The Queen has been lying-in-state since Wednesday 14th September, allowing the public to pay their respects. This will end on Monday morning at 6:30 am.
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What is a state funeral?
According to The Telegraph, state funerals are public ceremonies honouring people of great national significance. They observe strict protocol and are steeped in military tradition.
They are usually reserved for monarchs. Although on occasion, they have been held for other key figures, such as Winston Churchill or Lord Nelson.
The Queen’s coffin is currently lying-in-state at Westminster Hall. King Charles III and his siblings will hold a vigil this evening at 7:30 pm, reports Mail Online.
Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral
On Monday 19th September, Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral will occur at Westminster Abbey at 11:00 am (BST). Four billion people are expected to tune into the broadcasting of the Queen’s funeral, as per Mail Online.
In a statement published on royal.uk, King Charles III speaks of his ‘sincere gratitude for the messages of condolences’. The Royal Family is said to be ‘deeply moved’ by the world’s ‘response and affection’.
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The organisation of this historic event befell the Duke of Norfolk, who said it was ‘humbling and daunting’ to be trusted with this ‘honour and great responsibility'. He hopes:
It is our aim and belief that the state funeral and events of the next few days will unite people across the globe and resonate with people of all faiths
An overview of Monday’s proceedings
On Monday morning, the doors to Westminster Abbey will open to the 2000-strong congregation, of which 200 ‘everyday heroes’, such as NHS Staff or volunteers who were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, as per Mail Online.
According to The Guardian, the Queen’s coffin will travel on a gun carriage, which will be pulled by 142 Royal Navy sailors. It is a tradition that dates back to Queen Victoria.
#RoyalNavy sailors will have the honour of pulling the State Ceremonial Gun Carriage bearing HM The Queen’s coffin on Monday, a duty they have performed since the funeral of Queen Victoria in 1901.
— Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) September 15, 2022
Find out more about the history of the Gun Carriage: https://t.co/ADEmbz55SOpic.twitter.com/00WCGaXz8g
King Charles III will lead a procession behind the coffin. The order in which the family will walk in hasn’t yet been confirmed, but Prince William and Prince Harry walked side-by-side when Her Majesty’s coffin was moved from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.
Per the statement on royal.uk, the funeral service will begin at 11:00 am and end at noon after a nationwide two-minute silence.
The Queen will then begin her final journey to Windsor, where at 4 pm the committal service will begin in St George's Chapel.
The Royal Family will hold a private family service before laying the Queen to rest beside her late husband, Prince Philip.
Sources used:
- The Telegraph: 'What is a state funeral, and when was the last one in the UK?'
- Mail Online: 'Queen's funeral details REVEALED'
- royal.uk: 'The State Funeral and Committal Service for Her Majesty The Queen'
- The Guardian: 'Queen’s state funeral to be followed by Windsor service and burial next to Philip'
Read more:
⋙ The Queen: Petition for her death anniversary to be a bank holiday has over 100,000 signatures
⋙ The Queen’s funeral: Will Prince Andrew or Prince Harry wear their military uniforms?
⋙ The Queen's death: Will King Charles III live in Buckingham Palace?
