Queen’s funeral
At Westminster Abbey in London on Monday morning, the Queen will be honored with the first British state funeral in nearly 60 years, with more than 2,000 guests expected.
After the TV service, the coffin will be moved by royal hearse to Windsor Castle, west London, for a special family funeral where the Queen will be buried with her late husband Philip, parents and sister.
US President Joe Biden, Australian leader Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron have all confirmed their attendance at the funeral, as have Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and many other senior royals.
“The Queen has held a unique and timeless position throughout our lives,” said the Duke of Norfolk Edward Fitzalan-Howard, also known as the Earl Marshal, who arranged the funeral.
“The coming days will unite people around the world and resonate with people of all faiths, while fulfilling the majesty of his family and his desire to pay tribute to his extraordinary government,” he told reporters.
Police were carrying out Britain’s biggest security operation ahead of the funeral, as crowds marched past the Queen’s coffin over the weekend and world dignitaries intervened.
Two police officers were stabbed in central London on Friday morning, one suffering from “life-changing” injuries, the Metropolitan Police said, but ruled out links to “terrorism”.
Meanwhile, China’s official delegation was barred from attending the Liars after an intervention by House Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, parliamentary sources said.
It came after China sanctioned some British lawmakers for their criticism of the country’s human rights record.
“As a host, the British side should observe diplomatic courtesy and cordial hospitality,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing.
Downing Street declined to comment.
Queues to enter the sprawling Westminster Hall, where Elizabeth’s coffin has been buried since Wednesday evening, have drawn a steady stream of mourners. On Friday, the government said those who find themselves should wait at least 2 p.m.
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The coffin was encased in the Royal Standard flag, with the Imperial State Crown, orb and ceremonial scepter on it, with large twinkling candles in every corner. The dark atmosphere was complemented by guards in ceremonial uniforms posted around the podium on constant guard.
Mourners mark their moment before the coffin in different ways, by bowing or bowing before the sign of the cross or simply by removing their hats. Some are wiping away tears. Others carry babies in strollers. The old soldiers stopped and paid their last respects to their former commander-in-chief.
Meanwhile, in Cardiff, many waited hours for Charles’ visit.
“This kind of thing won’t happen again,” said bartender Jack Grimshaw, 27, who came with his young son.
“The royal family has existed for many years [tetapi] we haven’t had a new king for so long.”
Not everyone is happy to see the new king in Wales. Zahra Ameri, 22, said the funeral was a “waste of money”.
“I hope Wales will become independent. Of course it will hurt our economy because we are dependent on the UK, but I really believe in independence,” he said. ***
