchess of York.
Her Majesty's favourite horse Emma was also brought to bid farewell; the Queen's love of horses was a central part of her life.
The Queen’s staff and pony greet her as she arrives home. pic.twitter.com/ZQhL6G7KRI
— Royal Central (@RoyalCentral) September 19, 2022
Members of royal families from all over the world arrive at Windsor.
Members of other Royal Families arriving at Windsor Castle.
— ChristinZ (@ChristinsQueens) September 19, 2022
🎥 ZDF pic.twitter.com/0SNtr5Yhms
The procession makes its way through Windsor Castle.
Kate and the children arrive at Windsor.
The procession readies for the last walk behind the coffin.
This photo caught several members looking above.
William and Harry talk to Earl Snowdon, Princess Margaret's son.
The hearse makes its final stop -- bringing Her Majesty home.
The Bearer Party from the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards undertook the challenge of mounting the coffin up the steps in concert with each other.
Full of admiration for the Bearer Party from the The Queen’s Company, 1st Batallion @GrenadierGds
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) September 19, 2022
Chaps, you have done the country proud all day, but *especially on those steps to the West Door of St George’s Chapel. #QueenElizabethII
🎥 @itvnews pic.twitter.com/e7VZQGOwpt
The royal procession followed closely behind.
The Order of Service for the Committal Service can be viewed here.
The royals take their seats.
The Queen's casket was seen in public for the final time before being lowered into the Royal Vault at St George's Chapel.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 19, 2022
Follow latest updates: https://t.co/8AFWhoW82a pic.twitter.com/WK8EfIdtAU
At the Committal Service, the Dean of Windsor read from the Book of Revelation: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
Kate and Charlotte look on.
William and George.
An overview in St George's.
The Imperial State Crown, Sceptre and Orb are removed from the coffin -- a final parting of Her late Majesty from the Crown.
A lament by the Queen's Piper.
As The Queen's Committal Service comes to a close, Her Majesty's Piper plays a lament. pic.twitter.com/4DVIUuCoPO
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 19, 2022
Her Majesty the Queen is lowered into the Royal Vault where the Duke of Edinburgh was laid to rest.
A visibly emotional Royal family departing the service.
Kensington Palace tweeted: "Goodbye to a Queen, a mother, a grandmother and a great grandmother." And shared the image below.
To signify Her Majesty was buried, a beautiful photo taken in Balmoral in 1971 was shared. ‘May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.’
The family returned to St George's Chapel at 7.30 pm for a private burial service. Buckingham Palace shared this beautiful image of Her late Majesty along with the Duke of Edinburgh, her father King George VI, her mother Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and sister Princess Margaret. She was laid to rest with all of them. Her father King George VI was known to refer to his family (his wife and two daughters) as "Us Four".
During this morning's service at Westminster Abbey, Gyles Brandreth shared an excerpt from a letter the Queen's father wrote after her wedding at the Abbey -- "I felt that I had lost something very precious" -- a sentiment shared all around the world today.
As Her late Majesty said, "Grief is the price we pay for love," and as we mourn not just a Queen but The Queen, it is willingly paid in gratitude for the privilege of seven decades of Queen Elizabeth II as our monarch. During the most uncertain period of the pandemic, the Queen promised us "we would meet again", and we did, for you, Ma'am. We stood together as a nation, braving 'the queue' for over 24 hours, politicians crossed political lines, and global leaders joined forces. Divisions within the Royal family were put aside to honour a woman so dearly loved.
Though we will miss her so, we'll take comfort in thinking of Lilibet reunited with the love of her life, Philip. If ever Her late Majesty's feelings for her husband could be captured in a single photo -- it is in this family shot taken after their engagement.
May she rest in everlasting peace.
Well said, Charlotte. Here's to your coverage over the last 10 days, I know it must be a lot of work. I got up to watch the service at 5:30 here in the States and thought it was remarkable to witness.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous, like you I am in the States but in CA so I was up at 2:00am! I watched coverage via Sky News on YouTube - I wanted the British reporting. Often times American coverage doesn't explain some of the more complex elements and they talk throughout.
DeleteIt was worth every bit of lost sleep to see this most beautiful tribute to Her Majesty. The strength and fortitude shown by all in the cortege was awe-inspiring. I tried just walking a short time in rhythm with the beat as they were and could not do it smoothly!
I loved seeing all of the little elements as well - Charles' note on the coffin, the different flowers, the corgis, Emma and the bagpiper. He got me at Phillip's funeral as well...the sight of a bagpiper piping a mournful tune while leaving a building as a coffin lowers is the most heart wrenching of scenes to watch.
On a lighter note, though, I was fascinated at the committal services symbolic removing of the scepter, orb and crown. I had been wondering throughout the cortege how the orb was kept from rolling off and how the crown stayed on that pillow. Now I know the secret! I guess that's what they mean by a little bit of the magic of the Crown being exposed and losing its lustre...but I will never lose my fascination and wonder at the majesty of the Crown.
I could go on and on....it was just such a wonderful send off to a truly beautiful soul.
I too am from the States, and was up and watching at 3:00 a.m. and all through the day. I did watch it through the BBC channel (just chanced on it actually), because as you stated Lynn, there were explanations and discussions throughout the day on the different elements, the troops, the protocol, etc. that was extremely informative and helpful. Excellent coverage. I am in complete awe of the entire event, the people involved, the focus, the tradition, and even with all of the detailed execution of everything, it was truly a very meaningful and sentimental send off for a lovely lady.
DeleteThank you for the excellent recap.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that was very clear today was that although it was a state funeral for a Queen, it was also the goodbye to a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Littered amongst all the regalia were special personal touches that made it so obvious that she was not just so loved as a beloved monarch but as the matriarch of a family and nation.
The bagpiping at the end of both services got me. Charles face at the end of the committal was heartbreaking but what shocked me the most was the heaviness and finality of them placing the crown on the alter. It felt visceral.
Everyone looked appropriate and I loved Charlotte's little brooch. Hopefully the royal family will spend the next week decompressing and enjoying time together as a family.
Wonderful post - thank you!
ReplyDeleteI got up to watch here in the states. What a gorgeous day! So sad but also celebrating a wonderful life of faith and service. Catherine and Charlotte looked smashing, as did the whole family. I’m blown away but the numbers watching, lining the streets, participating. I can’t imagine why you’d want to get rid of the monarchy when it is such a showstopper & beings the world together. They still get to elect government officials. I hope the family had a good last private service and can get some quiet time of rest & reflection. Thank you Charlotte for all your beautiful work and got creating this community. Sue
ReplyDeleteSo true. The British monarch makes Britian special.
DeleteAs usual a truly beautiful and fitting post dear Charlotte. I watched the full 8 hours on tv today and cried my eyes out. The royal family won't ever be the same without her but will be better that she was here for them as an example. She was the best Queen there ever was or will be. I will miss her terribly. I saw so many royals crying today because they didn't just lose a Queen they lost their mom, grandmother, aunt and great grandmother. I pray she rests in peace with her mom, dad, sister and beloved husband. Kate's kids were so well behaved. Kate and Meghan looked beautiful too. The ceremonies today were impeccable God bless everyone who took part and made it so beautiful. Nice to see the Queen's royal cousins from Norway, Denmark and Sweden too. Rest in peace Elizabeth you deserve it. God keep you.
ReplyDeleteAs well as the cousins from Spain
DeleteThank you dear Charlotte for this beautiful post. I was able to watch both services through your links.
ReplyDeleteThe services were absolutely beautiful and befitting of the magnitude of such an amazing woman, Queen, mother etc...
She will be dearly missed but. I'm so glad she can now rest in heaven with her beloved.
George and Charlotte shone like little stars. Hope for the future! Well done William and Kate for raising such lovely children!
Oh and yes like you ... when the corgis and pony she owned came out to say goodbye I wept. I too am an animal lover and these animals are family
ReplyDeleteWell done Charlotte!! I have been reading your blog since the wedding of Princess Catherine & Prince William. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed! You always publish great work, especially today.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading more in the future.
Yes, thank you Charlotte for your beautiful and classical work. I've been reading since 2015, and always appreciate your lovely effort. I got to live in London for 3 years and was able to attend the Queen's 90th birthday party on The Mall at Buckingham. May she rest in peace.
DeleteWell done, Charlotte! 'Thank you' is far too insignificant for the enormous task you have undertaken this last week. You have truly served your Sovereign with the upmost respectful and accurate cover, and have also served those of us who admired her the world over. With a grateful heart.
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t agree more. The images selected are always so appropriate and your addition of history along with your narrative are always respectful and informative. Thank you.
DeleteHear, hear!
DeleteCharlotte, your coverage is always so detailed, thorough and heartfelt. Yours is the site I visit 100% of the time for an update on the Royal Family and today was no exception. Thank you for your beautiful writing paired with beautiful photos on such an emotional day.
ReplyDeleteThe entire service was beautiful. The military did her proud and those pallbearers were exceptional in carrying her so gracefully and with so much respect. She can now rest and be reunited with her beloved family and with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Until we meet again ma’am! 🖤🙏🏻🇬🇧
ReplyDeleteP.S. Her corgis and horse did it for me, the tears came and didn’t stop from that point onward! 😭
-FloridaGirl
A remarkable send of for a remarkable Woman. For me seeing her troops close in around the coffin was a sight to see. Seeing them make their way up to Windsor Castle broke my heart. The lone piper just beautiful. The Kings wreath was the perfect touch. Re the coat dress, the style suits her well. Head to toe exactly how a future Queen should dress to morn the late great Queen. The veil and wearing Royal pearls. The bracelet is 4 strands, bigger pearls than Diana's bracelet. She also wore it for the last USA state visit. Prince George and Princess Charlotte of Wales did their Grandmother, Family and the UK proud today. Charlotte shedding a tear and George bitting his lip. 😢. Charlotte also paying tribute to the late Queen with her brooch choice. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteWell done good and faithful servant, Queen Elizabeth. May she rest in peace as she joins her beloved Phillip. It was a most glorious service. And, I pray King Charles receives the full support of the people. He has earned it. Long live the King!
ReplyDeleteMay you rest n peace.
ReplyDeleteI finally cried when the Piper started walking away. You must be exhausted Charlotte after keeping up with this bittersweet , emotional day . This is indeed history and you have covered it all in the most respectful way. Thank you , as Ms Cuppa said “thank you is insufficient “ but it’s the word we have. 🌹🌹
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, do you or any one else know has it ever been confirmed by the Palace where the necklace worn by The Princess of Wales came from. I think it's a Russian piece bought by Queen Mary. For the late Queen to get a pearl choker in that style doesn't make sense. It wasn't her style and she had a lot of similar pieces in her collection. Cultured pearls from the Japanese government and deemed important enough to commission a necklace,when she has too many natural pearls to wear. Worn by a Queen and two Princess of Wales, there is a lot of history to that necklace than we know about. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteThank you for this beautiful post. What an amazing woman and Queen.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most meaningful services I have ever witnessed. I think I wept for 8 hours. The children were so well behaved, and they honored their Great Grandmother in such a lovely way. I will miss The Queen, she has been there my entire life. A constant in a sea of change. Oh what she witnessed these past 70 years. Indeed She has earned Her rest. Thank you and God Bless oh beautiful Queen.
ReplyDeleteTedi
Absolutely love the last photograph on your post. Such a natural, beautiful shot capturing her excitement, admiring her engagement ring.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your thoughtful and meticulous coverage Charlotte. No words... just tender affection and sorrow today. (Judy in Queensland, Australia)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your fantastic coverage, Charlotte. The best I’ve read. I followed the funeral from Italy. What really got me was hearing the piper going further and further away, so touching. Everything was just perfect. I lived for a while in London under the Queen’s reign, so I’ve always felt as she was “my Queen” too. It feels so strange now to think she now belongs to history.
ReplyDeleteAs an American, I was impressed with the love, devotion and respect the U.K. gave HM. I imagine this has brought the BRF comfort in their grief.
ReplyDeleteIt was an absolutely spectacular send off and everything that she deserved after her lifetime of service. The events of the last ten days have really helped me to see the value of ritual when it comes to grieving. Thank you for your coverage, Charlotte, your blog is easily the most comprehensive and 'readable' - much better than the mainstream media.
ReplyDeleteA very, very moving event, a description that covers the whole series of events since the Queen's death, but especially these two services and the processions associated with them. My husband and I got up at 4 am to watch (we are in Chicago), and kept the television on all day, which is most unusual for us. We even watched the BBC America recap on PBS in the evening.
ReplyDeleteSo many striking moments occurred that I can't possibly comment on all of them. However, I will say that my simple historical interest crumbled when the regalia were removed from the Queen's coffin and then when the Lord Chamberlain snapped his wand. Such symbolic rituals occur in other countries' royal obsequies, but I'd never seen them done. I was brought to tears by the stark reality of the ending of the Queen's reign, of the era in which she represented such a reliable constant not only in her nation but globally. It was very difficult even for a foreigner to observe those moments at Windsor with disinterested equanimity.
I've no more to say, except that to note that we haven't commented on fashion over these past several days because that subject has seemed frivolous and inappropriate in the circumstances. Perhaps at some future date we can do so. I think there are some interesting things to say. Fashion does play a socio-cultural role in our rituals that's worth noting.
The moment when the crown was removed was difficult to bear. At the same time, I loved the commentator's words: ...so that now the Queen can come to the Lord just like herself - Elizabeth... That, plus the fact that the regalia came to rest on the altar, was very comforting.
DeleteOn the whole, I'm still trying to come to terms with all that has happened since that Thursday 2 weeks ago. I can say I was really tired and sad, even without waiting in the London queue - I had the coverage on non-stop (without sound) and I watched for a couple of minutes several times a day, the people were incredible.
I have a little personal story to share. Five days after HM had died, a friend sent me an email, saying that she was in the UK. (She lives in the US.) She decided to travel to Edinburgh and, knowing about my admiration for HM, she laid a little note for me near the Palace of Holyrood House. She also took a lot of photos and sent them to me. I was happy - it felt almost like being there in person!
There was so much to process. I have loved and admired the Queen for many years and she will always be an inspiration like no other. The services were just beautiful, with such meaningful readings and poignant details. I was so glad that William and Kate brought George and Charlotte (whose horseshoe brooch was lovely).
I'm grateful for the possibility of sharing the period of mourning with you all on DKB. Thank you! 🌻
What a lovely story and friend you have Zora! Like you and many others here it has been very touching to share our love of the Queen with each other. As you said, there is so much to process even still and reading everybody's different 'take aways' from the events has been comforting. Almost like sitting with everybody over a spot of tea. I share you feeling of gratitude.
DeleteThank you so much for all of your incredible coverage. I wish I had words to describe all that I have felt over the past days, but I do not. To witness something of such enormous historical significance is truly overwhelming. I will remember it always.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the fantastic and informative coverage always. Are you planning to rename the blog to Princess of Wales
ReplyDeleteIt was everything that the Queen would have wanted, deeply religious, steeped in tradition, solemn, reverent, and incredibly touching. For anybody who doesn't understand what the monarchy stands for, this was an educational moment. It's a life of service and duty, and the Queen keep her promise to her people, and the testament to that is the outpouring of love and support for that kept promise. Nobody does pomp and circumstance like the British, but yesterday as I watched I saw much more than the pageantry, I felt the emotion of the ritual that is at the core of its nation. Hard to really put into words the mix of sadness and pride I had and I'm American! Many thanks to Charlotte for this well written blog, that has provided a wealth of information, and insight to the history of Britain as a country, its monarchy, and its people. Truly, the Queen was a woman ahead of her time, a woman for all times with her grace, her wisdom, her soft diplomacy and most importantly for her steadfastness.and sense of duty, the likes of which we may never seen again, at least in my lifetime. Thank you again Charlotte for sharing with us, and my deepest felt condolences for the loss of your Queen.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Charlotte, for your fabulous coverage of this enormously moving event. I got up up at 2 am (I’m in California) and watched every second of the funeral, just as I got up very early for Diana’s and
ReplyDeleteKate’s weddings. I’ve followed this blog since Kate’s wedding and check in almost every day. Thanks again, Charlotte!
As these last ten days of official farewell and funeral for the Queen were, is your coverage. Respectful, to the point, full of details, historically correct and o so full of British beauty. Thank you so much: that is just how its done. You have done your country and Queen proud.
ReplyDeleteThat was a lovely funeral service for the Queen. I appreciated how personal it was even while remembering that she was also a very public person. She touched so many lives…. People that she met and many more of us who admired her without ever meeting her.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated that some of her personal interests were shown at the service. Maybe this is what made her so special. Her ability to carry out her public duties with dignity and commitment while also being a wife, mom, grandma and great grandma.
The public will miss her. There will never be another Queen like her.
But it is her children and grandchildren that will miss her the most. May God comfort them in the days ahead.
Charlotte, thank you so much for your wonderful and thorough coverage. Catherine is beautiful and gracious. The BRF is amazing in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, wonderful coverage the past few days. I am a frequent reader but not a frequent commenter. You covered this historic event so well with such attention to details. The photo of the late Queen at her engagement is a wonderful personal moment captured.
ReplyDeleteAs the past few days have been somber and for grieving it has not been the time to comment on the fashion. I wonder if after the mourning period has passed if the royal ladies fashion from the past few days could be explored more.
It really feels like and end of an era.
Thank you for your informative and beautiful blog Charlotte. I have been reading and following your posts since William and Catherine’s wedding. Thank you.
ReplyDelete~ Jolie in Utah, USA
Thank you Charlotte, for this magnificent post.
ReplyDeleteAnd a special thank you for finding that last photo - just gorgeous!
May Her Majesty rest in peace.
May those who mourn her find comfort in so many wonderful memories.
Jo
Wonderful post, thank you so much. Everything was beautiful. God bless the family.
ReplyDeleteThe piper's playing broke my heart all over again.
Thank you for your beautiful post. You chose wonderful photos and videos; it’s a keepsake post for sure. I got up at 2:30 a.m. Pacific time to watch the whole funeral, as I have watched all Royal broadcasts of weddings and funerals starting with Winston Churchill’s in 1965. This one was perfect, I am sure the Queen would have been thrilled in mortal terms with how it went, with the message it sent to her admirers all over the world. I thought too that it was a funeral of brothers and sisters uniting and supporting, from Charles and his siblings, William and Harry, Zara and Peter, Beatrice and Eugenie, the Tindall girls and, of course, George and Charlotte. I can only imagine that last week, when William and Catherine decided to school George on attending the funeral, Charlotte piping up and insisting that she should come as well. Perhaps she channeled her great aunt who attended the Queen’s coronation at age 3. All in all, a beautiful send off, beautifully chronicled by you. Valerie in Arizona
ReplyDeleteThese posts are keepsakes. And I have gone back to much earlier posts and, even though I know I read them because I have read each one, I still find things I had forgotten that are so interesting!
DeleteHi Charlotte, I recall you mentioning that you will be updating this page given how Catherine is now Princess of Wales. By chance will that include a new URL site we would have to navigate to? I ask because I have this site bookmarked and If it changes, I want to ensure I keep track of the change and place the new site as a new bookmark.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
-FloridaGirl
I think that all the royal ladies looked absolutely lovely. I read something and saw photos of the seamstresses at Suzannah London, making Sophie's dress for the funeral. It was made of Italian wool and embroidered especially with Lily of the Valley and other flowers from the Queen's wedding bouquet. What a beautiful tribute to the Queen, making this outfit even more special in so many ways. Additionally, the little horseshoe diamond pin that Princess Charlotte wore was worn by her great-great-grandmother (I think that's right) and was a gift from the Queen to Charlotte, giving that nod ever more special meaning. Seems like all of her family carried a little something of the Queen with them in tribute....incredibly touching.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you did to put this together. It is greatly appreciated and well done.
ReplyDeleteAs always Duty first self-second. Thank you for your Service, to your Nation family and the world. You have been an amazing woman. The epidemy of class elegance and timeless beauty. css
ReplyDeleteI’ve never seen that last photo of a young engaged Queen (then Princess) so exuberantly happy!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent coverage thank you.
ReplyDeleteI want to commend you, Admin Charlotte, for your thorough and respectful coverage of HM The Queen's death and the related events involving the whole Royal Family. I have never commented before, but I have been a long-time, multi-year reader. I cannot fathom the amount of time and care you took/are taking to research and write about all the minute details which make your coverage something special. I know I echo the words of many others, but I want to add mine to theirs: "Thank you!" The respectfulness and just overall welcome environment you have created is well-appreciated in this online world.
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