Queen Elizabeth funeral: Honouring life of ‘loving service’, says Archbishop Justin Welby

The spiritual leader of the church to which the Queen was devoted, farewelling her at a state funeral rich in pomp, pageantry and profound gratitude.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at the Queen’s funeral. Picture: AFP

She lived an “abundant life of loving service” said the spiritual ­leader of the church to which the Queen was devoted, farewelling her at a state funeral rich in pomp, pageantry and profound gratitude for all she achieved in seven decades on the throne and the “multitude” she touched.

Delivering a moving sermon in Westminster Abbey, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said Elizabeth would be remembered for upholding the promise she made on her 21st birthday to spend her life in the service of the people of Britain and the Commonwealth. “People of loving service are rare in any walk of life,” he said. “Leaders of loving service are still rarer. But those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and ­privileges are long forgotten.

“The grief of this day, felt not only by the late Queen’s family, but all around the Commonwealth and the world, arises from her abundant life of loving service, now gone from us. She was joyful, present to so many, touching a multitude of lives.”

It was the second time in two years Dr Welby had led the realms in mourning after also presiding over the funeral of the Queen’s ­beloved husband of 73 years, ­Philip, in April last year. On Monday he told a congregation of more than 2000, studded with ­royalty, presidents and prime ministers, that few in position of power had received such an outpouring of love than the 96-year-old Queen following her death on September 8.

King Charles looked, the Queen Consort a comforting presence at his side. The Prince and Princess of Wales, hand-in-hand with children George and Charlotte, were seated along from Anne, the Princess Royal, her husband Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Andrew in civilian garb, and Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sat immediately behind the King, flanked by Princess Beatrice and husband Edoardo ­Mapelli Mozzi.

Dr Welby said the Queen’s ­example was not set through her position or ambition, but through “whom she followed”. He knew the King shared the same sense of service of duty.

Gesturing to where the Queen was crowned in 1953 on the high altar of the abbey – and where her coffin draped in the Royal Standard rested – the archbishop said: “Her service to so many people in this nation, the Commonwealth and the world had its foundation in her following Christ, God himself, who said that he came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Citing the Queen’s address to the nation at the height of the pandemic, which ended with an echo of Vera Lynn’s wartime anthem We’ll Meet Again, Dr Welby said Elizabeth II had given hope to people at that dark time and during her record reign. “We will all face the merciful judgment of God,” he said, concluding the six-minute address. “We can all share the Queen’s hope which in life and death inspired her service and leadership. Service in life, hope in death – all who follow the Queen’s example and inspiration of trust and faith in God can with her say we will meet again.”