(London) Buckingham Palace announced on Saturday that the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II of Scotland, who died on Thursday, will be held in London on Monday, September 19.
Posted at 12:16 p.m.
Updated at 12:36 p.m.
Leaders from around the world are expected to attend the funeral at Westminster Abbey at 11 a.m. (6 a.m. ET). His son, King Charles III, who succeeded him, declared a public holiday in England for the occasion.
Elizabeth II’s remains currently lie in the ballroom of Balmoral Castle, Scotland, where she breathed her last.
It will be moved through the streets of London to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and St Giles Cathedral before being transported to London on Tuesday.
On September 19, at 10:44 a.m., the coffin will leave the Palace of Westminster for Westminster Abbey, where the funeral will take place, Buckingham Palace said.
At the end of the service, the coffin will leave in procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch, where it will then be taken to Windsor.
On arrival at Windsor, another funeral procession will take place to St George’s Chapel, the palace said in a statement.
Millions of spectators and dignitaries from around the world are expected to attend the ceremony on September 19, presenting a logistical and security challenge for British law enforcement.
Among the expected guests are US Presidents Joe Biden and French Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen and several leaders of former British colonies.
Prince William’s Tribute
Photo by Andrew Goldridge, Reuters
Prince William with his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince Harry with his spouse Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Prince William, the heir to the throne, paid a moving tribute to his grandmother Queen Elizabeth on Saturday and promised to support his father, King Charles III, “all the way”.
Hailing him in a statement as an “extraordinary leader with complete commitment to country, kingdoms and the Commonwealth”, he also mourned the loss of his grandmother, with whom he was very close.
“My grandmother used to say that sorrow is the price to pay for love. All the tragedies we experience in the coming weeks will testify to our love for our extraordinary Queen. I will honor the memory of my father, the King, by supporting him in any way I can,” said the prince, the eldest son of Charles III, who gave him the title of Prince of Wales on Friday.
“While I mourn her loss, I feel incredibly grateful,” he added, adding that he benefited from “her wisdom and comfort” for 40 years.
“My wife has benefited from his advice and support for twenty years. All three of my children were able to spend the holidays with her and make memories that will last a lifetime.
“She was by my side in my happiest moments. She was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I know this day will come, but it will take time for me to get used to the reality of life without Grandma,” the prince added.
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