London: Queen Elizabeth II’s final farewell stretched for more than 12 hours with two separate services taking place before she was laid to rest in a private burial at Windsor.
In an event unlike anything witnessed in modern history, the day was replete with pageantry and symbolism bringing closure to the monarch’s 70-year reign.
Here’s what you may have missed.
A moving handwritten note
As the Queen’s coffin was carried through Westminster Abbey followed by the King, the Prince and Princess of Wales, their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and other royal family members, a handwritten note could be seen atop the wreath of flowers.
The black handwriting read: “In loving and devoted memory, Charles R.” Charles R is Charles Rex, the King’s new signature. Rex is Latin for king. The note was edged in black, which follows the mourning rituals of the royal family.
The card is reminiscent of the note left by Princes William and Harry on the coffin of their mother, Diana, in 1997. It read simply: “Mummy.”
A note on top of Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin at her funeral.Credit: AP
Pearls, pearls, pearls
In a tribute to the late Queen, the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex accessorised with pearl jewellery. Pearls are traditionally worn by royals in mourning because of their quiet elegance.
Catherine’s Bahrain pearl drop earrings and four-strand pearl and diamond choker were borrowed from the Queen’s jewellery collection, reports British Vogue.
The Princess of Wales is driven down The Mall following the Queen’s funeral service.Credit: Getty
She previously wore the necklace to the Queen and Prince Philip’s diamond wedding anniversary in 2017 and to the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh in April 2021. In 1982, Princess Diana also borrowed the piece.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex’s pearl earrings were a gift from the Queen after her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018.
King Charles III and Prince William salute during the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.Credit: AP
A spectacular salute
As the procession moved past the Cenotaph in London, King Charles III and his elder son, the Prince of Wales, saluted the UK’s national war memorial – a moment that’s sure to become an iconic image of the day.
In another poignant family moment earlier in the day, Prince George and Princess Charlotte followed the Queen’s coffin alongside their parents and other members of the royal family as it was processed through Westminster Abbey.
The Long Walk like you’ve never seen it
As the hearse made its final journey to Windsor Castle for the committal service at St George’s Chapel, crowds of people filled the Long Walk for as far as the eye could see.
Also watching from afar was the Queen’s favourite pony, Emma. Pipes and drums sounded as the late monarch approached her final resting place.
Emma, the monarch’s fell pony, stands as the Queen’s coffin arrives at Windsor Castle.Credit: AP
The most loyal of subjects say goodbye
When the procession arrived in the quadrangle at Windsor, two of the Queen’s corgis, Sandy and Muick, were waiting to say their final goodbye.
After the Queen’s death, it was announced that Sarah, Duchess of York and Prince Andrew would adopt the dogs and live with them at Royal Lodge.
The Queen’s two remaining corgis, Sandy and Muick, wait for the coffin to arrive at Windsor.Credit: AP
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