WATCH LIVE | QueenElizabethII will be laid to rest today after a state funeral attended by leaders from around the world and a historic last ceremonial journey through the packed streets of London.🇬🇧
Huge crowds gathered in near silence to watch as the queen's flag-draped coffin, topped with the Imperial State Crown, her orb and sceptre, was carried slowly to a gun carriage from parliament's Westminster Hall where it has lain in state since last Wednesday.
Her eldest son and successor, King Charles III, dressed in ceremonial military uniform, followed the solemn procession, alongside his three siblings. In the six decades since, Britain's global reach has been much diminished and its place in the modern world has become less certain. Auto engineer Jamie Page, a 41-year-old former soldier, stood on Whitehall to observe the funeral procession, wearing his military medals from service in the Iraq war.
Some 6,000 military personnel have been drafted in to take part in proceedings in what Britain's highest-ranking military officer has called"our last duty for Her Majesty the Queen". Coronavirus restrictions limited mourners to just 30, led by the queen, a solitary figure in mourning black and a matching facemask.
Whether they remain constitutional monarchies or become republics is likely to be the defining feature of Charles's reign. Chrissy Heerey, a serving member of the Royal Air Force who joined the marathon queue twice, was the last person through the doors and described the experience as"amazing". A vast television audience is expected to watch the funeral worldwide and live online, in a sign of the enduring fascination with the woman once described as"the last global monarch".
The lead-lined oak casket, draped with the queen's colours, will then be lowered into the Royal Vault as a lone bagpiper plays a lament. "You were fortunate to have had her for 70 years; we all were," Biden said on Sunday after signing a book of condolence."The world is better for her."In the abbey pews was Liz Truss, whom the queen appointed as the 15th British prime minister of her reign just two days before her death, in her last major ceremonial duty.
Select members of the public won invitations to the abbey for the funeral after outstanding service to the community. "A long day but very well worth it. It's nothing compared to what the queen has done for the country."Throughout the procession, Big Ben, the giant bell atop the Elizabeth Tower at one end of the Houses of Parliament, will toll and guns will fire at one-minute intervals.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Queen Elizabeth II: Queen Elizabeth’s coffin starts journey to final resting placeLONDON, Sept 19 (Reuters) - King Charles, his sons William and Harry and other senior royals joined a solemn procession behind Queen Elizabeth's coffin through the silent streets of London on Monday, following a state funeral of matchless pageantry at Westminster Abbey.
Read more »
Crowds jam London for Queen Elizabeth II's funeralHuge crowds built in central London overnight and from early morning on Monday to secure a spot to watch the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey.
Read more »
World leaders pour into London to say adieu to Queen ElizabethFinal respects will be paid to the last towering figure of her era at a state funeral of inimitable pageantry
Read more »
Crowds jam London for Queen Elizabeth II's funeralAfter the funeral, the coffin will be taken on a gun carriage in procession past Buckingham Palace to a hearse, for transfer to Windsor Castle.
Read more »
Crowds jam London for Queen Elizabeth II's funeralHuge crowds built in central London overnight and from early morning on Monday to secure a spot to watch the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey.
Read more »
President Ramaphosa arrives in London ahead of British Queen Elizabeth's funeral - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.ICYMI: President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in London on Sunday ahead of British Queen Elizabeth’s funeral on Monday. QueenElizabethII
Read more »