Topline
President Joe Biden, members of Britain’s royal family, world leaders and state dignitaries arrived at Westminster Abbey in London on Monday morning to attend the state funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II, a historic event expected to be watched by billions of people around the world as the U.K. lays its longest-reigning monarch to rest.
The Yeoman of the Guard arrive in Westminster Abbey during The State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II … [+]
Key Facts
The President and first lady Jill Biden were joined by several other high-profile world leaders including British Prime Minister Liz Truss, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Japanese Emperor Naruhito.
In total, 500 foreign leaders—including presidents, prime ministers and monarchs—were expected to attend the funeral service, according to the BBC, with the total number of attendees expected to be around 2,000.
The funeral service began at 11.00 a.m. local time (6 a.m ET) after the Queen’s coffin was carried from Westminster Hall where she was lying in state.
The coffin was carried on the Royal Navy’s State Gun Carriage and was accompanied by a procession that included King Charles III, the Prince of Wales Williams and the Duke of Sussex Harry along with other members of the royal family.
Britain’s new Prime Minister Liz Truss delivered a reading from scripture at the service while the Archbishop of Canterbury—the principal leader of the Church of England—delivered the sermon.
Britain’s Prince Harry (C), Duke of Sussex, stands next to Britain’s King Charles III (2nd R), … [+]
A Bearer Party of The Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards carries the coffin of Queen … [+]
King Charles III takes part in the state funeral and burial of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster … [+]
Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales (C) attends the State Funeral Service for Britain’s Queen … [+]
The coffin is placed near the altar at the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, held at Westminster … [+]
Mourners get emotional at Westminster Abbey before the State Funeral Service of Britain’s Queen … [+]
What To Watch For
The funeral service is expected to end at around 11.55 a.m., followed by a funeral procession at 12:15 a.m. to accompany the queen’s coffin to Wellington Arch after which it will be transferred to a hearse which will take it to Windsor Castle. The Queen will be finally laid to rest at Windsor castle next to her late husband Prince Phillip.
Big Number
4.1 billion. That is the total number of viewers who are expected to watch the broadcast of the Queen’s funeral service.
Key Background
Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8 at her Balmoral residence in Scotland, hours after being placed under medical supervision due to her deteriorating health. The U.K. observed a 10-day period of mourning as the coffin of the country’s longest-reigning monarch was laid in state at Westminster Hall as thousands of people from around the world lined up for several hours to pay their respect—including prominent celebrities like former English soccer team captain David Beckham. Several world leaders also paid respect to the deceased monarch including President Joe Biden who praised the Queen as “decent, honorable, and all about service.”
Further Reading
Queen Elizabeth, U.K.’s Longest-Reigning Monarch, Dead At 96 (Forbes)
In Photos: Biden And Other World Leaders Pay Respects To Queen Elizabeth (Forbes)
How Rich Is King Charles III? Inside The New Monarch’s Outrageous Fortune (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/09/19/queen-elizabeth-iis-state-funeral-biden-royals-and-world-leaders-arrive-at-westminster-abbey/