A “funeral of the century” and tens of millions of people who wouldn’t miss it for the world. They came in large numbers, and early this Monday September 19 near Westminster Hall, and in the streets of London to see a corner of the coffin, of a Queen of England whom they loved so much, left after 70 years of reign.
As exceptional as they are, the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8, 2022, will inevitably be disappointed. Because Westminster Abbey, which is to receive part of the ceremony this morning, cannot welcome the tears of the whole world; only 2000 guests will have this prestige. For the rest, it will therefore be necessary to rely on the images.
At 11.58 a.m. precisely, the queen’s coffin entered Westminster Abbey for the religious ceremony. With Prince George and Princess Charlotte behind their great-grandmother.
Previously, Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin had Westminster Hall, where it lay since Wednesday. Pulled by 142 sailors, the gun carriage onto which the coffin was transferred was followed on foot by King Charles III and the other members of the royal family for a short procession.
Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Harry watch as Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin is placed on a gun carriage during her funeral at Westminster Abbey in central London on September 19, 2022.
AFP
The crowd of great days in London, massed to follow the procession of the coffin.
Getty Images via AFP
Black Rod usher Sarah Clarke arrived at the bedside of the deceased at 6.29am sharp, after the last members of the public had left Westminster’s Chapel Lying.
AFP
After Westminster has been emptied of its public, guests and officials have to take their seats at Westminster Abbey.
Getty Images via AFP
The Macrons have arrived at Westminster Abbey, as the ceremony is due to start at noon.
Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron.
Marco BERTORELLO/AFP
As well as the Bidens, Jill and Joe, President of the United States. Several dozen heads of state and former leaders are in London for the ceremony. On the other hand, among the notable absences: neither Vladimir Putin nor Xi Jinping will attend this funeral.
US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden at Westminster Abbey in London on Monday, September 19.
AFP
After 10 days of national mourning, tributes and rituals at the centenary pump, the world says goodbye to the Queen. The state funeral, the first since that of Winston Churchill in 1965, could be among the most watched TV events in history.
