September 19, 2022
The state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II took place in Westminster Abbey, London, United Kingdom, marking the end of ten days of official mourning since her passing on September 8, 2022. It was attended by numerous world leaders and dignitaries.
London, United Kingdom | Royal Family
On September 19, 2022, the state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II was held at Westminster Abbey in London, United Kingdom. This event marked the culmination of ten days of national mourning following her death on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96.
Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, having ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI. Her reign spanned over seven decades, witnessing immense social, political, and economic changes in the UK and the world. Her passing marked the end of an era and prompted a period of mourning across the Commonwealth and beyond.
The funeral service began at 11:00 AM local time at Westminster Abbey, a site of immense historical significance and a long-standing venue for royal ceremonies, including coronations and previous state funerals. The solemn event was meticulously planned to honor the late monarch’s life and service.
The service was attended by a wide array of dignitaries, including heads of state, representatives from the Commonwealth nations, and other distinguished guests from around the globe. Among them were U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Japanese Emperor Naruhito.
Westminster Abbey was filled to capacity, with approximately 2,000 guests gathered to pay their respects. The service featured traditional hymns, prayers, and readings from religious texts, reflecting the Queen’s deep faith and her role as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, delivered the sermon.
Following the service, the Queen’s coffin was conveyed from Westminster Abbey to Windsor Castle in a solemn procession that was observed by thousands lining the streets. The final committal took place later in the afternoon at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, where she was interred alongside her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who had passed away in April 2021.
The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was a historic occasion, drawing significant global attention and marked by widespread public expressions of mourning and remembrance. This event was not only a tribute to her life and reign but also a pivotal moment in British history, symbolizing the transition to the new era under King Charles III. The meticulous organization and the dignified solemnity of the proceedings were widely noted and became a significant historical moment of modern monarchy.
Source: www.bbc.com