Queen funeral: Records tipped to be broken; Harry’s fresh humiliation in uniform row
Some 4.1 billion people are expected to watch the Queen’s funeral on televisions around the world. See how that compares with other famous events.
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More than two million visitors expected in London for the procession, most of whom will try to cram with millions of locals from the British capital along the 2.7km route from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey then later onto Wellington Arch.
The funeral will see the biggest concentration of world leaders since the Nelson Mandela send-off at Johannesburg stadium in 2013 and is expected to surpass the previous record held by Winston Churchill’s funeral in 1965.
An estimated 4.1 billion people are expected to watch the Queen’s funeral on televisions around the world.
By comparison, Muhammad Ali’s lighting of the Olympic torch at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games attracted 3.6 billion viewers; Neil Armstrong and his 1969 walk on the moon attracted 650 million (or 94 per cent of people watching TV) viewers; and Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997 was seen by 2.5 million people.
In the UK, the record for television coverage of an event is held by the 1966 World Cup in which 32.2 million people watched England win.
QUEEN’S DRESSER AND FRIEND ANGELA KELLY YET TO BE SEEN IN PUBLIC.
She is considered one of the Queen’s closest confidantes – her official dresser-turned-friend.
But while other members of the Royal staff have been spotted attending official services, the Queen’s dresser Angela Kelly is yet to be seen in public.
Ms Kelly was tasked with cataloguing the Queen’s outfits as well as the accessories she wears with them, while also recently entrusted with logging her Majesty’s priceless jewels.
So close was Ms Kelly to the Queen, that she was one of few people allowed inside the “HMS Bubble” set up when the monarch contracted coronavirus.
“I love the queen and everything about her,” she once said.
“She has allowed me to become closer to her over the years. I would never overstep the mark and I remain in awe of the queen.”
The Daily Mail reported the Queen was so fond of Ms Kelly she allowed her to move into a “grace-and-favour” home at Windsor just three months ago, with the Queen giving her permission to continue living there after her majesty’s death.
She also had the monarch’s permission to secure a three-book publishing deal which could include details of her time working for the Royal Family.
While a group of staff said to be closest to the Queen gathered at Westminster Hall last week to witness the her coffin arriving from Balmoral, Ms Kelly was not among them.
“She was loved by the Queen but others weren’t quite so keen,” The Daily Mail quoted an insider as saying.
While another suggested it was Ms Kelly whom Prince Harry was referring to when during his infamous interview with NBC in April he said: ‘I’m just making sure that she’s protected and got the right people around her”.
Ms Kelly is expected to be among the 800 guests invited to the Queen’s Committal Service at George’s Chapel – a much more private affair than the 2000+ strong guests expected at the Westminster Abbey funeral.
HARRY’S FRESH HUMILIATION IN UNIFORM ROW
Prince Harry has faced fresh humiliation despite being allowed to wear military dress at the vigil of the Queen’s grandchildren.
According to The Times, the Duke of Sussex was “devastated” when he received his uniform from Buckingham Palace on Saturday with his grandmother’s “ER” initials stripped from the shoulder.
Shortly before leaving for Westminster for the historic vigil of the grandchildren, Prince Harry was so hurt he was considering wearing a morning suit to avoid the “humiliation”, a source told The Times.
“He is heartbroken. To remove his grandmother’s initials feels very intentional,” the source told The Times.
William and Harry wore the Blues and Royals No 1 dress uniform “at the King’s request”, the regiment into which both were commissioned.
Both brothers wore their Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals.
Prince Harry was wearing his Afghanistan service medal for the vigil — the first time he had worn uniform since his final public engagement as captain general of the Royal Marines at the Mountbatten Festival of Music in March 2020 at the Albert Hall.
ALBO’S PRIVATE AUDIENCE WITH KING
US President Joe Biden has arrived in the UK for his visit to attend the Queen’s funeral.
Air Force One touched down at Stansted Airport just before 10pm local time (7am AEST).
It pulled in near Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s RAAF KC-30, Airbus A330, reconfigured aircraft.
Earlier, King Charles III held a private audience with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who told the new monarch he was “always welcome” in Australia.
The Australian met the King in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace early on Sunday morning Australian time.
CAMILLA TO HONOUR QUEEN
Camilla, the Queen Consort is set to pay a public tribute to her mother-in-law, whom she will remember for her “wonderful blue eyes” and the role she carved as the “solitary woman” in a world dominated by men.
The moving prerecorded tribute will be aired on the BBC at 4am Monday Australian time – just before a national one-minute silence in honour of the monarch is held across the UK.
“It must have been so difficult for her being a solitary woman,” Camilla will say.
“There weren’t women prime ministers or presidents. She was the only one, so I think she carved her own role.
“I’m 75 now and I can’t remember anybody except the Queen being there.”
Camilla will also speak of the Queen’s personable attributes, saying she had “wonderful blue eyes … when she smiles they light up her whole face”.
“I will always remember that smile. That smile is unforgettable.”
Camilla’s rise from “other woman” – whom the late Diana, Princess of Wales once said “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded” – to Queen Consort was sealed by Her Majesty herself.
Ahead of Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier this year, the Queen ended years of debate by saying it was her “sincere wish” that the then Duchess of Cornwall would become known as Queen Consort when Charles became King.
“I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service," the Queen said.
Speaking about his wife during his first speech as monarch last week, King Charles said: “I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much.”
KING, PRINCE WILLIAM STUN MOURNERS
King Charles and his son the Prince of Wales stunned and delighted hundreds of mourners on Lambeth Bridge, lining up to see the Queen’s lying in state.
The surprise appearance saw some exhausted mourners who had lined up for more than 14 hours burst into tears.
King Charles shook hands with wellwishers at the back of the line for those wanting to view the Queen’s coffin at Westminster Hall.
There were cheers for the King as he spent several minutes showing his appreciation for their thoughts.
A security guard could be heard telling the crowd ahead of their meeting with the King: “Phones down please, just enjoy the moment. Shake hands, enjoy the moment.”
Others in the crowd shouted out: “Three cheers for His Majesty, hip, hip, hooray.”
Prince William said his grandmother would have been amazed at the long lines of mourners.
“She would never believe this, honestly,” he said.
“I hope you have enjoyed chatting with each other.”
Prince William told those waiting in line: “You will make friends for life”.
“You’re more than halfway now.”
Up to 400,000 people were expected to pass by the Queen’s coffin, which will continue until Monday morning London time.
“Were you all right last night?”, Prince William asked another group.
Why Princess Catherine and Meghan Markle missed Queen’s vigil
Some of the police in the line were Welsh, in a nod to the new Prince of Wales.
Prince William, an Aston Villa supporter, said to some mourners: “Are you Man U fans, you’re all Man U fans? Oh well, you can’t help that.”
Some of those in the queue were honest about the journey, a teenage girl said: “My legs are a bit numb.”
Others asked Prince William how Queen’s dogs were being cared for.
“The corgis, they are being looked after very well,” he said.
He also showed concern for those waiting in line.
“You have very warm hands, you must have been well dressed last night,” Prince William told another mourner as he shook their hand.
“You look like you’re dressed warm, you’ve read the manual.”
King Charles earlier thanked police and emergency services who have protected events following the Queen’s death.
The new monarch spoke with the head of Scotland Yard, Sir Mark Rowley, who stepped into his job last week at a police headquarters in Lambeth, south London.
His Majesty travelled to the meeting in a Rolls Royce from Buckingham Palace about 9pm Australian time on Saturday.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jane Connors and Commander Karen Findlay personally briefed King Charles on all the efforts being made to protect the events surrounding the Queen’s funeral.
More than 20,000 police shifts have been used to ensure the Queen’s funeral goes ahead without incident.
King Charles also thanked members of the London Ambulance Service, the London Fire Brigade and Transport for London.
PM VISITS WESTMINSTER TO PAY RESPECTS TO THE QUEEN
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier visited Westminster to pay his respects to the Queen.
Mr Albanese was joined by his partner Jodie Haydon, acting Australian High Commissioner Lynette Wood and Governor-general David Hurley.
A solemn Mr Albanese bowed in a moment of deep reflection beside the Queen’s coffin. The Governor-General was also clearly moved and also bowed down low.
The visit to Westminster followed Mr Albanese’s private 45-minute meeting with British Prime Minister Liz Truss.
Both leaders are new in their jobs, although Ms Truss was invited to form a government by the Queen just two days before her death.
Mr Albanese offered Australia’s condolences on the death of the Queen, with Ms Truss also offering sympathy as Australia also lost its head of state.
The pair then chatted about strategic interests on climate change, trade and investment.
Ms Truss has long standing links with Australia, and was particularly close with Australia’s previous High Commissioner to the UK, George Brandis.
The pair often kept in close contact, and Ms Truss visited Australia before she was British PM.
Liz Truss also held meetings with her counterpart from New Zealand at the Government’s Chevening country residence.
The Prime Minister spoke with New Zealand’s premier Jacinda Ardern as she kicked off talks with world leaders travelling to the UK for the Queen’s funeral.
Mr Albanese was then joined the Governor-General David Hurley to sign a book of condolences at London’s Lancaster House, once part of Buckingham Palace complex.
His entourage are awaiting confirmation of timings for his audience with the King later today.
Governor-General David Hurley joined a reception with King Charles, Camilla, Queen Consort, Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince Edward.
The Royal Family spoke with dignitaries from the 14 other countries that have our monarch as head of state.
Mr Hurley was pictured appearing to chat with Prince Edward as Camilla and Catherine worked the room.
QUEEN HAD ‘SPECIAL PLACE IN AUSTRALIA’S HEART
At an official Australia House commemorative lunch, the Prime Minister said the Queen and Australia shared a mutual love.
“When it came to the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Australia, 16 truly was her number,” he said.
“During her 70-year reign, she consulted with 16 Australian prime ministers, starting with Sir Robert Menzies. Sixteen governors-general, starting with Sir William McKell.
“And 16 visits to our shores, starting with a 58-day tour that saw her visit 68 towns and cities, and pass through many more. She got to know us, appreciate us, embrace us.
“And the feeling was very much mutual.
“Along the way, Her Majesty had one of the most Australian experiences of all — sitting next to Bob Hawke at the races when his horse was winning.
“The photograph of these two connoisseurs of the turf in that moment is a perfect study in balance — the Queen sitting serenely, Bob going off like a firecracker in a suit.”
“Bob was criticised, but as he later reflected: “I took great pleasure a little later in pointing to an image of the Queen showing similar exultation when one of her horses won in England.”
Mr Albanese said the Queen enjoyed bipartisan affection.
“The Queen transcended barriers. You could be a republican, and still feel nothing but regard for her,” she said.
“She celebrated our good times, and stood with us in our times of trial, bringing sympathy and comfort when it was so badly needed.
“In 2002, she put this way: “I declare again … that my admiration, affection and regard for the people of Australia will remain, as it has been … constant, sure and true.”“We felt the same way. From that very first visit, the Queen had a special place in the hearts of Australians. She always will.”
‘I FEEL DEEPLY SADDENED’: BEN ROBERTS-SMITH BREAKS SILENCE
Former SAS corporal and Afghanistan veteran Ben Roberts-Smith has paid tribute to the Queen, who he met several times.
Mr Roberts-Smith, 43, was invited to the funeral because he is a recipient of the Victoria Cross.
On Saturday he spoke for the first time about the Queen he knew and how sad he was at hearing of her death.
“I feel deeply saddened by Her Majesty’s passing, I had an immense respect for her and she was someone I admired greatly,” Mr Roberts-Smith said.
“In every interaction I had with the Queen she was warm, insightful and engaging.
“She was a magnificent monarch, a stoic leader, and importantly just a lovely lady.
“I feel extremely honoured to be fortunate enough to pay my respects to the Queen and humbled that she saw fit to include the Victoria Cross recipients in her funeral procession.”
The defence department has confirmed the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association had invited all holders of the Victoria Cross to attend the Queen’s funeral as well as her lying in state, “in accordance with the wishes of Her Majesty”.
Along with Mr Roberts-Smith, three other recipients of military honours, Keith Payne, Mark Donaldson and Daniel Keighran, have been invited to Monday’s funeral at Westminster Abbey and are expected to take part in an order of chivalry procession.
Mr Roberts-Smith met HRH Queen Elizabeth II on several occasions.
He did not fly with the other guests to the UK on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s RAAF jet.
Instead he arrived at Heathrow on a commercial flight this week and made a beeline for the taxi rank after his driver failed to show.
Mr Albanese, who arrived in London on Saturday morning Australian time, nine “everyday citizens” from Australia will attend the service – including Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott, and Sydney father and campaigner Danny Abdallah.
Mr Roberts-Smith and other Australian VC holders were asked separately by the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.
The Queen was patron of the association since its inception in 1956, and personally requested all living members be invited to her funeral.
AUSTRALIA PREPARES TO SAY FAREWELL
Australia is preparing to say goodbye to the Queen.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s first full day in London will be dedicated to saying farewell to Australia’s beloved monarch.
Early Saturday Australian time, he and partner Jodie Haydon placed a bouquet at Buckingham Palace and later today he will join nine everyday Aussies representing the country to view Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin Lying-in-State at Westminster Hall, after gaining special access as VIP guests.
“Her Majesty The Queen held a very special place in the hearts of many Australians,” he said.
“Queen Elizabeth gave a life of service and dignity and Australians honour her service, pay respect to her memory and give thanks for her life of dedication to duty.
“Arriving in London, you can see and feel the affection that is held for Her Majesty and it is an honour to be here representing Australia as Prime Minister.
“During this visit I will be meeting with King Charles and conveying condolences on behalf of all Australians for the loss of the Sovereign and of course, the loss of his Mother.”
Later Mr Albanese, just four months into his premiership, is due to have an audience with King Charles III.
He is also expected to join the Governor-general David Hurley to sign a book of condolences at Lancaster House.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a private 45-minute meeting with British Prime Minister Liz Truss on Saturday morning UK time.
Both leaders are new in their jobs, although Ms Truss has only been in the job a little over a week after being installed by the Queen just two days before her death.
Mr Albanese offered Australia’s condolences on the death of the Queen, with Ms Truss also offering sympathy as Australia also lost its head of state.
The pair then chatted about strategic interests on climate change, trade and investment.
Ms Truss has long standing links with Australia, and was particularly close with Australia’s previous High Commissioner to the UK, George Brandis.
The pair often kept in close contact, and Ms Truss visited Australia before she was British PM.
Seven Victoria Cross and 10 George Cross medal recipients will attend the Queen’s funeral including one from New Zealand and four from Australia.
Former corporal Ben Roberts-Smith will join the contingent of the country’s most decorated servicemen after the Queen had made her wishes known that Victorian Cross recipients, Mr Roberts-Smith, Keith Payne, Mark Donaldson, Daniel Keighran and George Cross holder Michael Pratt were to be invited to the service before her death.
The decorated former soldiers, and Mr Pratt, a former police officer, will also attend the Queen’s lying in state and some will form part of the procession of the Orders of Chivalry, a guard of honour for the Queen’s coffin.
The nine Aussies from all states and territories – there were 10 until champion horse trainer Chris Waller dropped out when a family member was struck with Covid – arrived early Saturday Australian time on the Prime Minister’s private jet.
They include disabled tennis champion and Paralympian Dylan Alcott and i4give Day and Foundation co-founder Danny Abdallah, who lost three of his six children when a drunk and drugged driver mowed them down.
The Queen’s horse trainer Gai Waterhouse, who hitched a last minute flight with the “ordinary” citizens aboard Mr Albanese’s private RAAF jet when she could not get a commercial flight, and who is invited to the funeral by the Lord Chamberlain, Andrew Parker, said: “It is a huge honour to be travelling with our PM to attend and give thanks for being blessed to have known the Queen.
“The funeral will be an occasion like no other and to represent my country will last in our memory just as will her memory.
“I had the honour of training for the Queen Mother and the Queen. Both were very passionate racing devotees, both were so gracious and kind to us both.
“We loved afternoon teas at Ascot with them. I so enjoyed our regular phone conversations, the Queen had a marvellous sense of humour.”
She went on, “My Carlton House (stallion) won more prize money for Her Majesty than all her other runners put together that year.
“I trained Sweet Idea, Her Majesty’s best broodmare.”
Originally published as Queen funeral: Records tipped to be broken; Harry’s fresh humiliation in uniform row
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King Charles given rare Aussie honours
King Charles III has been presented with rare Australian honours during his first tour of Australia since ascending to the throne.