Royal family news and updates reveal the events leading up to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Here’s what the public can expect in the run-up to her majesty’s funeral on September 19.
Operation Unicorn
Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle, located in the Scottish Highlands, at the age of 96 years old on September 8. Since her passing, Operation Unicorn has taken effect. It details the route her majesty’s coffin will take before her state funeral this coming Monday.
The Queen’s coffin left Balmoral Castle on September 11 to travel toward London. It spent the night in Edinburg at the Palace of Holyrood house. The following day, it continued its journey and passed along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile before arriving at St. Giles Cathedral.
On September 13, the Queen’s coffin was scheduled for Buckingham Palace in London. The Queen’s lying in state was set to begin in Westminster Hall on September 14, setting off Operation Marquee.
During the four-day tradition, the public can pay their respects with senior royals standing guard throughout, which is also referred to as the Vigil of the Princes.
On September 15, the Queen’s lying in state will continue, and there will also be a rehearsal for the state funeral procession.
The Queen’s State Funeral
On September 19, her Majesty’s funeral is scheduled to happen at Westminster Abbey. The Queen’s coffin will be placed on a gun carriage while being escorted by Navy Officials.
The members of the royal family will follow in a silent procession. Major figures and heads of state from different parts of the world are expected to attend the event, which will be televised for everyone to see.
There will be another televised service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, and a private service will be held with only the senior royals in attendance.
The late monarch’s body will be buried in the King George IV memorial chapel, where her mother, father, and sister were laid to rest.
Who Will Attend The Funeral?
The Times released a list of guests that may attend the Queen’s funeral. About 500 royal family members, heads of state, and other important figures are expected to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth.
Some of them may include New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, US President Joe Biden, and First Lady Jill Biden, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany, President Emmanuel Macron of France, and President Sergio Mattarella of Italy.
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