Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral was witnessed by thousands across the globe yesterday, as citizens of the United Kingdom stood in unity to pay their respects to the late Queen. Live broadcasts of the event in London were shared worldwide. There were tender and sad moments, moments of tradition rarely seen in modern times, and moments of absolute unity as family, friends, world leaders, UK citizens, and Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved animals, all stood in attendance to lay the late monarch to rest. Here are some tender moments in reflection:
The Queen’s bagpiper played her to rest
Buzzfeed News
The bagpiper, officially titled Sovereign’s Piper of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, who would wake the Queen every morning playing bagpipes beneath her window, performed at both the committal and funeral ceremonies. The Queen herself requested this, marking a tender moment as he played her to rest.
King Charles requested a special wreath of flowers to adorn the Queen’s coffin
The Scotsman
The flowers, which were cut from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Highgrove House, all held symbolic meaning. Rosemary for remembrance, myrtle – cut from a plant that was grown from a sprig of myrtle in the Queen’s wedding bouquet – to symbolise marriage. English oak to symbolise love. Beautiful shades of burgundy, gold and pink pelargoniums, roses and other flowers picked from the royal gardens were all placed in the bouquet.
Moments of silence and unity
The Herald
Two minutes of silence shared across London and on funeral grounds stretched on for moments longer, as everyone in attendance stood in respect and mourning for the late monarch. The moments of stillness were then followed by The National Anthem. Crowds in attendance on the funeral grounds and beyond, all sung in unison.
The Queen’s pick of music
CNN
Music for the ceremony was handpicked by the Queen before her passing. The hymn, ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’ was her choice for the service. This was reportedly one of her favourites and played at her wedding to Lt. Philip Mountbatten, seventy-five years ago. Queen Elizabeth II also included the anthem ‘O Taste and See How Gracious the Lord Is,’ in her requests, composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams for her coronation ceremony in 1953.
Royal animals all in tow
The Guardian
The Queen’s beloved Corgis, Muick and Sandy, were stood outside Windsor Castle ahead of the coffin’s arrival on the Long Walk – a 4.1km pathway that leads to the castle. The Queen’s Fell pony, Emma, stood waiting just off the right of the avenue.
Washington Post
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Feature Image: Getty Images
