As Britain bids Queen Elizabeth II farewell, a carefully choreographed plan is set in motion for the days after her death.
Here’s what we know about funeral plans and how the country will lay its longest-serving monarch to rest.
When and where will it be?
As monarch, the Queen will receive a state funeral, which will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 19 (local time). The plans have been in place for years (the Queen herself played an active role in structuring and organizing the day) and many details have now been shed. It will take place in Westminster Abbey and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the senior bishop of the Church of England, will lead the service.
procession
Before the funeral, the Queen will rest in Westminster Hall for four days, where the public can pay their respects. It will be open 24 hours a day to allow as many people as possible to pass through.
The order of the acts prior to the funeral on September 19 is as follows:
- September 13: The coffin will travel from Edinburgh to London on an RAF plane, accompanied by Princess Anne.
- September 14-18: The remains of the UK’s longest-serving monarch will remain in Westminster Hall.
state funeral
On the morning of September 19, the wake will end and the coffin will be transferred to Westminster Abbey, where the State Funeral will take place.
Elizabeth II’s coffin
There will be a two-minute national silence at noon on the day of the funeral, and after the service the Queen’s coffin will be carried to St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle for a televised pledge service. Later that night, there will be a private service with high-ranking members of the royal family.
Where will the queen be buried?
After the funeral, she will be buried next to her husband, Prince Philip, in St. George’s Chapel.
Who will attend?
Heads of state and government from around the world will fly to London to join the royal family at the funeral. British politicians and former prime ministers will attend, as well as members of royal families from other European countries.
President Biden confirmed Friday that he plans to be there. “I don’t know what the details are yet, but I will go,” he told reporters after speaking at an event in Ohio.
