Queen arrives in Windsor to sea of people and flowers ready to be laid to rest with Philip
The Queen’s coffin arrived in Windsor after an emotional journey that started in central London at 12pm. The late sovereign was welcomed by thousands of grieving royal fans, with some holding up their phones to record the historic moments while others threw flowers on the state hearse. Royal watchers also covered the grounds outside of Windsor Castle with floral tributes and messages.
اقرأ المزيد من صحيفة هتون الدولية
King Charles III led the procession, followed by the other children of the Queen as well as Prince Harry and Prince William.
The Queen’s coffin, carried on the state gun carriage, then went through Parliament Street, Whitehall and Horse Guards.
As the procession passed by the Cenotaph, British Armed Forces personnel taking part in the cortege as well as senior royals paid tribute to the fallen with a salute.
After arriving at Wellington Arch, the cortege stopped to allow the bearer party to transfer the coffin from the state gun carriage to the state hearse.
The royals closest to the Queen, led by King Charles III, then set off by car, on their way to Berkshire.
Later this evening, the monarch will be laid to rest in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, part of St George’s Chapel.
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This final journey will see the Queen being reunited with her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip.
Following his death in April last year, the Duke of Edinburgh was temporarily laid to rest in the Royal Vault underneath the chapel on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
However, he is now set to be moved to his final resting place alongside the Queen and other British sovereigns, including King George VI.
This final trip comes as world leaders, foreign royals and members of the public gathered at Westminster Abbey to pay their final respects to the late monarch.
Among the most prominent figures in attendance were US President Joe Biden and his wife Dr Jill Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Liz Truss.
During the service, members of the Royal Family sat in the two front rows, with Charles and Camilla leading the mourners.
Right behind them sat Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.
Prince William and Kate, the Princess of Wales, saw a few metres away, in accordance with the pecking order, and were accompanied by their eldest children Princess Charlotte and Prince George.
The children were the youngest attendees at the funeral service and the only great-grandchildren of the Queen present.
Prior to the funeral, the Queen’s firstborn placed a heartwarming note on her coffin, reading: “In loving and devoted memory. Charles R”
Among the most touching moment during the hour-long event, the Archbishop of Canterbury praised the monarch’s dedication to duty, saying: “Service in life, hope in death. All who follow the Queen’s example, and inspiration of trust and faith in God, can with her say: ‘We WILL meet again’.”
The Queen died “peacefully” on September 8 at Balmoral Castle.
She spent her last hours with her daughter Princess Anne, who a few days later accompanied the late sovereign during her last journey from Scotland to London.
Prior to today’s funeral, the Queen remained at Westminster Hall for four days, allowing thousands of members of the public to see her and pay their final respects.
On Friday, the late monarch’s children held an emotional 15-minute vigil around the coffin.
The following day, her eight grandchildren carried out a similar tribute, standing by the catafalque while the public passed through.
