Among the 2,000 people was an almost unprecedented collection of foreign royalty, heads of state and politicians, while thousands of mourners lined the streets of the capital to witness. the coffin procession of the late Queen, followed by King Charles and other leading members. of the royal family.
Figures from the equestrian world, including John Warren, Gai Waterhouse, and Jockey Club senior manager Sandy Dudgeon, were among the mourners inside Westminster Abbey.
Some may have privately recalled Queen Consort’s words in her televised speech the night before when she spoke of the Purebred being the Queen’s private domain.
She said: “She was able to escape to Sandringham. She had the barn next to her. She could go every day, see her ponies, work out, you know, meetings. next year, I think she’s always kept that as, you know, her private part.
“You wouldn’t dare question her or argue with her about how a horse is bred or how it runs because you’ll get a pair of very brave blue eyes when you look back again.”
Towed by the ranks of the Royal Navy, the gun carriage carrying the Queen’s coffin was accompanied on the short trip from Westminster Hall to the cloister of the Scottish and Irish Regiments.
The Dean of Westminster, Dr David Hoyle, opened the ceremony with a call to “remember her love for her family and her commitment to the causes she held dear. “
After readings by the secretary general of the Baron of the Commonwealth of Scotland, and the prime minister Liz Truss, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby delivered a sermon in which he highlighted Queen Elizabeth’s birthday speech. her 21st, in which she vowed to serve wholeheartedly. for her whole life, “whether it’s long or short.”
The archbishop said: “Rarely have a promise been kept so well. Few leaders have received the outpouring of love that we have seen.”
After an hour-long service with a variety of choral music and hymns, the five players played their final song and after two minutes of silence, the sovereign’s lute played a traditional lament. , Sleep Dearie Sleep.
Many in the congregation bowed as the eight carried the Queen’s coffin back to the convent and to the waiting carriage.
Once again, the Queen’s four children formed an honor guard as the funeral procession passed Buckingham Palace on its way to Wellington Palace — the crown and casket-clad royal standard stood out among the soldiers. soldiers, sailors and airmen.
From there, the coffin and royal sarcophagus were taken to Windsor for a 4 p.m. commitment ceremony at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel.
To mark the state funeral, all UK races were canceled on Monday and, in common with many other retailers, all major betting chains closed their stores as a sign of respect.
