He placed it on top of the coffin, a gesture that symbolizes the end of the reign of Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II has been resting since Monday afternoon at Windsor Castle. In an emotional farewell, much more reserved than the funeral held in the morning at Westminter Abbey since it only had 800 guests, the remains of the sovereign who died on the 8th at the age of 96 were taken to the royal crypt in a image that marked the end of a long and historic reign, which thousands of Britons will keep fresh in their memories.
The coffin was transferred to the chapel of San Jorge for the final farewell ceremony, before the monarch was buried in an act reserved only for the royal family. The coffin was housed in a small nave attached to the royal crypt known as the George VI Memorial. There are the remains of his parents – King George VI and Elizabeth Bowes – and the ashes of his sister Margaret. And there will now be transferred those of her husband, Prince Felipe, who died in April 2021, who rests in the crypt of the kings.
Among the 800 people who attended this ceremony were Felipe VI and the Queen Emeritus, Doña Sofía, as well as other dignitaries. Employees of the sovereign were also invited. The monarch was fired in the same room where she has seen previous joys and sorrows: from the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to her funeral for Prince Philip. On that occasion, Elizabeth II could be seen saying goodbye to her husband in complete solitude due to the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus epidemic. The picture went around the world. The monarch admitted to feeling faint when she played her farewell music.
The delegation was presided over by the main members of the royal family. King Charles III and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, walked just a few steps behind the coffin. The Dean of Windsor accompanied the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, at the mass.
Before proceeding to lower the remains to the crypt, the symbols placed on the coffin were removed. Tradition indicates that the imperial crown, the orb and the scepter are placed next to the altar. Only the banner of the sovereign remained on the coffin. The Lord Chamberlain, the highest-ranking official in the Royal House, broke his staff of command and placed it on top of the coffin, a gesture that symbolizes the end of the reign of Elizabeth II. The monarch came to the throne in 1952.
#Lord #Chamberlain #broke #staff #Georges #Chapel