Summary:
Queen Elizabeth's state funeral took place after four days of lying in state. The funeral procession left Westminster Hall, proceeded to Westminster Abbey, and was attended by world leaders, including President Macron and President Biden. The ceremony featured hymns, readings, and a sermon by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The procession then moved to Windsor Castle, where a private burial service took place, ending an era in the British monarchy. The event was observed by people worldwide and was marked by solemnity and respect.
1. The coffin of Queen Elizabeth left Westminster Hall after four full days of lying in state at 10:44 .
2. The coffin was transported to Westminster Abbey for a state funeral .
3. Dozens of world leaders, including President Macron and President Biden, attended the funeral. President Biden was given dispensation to use his bomb-proof car .
4. The funeral was attended by Commonwealth leaders and royalty .
5. The coffin was carried by naval ratings, traditionally the ones who pull the state gun carriage .
6. The funeral was decades in the planning .
7. The hymns and readings were in line with the queen's wishes .
8. The coffin was then carried out and placed back on the state gun carriage .
9. The coffin was pulled from Westminster Abbey to the Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner .
10. Prince George, now second in line to the throne, and Princess Charlotte watched from a car behind .
11. The coffin was then carried to Windsor Castle in the state hearse .
12. The coffin was then placed in the royal family vault of Saint George's chapel .
13. The final ceremonial act was performed by Lord Chamberlain Lord Parker, former head of MI5, who broke his wand of office and placed it on the queen's coffin .
14. The period of mourning was drawing to a close .
15. The planning for the funeral involved high-level, regular, and intensive planning .
16. The funeral was seen by thousands of people watching across the world .
17. The funeral was the longest reigning of them all .
18. The ceremony was followed intently by many people throughout Windsor .
19. The funeral was immersed in a series of ceremonial rituals and public duties .
20. The funeral was a moment in history that probably will never be repeated .