We've all witnessed profoundly moving and historic events unfolding since Her late Majesty died and the outpouring from people not only all over the UK but all over the world.
I've been reminded of William Wordsworth's words: "Memories...images and precious thoughts that shall not die and cannot be destroyed." We often discuss the unique relationship so many have with the monarchy -- the indescribable, emotional connection often inexplicable even to those who feel it. If ever the bond between the Queen and the people could possibly be quantifiable, perhaps it was today, as a nation watched Her late Majesty leave Buckingham Palace forever.
It's impossible to say how difficult it's been for the family themselves. The task of grieving in the public eye, especially for the Queen's children, has undoubtedly been a burden to carry. From the King, who hasn't had an hour free in his demanding schedule, to Princess Anne, who accompanied Her Majesty on her final journeys from Scotland to Buckingham Palace. In Anne's own heartfelt words: "It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys. Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting."
Yesterday evening, the Queen's family cherished their last opportunity to pay their respects in moments of privacy before the official stage of moving the Queen's coffin began today. CNN reports the Royal family had dinner together last night ahead of handing the Queen over to the public today.
The gun carriage which carried the Queen's coffin arrives at Buckingham Palace.
The gun carriage that will carry the Queen's coffin is moved into Buckingham Palace.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 14, 2022
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Personnel on the Parade Ground.
Personnel leave the parade ground at Wellington Barracks to head to Buckingham Palace.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 14, 2022
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At precisely 2.22 pm, King Charles III led a procession walking behind the Queen's coffin.
The forty-minute walk saw the Princess Royal, the Duke of York, the Earl of Wessex, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, Peter Phillips, Sir Timothy Laurence, Earl Snowdon and the Duke of Gloucester pay silent respect.
Columns of Union Jacks.
The Telegraph reports: "It is designed as a 'relatively small and personal procession', in which her coffin will be carried by gun carriage and followed by members of the military, her closest personal staff and the new King’s household."
Another view.
The Queen's four children.
The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex walked side by side.
Last night, Buckingham Palace confirmed the "Queen Consort, the Princess of Wales, the Countess of Wessex and the Duchess of Sussex would travel by car".
Camilla and Kate join the procession.
Plans for Her Majesty's funeral, an operation codenamed 'London Bridge', have seen a meticulous plan underway since the monarch passed.
The coffin was borne in Procession on a Gun Carriage of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
It was draped in the Royal Standard of the United Kingdom.
The Imperial State Crown was placed atop the coffin.
More from the Royal Collection on the Imperial State Crown:
'The Imperial State Crown is the crown worn by the monarch to leave Westminster Abbey after the coronation ceremony. St Edward's Crown is by tradition left at the altar, mirroring its medieval precursor which was considered a sacred relic. The Imperial State Crown is also used on other formal occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament.
Because the State Crown is used so regularly, it has needed periodic replacement, while Charles II’s original coronation crown has survived. This example was made for King George VI in 1937. In addition to 2868 diamonds, it is mounted with a number of historic stones – many of which have legends associated with them. They include St Edward's Sapphire, said to have been given by Edward the Confessor to a beggar later identified as St John the Evangelist. The crown also includes Cullinan II, the second largest stone cut from the great Cullinan Diamond, the largest diamond ever discovered.'
The Queen spoke to Alistair Bruce about wearing it, saying with a smile, "You can't look down to read your speech," and adding, "There are some disadvantages to crowns but otherwise they're quite important things." Afterwards, there's an unforgettable moment when HM moves it closer and rotates it around. She was having a great deal of fun and it offered an insight into Elizabeth, Lilibet, the woman. One of the resounding themes I've heard in recent days has been the Queen's enormous sense of fun in life.
Her Majesty wearing the Imperial State Crown and carrying the Orb and Sceptre at her coronation seventy years ago.
In 1945, the Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, became the first female member of the Royal family to join the Armed Services as a full-time active member, joining in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she learned to drive and maintain vehicles. The skills she learned served her throughout her life.
Today was the first opportunity for the military in London to officially pay tribute.
Pomp and ceremony for their Queen.
The Telegraph reports:
By the time the procession started, a reverential hush had descended on Whitehall after hours of chatter about Her Majesty, writes Dominic Penna.A few of those who could get any phone signal watched the start of events on their mobiles, while others began to film minutes in advance as they did not want to miss anything.
When the time came there was still a muted atmosphere, but this gave way to applause when the coffin and Royal party arrived.
“Three cheers for the King — hip hip, hooray!” was overheard as Charles III passed, and there was further applause outside the Palace of Westminster as events came to a close.
Mourners soon began to trickle out of the area, although movement was very slow on Birdcage Walk where there was a long wait to be let out of fenced areas.
The Queen Consort, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Sussex and the Countess of Wessex arrive.
Queen Camilla & the Princess of Wales have arrived at the Palace of Westminster alongside the Duchess of Sussex & Countess of Wessex. pic.twitter.com/YkhbJLO5pU
— Royal Central (@RoyalCentral) September 14, 2022
The procession arrives at Westminster Hall.
The extended family were waiting inside.
Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Mike and Zara Tindall followed by Princess Eugenie.
A closer look at the extended family.
Members of the family watch the coffin arrive.
Another view.
The Queen's children, their spouses and the Waleses and Sussexes.
Westminster Hall is the oldest building on the Parliamentary estate. Erected in 1097 by King William II, it was then the largest hall in Europe. It holds a central place in British history and the history of the Royal family. Below, the hall photographed in the early 19th century, surmounted by its hammerbeam roof.
More from Parliament.uk:
'The Hall was built in 1097 under William II (Rufus), the son of William the Conqueror, and was completed two years later. He had conceived the project to impress his new subjects with his power and the majesty of his authority.
According to one story, when the King first inspected the Hall, one of his attendants remarked that it was much larger than needed. The King replied that the Hall was not half large enough, and that it was a mere bedchamber when compared to what he had in mind.
The great mystery about the Hall is the form of its original roof. Not until the 13th or 14th century could carpenters create roofs significantly wider than the length of the available timber, and so it was assumed that a single or double row of columns was needed to support the Hall's roof.
However, recent archaeological explorations found no evidence of these, and that the roof may have been self-supporting from the beginning'.
The ceiling photographed in 2008.
Westminster Hall is now the place where the lying-in-state of monarchs and consorts traditionally takes place.
Most recently, Her Majesty's mother, the late Queen Mother, lay in state for three days in Westminster Hall in 2002 before her funeral on 9 April 2002 at Westminster Abbey. An estimated 200,000 people paid their respects.
It has been a place filled with sad memories for the Royal family. Below, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh photographed after a funeral service for her grandmother, Queen Mary of Teck, at Westminster Hall in 1953.
One of the few non-royals to receive the honour in the 20th century was Sir Winston Churchill in 1965. Over a million came to pay tribute to the beloved Prime Minister. Churchill was the Queen's first Prime Minister and they enjoyed an incredibly warm relationship. When Churchill passed, HM wrote a letter announcing plans to grant a State funeral -- and he is only one of three former prime ministers to receive the honour. HM felt the nation should have the opportunity to "express their sorrow".
At 5 pm, the Lying-in-State begins and members of the public will have the opportunity to file past Her late Majesty's coffin until 6.30 am on Monday -- the morning of the funeral.
Over the next several days, it is expected hundreds of thousands of people will pay their respects at Westminster Hall.
The Government's official website shared:
'Once inside the Palace of Westminster, people will be able to walk past the Coffin which will be raised on a catafalque and draped in the Royal Standard, with the Orb and Sceptre placed on top. It will be guarded around the clock by a vigil of units from the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.
The BBC’s red button service will provide a live feed from Westminster Hall and ITV and Sky will be running extensive coverage. An online book of condolence is available for people to add personal messages.
The Lying-in-State opens to the public at 5pm on Wednesday, 14 September. It will be open 24 hours a day until it closes at 6.30am on Monday, 19 September. The queue will close early to ensure as many visitors as possible can enter the Palace before the Lying-in-State period comes to an end, and any decision to close the queue will be communicated widely via government social media channels.'
The official arrangements also read: "Mourners from across the UK, Commonwealth and around the world are expected to join the line which will form on the Albert Embankment, run along Belvedere Road behind the London Eye, and head onto the South Bank where it will follow the River Thames past the National Theatre, Tate Modern and HMS Belfast through to Southwark Park. Once people have passed through Albert Embankment they will be directed across Lambeth Bridge, into Victoria Tower Gardens and through airport-style security before entering the Palace of Westminster where The Queen will be Lying-in-State."
The Telegraph notes the vigil will be "mounted by officers of the Household Division, the King’s Body Guards of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, The King’s Bodyguard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers and The King’s Bodyguard The Yeomen of the Guard".
A short service lasting just twenty minutes was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, accompanied by the Dean of Westminster.
The Queen's coffin was carefully rested on a purple-covered catafalque.
The late Queen's coffin was carefully rested on a purple-covered catafalque
— ITV News (@itvnews) September 14, 2022
The coffin entered Westminster Hall as the choir of Westminster Abbey and the choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, sang Psalm 139 https://t.co/O7S4uxK6mo pic.twitter.com/ecbq0gHdwR
The Archbishop of Canterbury also gave the first reading.
'From John 14: 1-6, he said:
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.'
Following the Queen's passing, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby shared a tribute focusing on the importance of faith to the monarch. "Her late Majesty taught us much, if not more, about God and grace, both in words and in the actions that reinforce them, than any other contemporary figure. We remember her not for what she had but what she gave. What a precious person … and how keenly we feel her loss. This time is being spoken of by many as a moment of uncertainty for the nation as a result of the passing of someone who felt like a near eternal point of stability. That fear relies for its strength on leaving God out of our thinking. Nothing is lost to God."
Prince Harry and Prince William stood near each other at the historic service in Westminster Hallhttps://t.co/YsLvGfnlnH pic.twitter.com/plrP5j2qat
— ITV News (@itvnews) September 14, 2022
Members of the Royal family file past the coffin.
The King and his two sons reunited to walk behind the Queen's coffin as she left Buckingham Palace for the last time.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 14, 2022
This is the moment the King and senior royals left Westminster Hall.
More here: https://t.co/QlFsxQuMw3 pic.twitter.com/4xwtD271DB
The Queen's grandchildren Louise and James take a moment.
Curtsies from the ladies in the Royal family.
The Queen's coffin lying in state.
The public will spent the next several days saying goodbye.
The Royal family depart.
The Prince and Princess of Wales.
Another look as the royals depart.
As we've said, it's a very taxing time for the family, completing public events whilst grieving.
In particular, I imagine the King and Queen Consort are absolutely exhausted.
The family were sombre in black.
Whilst this isn't the time to discuss fashion, I thought it important to note Kate wore Her Majesty's Diamond and Pearl Leaf brooch and Princess Diana's Collingwood pearls.
Another striking image of the Princess.
The King’s Troop fired processional minute guns from Hyde Park, counting each minute of the procession with the troop’s world-class precision.
The entire procession and scenes leading up to it through the early afternoon.
Below, the crowds waiting to see the Queen.
Watch live: Crowds queue in central London to view Queen lying in state in Westminster Hall https://t.co/VqLDy1MvAX
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 14, 2022
Following the arrival of the Queen's coffin at Westminster Hall, the Westminster Abbey bells are ringing fully muffled – something which only happens following the death of the monarch.
Following the arrival of The Queen's coffin at Westminster Hall, the Abbey bells are ringing fully muffled – something which only happens following the death of the monarch. Muffles are leather pads fitted to a bell’s clapper to produce a soft, solemn sound. pic.twitter.com/SGONBIrTO9
— Westminster Abbey (@wabbey) September 14, 2022
It promises to be a very emotional several days as Her late Majesty lies in state.
With many thanks to Gert's Royals, it very much looks like the Prince and Princess of Wales will have an engagement at Sandringham House tomorrow.
Really moving to watch the processional from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall today. Westminster Hall is such an incredible looking structure. I've been thinking about this a lot over the past week, but I can't imagine how hard it is for a family that must feel so much personal grief over this loss, to have to share it with the public and grieve so publicly. I hope seeing how many people have come out over the past week helps a little.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, thank you so much for your detailed posts and massive efforts to keep us informed. Your coverage is unmatched. I've been a reader for many years and am so grateful for all the work you put into this blog.
So much love and respect shown to the late Queen today. It was indeed a sight to behold. I hope all those who are in the queue to pay respect will get the chance to do so. Lady Sarah looked so sad. I think it's OK to comment on the jewellery worn by The Princess of Wales today. Pearls are associated with mourning wear. A lovely tribute to wear that beautiful pearl brooch gifted to her by the late Queen. I feel the same about wearing her late Mother in laws earrings. A nice nod to two strong women who have gone before her. I was happy to read that the King and Queen have left London now and travelled to their own homes. They are not a young couple and the stress of taking on the Crown and being so busy this last week, let alone the grief they are going through. The King probably finds great calm in his garden at Highgrove and a hope there was a very large G+T waiting for The Queen at Ray Mill. A well deserved break. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteheartbreaking... all of it... beautiful post Charlotte.. thank you
ReplyDeleteThe strain on the Royal Family, both physically and emotionally, must be awful. Plus, many of them are no longer young. My heart goes out to all.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the most magnificent moments that we have witnessed so far, and there have been many. At the risk of repeating myself, thank you Charlotte for all your tireless efforts. You have kept us front and center as a witness to history in the making. Queen Elizabeth II leaving Buckingham Palace for the last time was heartbreaking.
Tedi
How breathtakingly sad. The grief is etched on their faces. I also noticed the queen looking very concerned for the king, i hope they get a chance to rest at some point.
ReplyDeleteAs an American, I was very moved by the music played by the band. I had not expected it - When the Queen Mother passed, I was not following the family close enough to watch and was never aware of music with previous funerals (ie King George VI), but just seeing footage. The beat of the music with the matching footsteps I suspect helped everyone concentrate on the task at hand and not let their emotions get away from them. It made the occasion sombre, but comforting and very majestic all at once. As they often say, the British do ceremony like no one else.
ReplyDeleteI want to also commend all members of the BRF who have carried out duties this week, especially, His Majesty, King Charles, Her Majesty, Queen Camilla, and HRH Princess Anne. (I hope I have referenced them correctly and respectfully). I am in awe of their commitment to duty, their dignity and their strength and endurance at such a time.
As for Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II, I was shocked and very concerned at her appearance last Tuesday and even more concerned with the zoom call cancellation the following day and thought something might be in the wind. So I was not surprised that she passed, however, I was surprised at my personal sorrow and feelings of loss at her passing. As an American, I honestly didn't think I would care that much but I have found myself breaking into tears randomly over these last days at the loss of such a special person who was not my Queen, but whose majesty transcended borders and who with her unflappable dignity, whimsical smiles and unfailing dedication to the Crown in a life so well lived is truly an inspiration. Her Covid speech was so very comforting at a time of chaos especially over here where we lack such leadership examples. There are very few people in this world who make you want to be a better person, but she is one.
May she rest in peace with her beloved Phillip.
So beautifully and respectfully said with honour to the Queen. Thank you for sharing of your thoughts Lynn. You articulated what many of us have felt as well. It's been an honour to witness it all.
DeleteThank you so much for these posts! Beautifully done. What a day! As this is a blog about Catherine, I’ll just comment on her. I love this coat dress that she now has in 2 colors- light and dark. I also love the hat and hair style. This hall is an absolute marvel. Sue
ReplyDeleteMay I ask…what is the significance behind the 2:22pm procession start time? Sue - Wisconsin USA
ReplyDeleteNo significance. The ceremony was due to start at exactly 3pm and they had done a practise run of the procession so knew it would take 38 minutes. Therefore they had to leave at 2.22pm.
DeleteAlso had to do with the Year 2022 in which she died.
DeleteThis is a beautiful overview. Thank you. I wrote a blog post yesterday about my recent trip to Scotland and London, just days before her passing, and walking the final miles that the world is watching now. My heart is wrapped around this. She was queen before I was born. https://www.carrielynn-storyteller.com/post/the-royal-mile-just-before-the-queen
ReplyDeleteI was just watching live feed of the people paying respect to the late Queen. On the change over one of the guards of honor stumbled first and lost his footing on the step. Then after a few minutes he fell forward helplessly face down. The camera went off for 15 minutes. I hope he's OK. S.
ReplyDeletethe whole service was moving hmm and very beautiful the crowds lining around paying respect and love for the majesty the queen was moving
ReplyDeleteThank you for your ongoing coverage, Charlotte. I tried looking for Lady Sarah Chatto in the photos of close family but could see her. Do you know if she was in attendance? I know she was very close with the late Queen.
ReplyDeleteHello, I just saw this article. https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/20220915150970/lady-sarah-chatto-since-first-time-queen-death/
DeleteI've seen Lady Sarah in a few newspapers at the service. She looked so sad and grief stricken. I'd imagine not only loosing her beloved Aunt but the closest link to her late Mother Princess Margaret. S. ☺
DeleteThe day the Queen passed away, I had to go to a nearby city for something. I got out of my car at 12 noon and the church bells started ringing. I thought they would be ringing 12 bells for 12 o'clock. They instead were playing God Save The Queen. I think that says so much about how many she touched everywhere.
ReplyDeleteSo many poignant moments. The draping of the Queen's flag. The Duke of Kent walking with difficulty behind the family; I am sure he would have loved to walk with the group. The choir and bells and many more mentioned by you Charlotte. The two youngest cousins Louise and brother bowing. Thank you again for this wonderful blog. One light moment for me; the playful black horse on the left without rider pulling the gun carriage!
ReplyDeleteplease note that Camilla is not the queen :-
ReplyDelete"Queen" refers to the reigning monarch, while "Queen Consort" is the official title for the wife or companion of a monarch. Since Camilla is married to the King rather than becoming the head of the monarchy herself, she is the "Queen Consort."
as all of you take an interest in the British Monarchy and pagentary, please appreciate the subtle but important difference of the calling Camilla The Queen or Queen Consort
I'm sorry, but that is incorrect. The wife of the King is the Queen. The late Queen's parents were routinely referred to as the King and Queen. Yes, she is a Queen Consort rather than a Queen Regnant (the Monarch), but she is still the Queen.
DeleteIf you marry Mr Smith that you are Mrs Smith. Marry a King then you are The Queen. I think she will be Known as Queen Camilla. S. ☺
DeleteIt is impressive and deeply moving at the same time. The UK can be proud.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the Princess of Wales ( not used to call her that yet) it stuck me how sad she looked. Thanks to this outstanding blog we have seen thousands of pictures of her it is the first time we see her like this. Her face was half-covered at Prince Philip''s funeral but even so, I have the feeling the grief and shock are greater this time.
Nat, I think you are right but also the responsibility of taking on the role of The Princess of Wales. Very big changes for her family ahead and she knows that. Also they are at lot closer to the big job now. On a side note, I think a very good move to stay in the cottage for now. Especially since they have just moved. Maybe a year or so. S. ☺
DeleteTasteful and beautiful overview, thank you.
ReplyDeleteDear Catherine. Beautiful and poised. So proud of her and William.
ReplyDelete