as the nation fell silent to honour Britain’s longest reigning monarch.
The King led members of the grieving Royal Family in a procession to Westminster Abbey, where world leaders were among the congregation at the hour-long service.
In a personal touch, the wreath adorning the Queen’s coffin had a handwritten note penned by the King, which read: “In loving and devoted memory. Charles R.”
The coffin is travelling through London, passing Buckingham Palace, before the Queen is laid to rest later next to her beloved husband, Prince Philip, at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
Hundreds of thousands of people have travelled to London and Windsor for the funeral and burial service, which are being watched on television by millions around the world.
Some 2,000 mourners – including heads of state, prime ministers, presidents, and members of European royal families – gathered for the funeral at the abbey, where the first guests took their seats hours before the service started.
Britain’s Prince George and Princess Charlotte walk after a service at Westminster Abbey on the day of the state funeral and burial of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, in London, Britain, September 19, 2022. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/Pool.
Britain’s Prince George and Princess Charlotte walk after a service at Westminster Abbey on the day of the state funeral and burial of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, in London, Britain, September 19, 2022. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/Pool
Delivering the sermon, the Archbishop of Canterbury told mourners the “grief” felt around the world over the Queen’s death “arises from her abundant life and loving service”.
“She was joyful, present to so many, touching a multitude of lives,” the Most Rev Justin Welby said.
“People of loving service are rare in any walk of life. Leaders of loving service are still rarer.
“Her Late Majesty’s broadcast during the COVID lockdown ended with: ‘We will meet again’, words of hope from a song of Vera Lynn.”
He added: “All who follow the Queen’s example, and inspiration of trust and faith in God, can with her say: ‘We will meet again’.”
Shortly after 10.35am, the coffin left Westminster Hall where the final members of the public queued overnight to see the Queen lying in state.
A grand military procession took the coffin to Westminster Abbey, with 98 Royal Navy sailors towing the 123-year-old gun carriage and the Queen’s children walking behind.
Inside the Abbey, the King and the Queen Consort walked immediately behind the coffin, followed by the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte walked with their parents in a side-by-side in formation, followed by their uncle and aunt the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and other members of the Royal Family.
Order of service for Queen’s state funeral
King’s goodbye message and Andrew’s tears – key moments
Ahead of the service, the Princess of Wales could be seen holding Charlotte’s hand, and giving her a reassuring touch on the shoulder.
As the young royals wa