Final Farewell as Her Majesty’s Coffin Lowered into Royal Vault at Windsor

The day of ceremony and sorrow came to an end as the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II was lowered into the royal vault in St George’s Chapel during a committal service in the grounds of Windsor Castle, ahead of a private burial service later. The tone of the short and sombre committal service was set with the rendition of Henry Purcell ‘Christ is made the sure foundation’ and the bible reading given by the Dean of Windsor.
This was shortly followed by the pronouncement of blessings by The Right Honourable Justin Welby, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury as he says: “Go forth into the world in peace; Be of good courage, hold fast that which is good, render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted, support the weak, help the afflicted, honour all people, love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; “And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.” The former MI5 chief, Lord Chamberlain, Baron Parker, who was appointed the top-ranking official in the late Queen’s household last year then ceremonially breaks his wand of office and places it on top of the Queen’s coffin to symbolically signify the end of her 70 years’ reign. The crown jewels were however taken from the coffin. It’s the job of the Lord Chamberlain to organise events for the monarch – but also to ensure discipline among royal staff. The thin, white wand in question was historically used to tap misbehaving employees as a warning to sharpen up their act. Earlier, huge crowds lined the route taken by the state hearse as it made its way from London to Windsor, with flowers thrown in its path. Earlier, a state funeral service was held at Westminster Abbey – the building in which the Queen was married, and crowned During his sermon, the Archbishop of Canterbury said the late Queen touched “a multitude of lives” during her 70-year reign The scenes we’ve witnessed today are likely to be replayed for decades to come. Here’s a recap of what’s happened: The day started with the conclusion of the Queen’s lying-in-state period, and the procession of her coffin to Westminster Abbey. A funeral service there was attended by around 2,000 people including many heads of state A larger procession then marched the coffin of Elizabeth II to Wellington Arch: a landmark with triumphal significance in British history. The late sovereign was then placed in a hearse and driven to Windsor. The day’s third procession again saw the King and other royals walk behind the Queen’s hearse as she was taken to St George’s Chapel for a committal service attended by 800 people. Later – at 19:30 – the Royal Family will return to the chapel for a private event that will see Elizabeth interred alongside her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. A period of royal mourning continues for another week – until the end of 26 September Hundreds of dignitaries were there, including the Queen’s former prime ministers as well as US President Biden and French President Macron. Afterwards, a procession involving 3,000 military personnel, carried her coffin through London, passing many of the capital’s most famous landmarks The Queen’s coffin is being carried into St George’s Chapel for the committal service, which will be led by the Dean of Windsor, David Conner.