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Queen Elizabeth farewelled in state funeral attended by thousands of mourners
The state funeral for Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II was held in Westminster Abbey, London, on Monday (Sep 19), with thousands of mourners have come to bid farewell to the monarch.
About 2,000 people, including royalty, world leaders and members of the public, were inside the abbey for the first funeral of a monarch to be held there since King George II's funeral in 1760,
Jordan’s King Abdullah attended the service, while Saudi Arabia was represented by Prince Turki bin Mohammed.
The funeral began with the new King, Charles III, leading a procession behind the Queen's coffin from the nearby Westminster Hall, where his mother's body had been lying in state.
Prayers were read by Prime Minister Liz Truss, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and Reverend David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, among others, and there was choir singing followed by a two-minute silence and the National Anthem.
The Queen's coffin was carried on the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy, drawn by 142 sailors.
‘Rarely has such a promise been so well kept’
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 19, 2022
The Archbishop of Canterbury today gave the Sermon at Her Majesty The Queen’s State Funeral: pic.twitter.com/EyIgSCjtVd
Members of all three armed services formed a guard of honour in Parliament Square outside the Palace of Westminster
At The King's request, the wreath contains foliage of Rosemary, English Oak and Myrtle (cut from a plant grown from Myrtle in The Queen's wedding bouquet) and flowers, in shades of gold, pink and deep burgundy, with touches of white, cut from the gardens of Royal Residences
Queen's funeral security operation 'biggest the UK has ever seen'
Behind King Charles were his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as the Queen's other three children – Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
After the service, the coffin was taken on a procession towards Wellington Arch at Hyde Park where it was due to be loaded into a hearse and taken to Windsor Castle.
A more intimate service is due take place at the castle on Monday (Sep 19) afternoon where she will be laid to rest.
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