Hundreds of millions watched around the world as the funeral service was held in London for Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in modern times. Various presidents, prime ministers and kings gathered for the state funeral to honour the Queen's 70-year reign..Pallbearers lifted the Queen's coffin from the state gun carriage and carried it into the Westminster Abbey at 11 a.m. local time. .The Queen's coffin was adorned with the Royal Standard, the Imperial State Crown, and the sovereign's orb and sceptre. The coffin also had on it a handwritten note from her son, King Charles, that read, "In loving and devoted memory.".After the coffin was carried inside by the procession, David Hoyle, the dean of Westminster, offered prayers for her family.."People of loving service are rare in any walk of life. Leaders of loving service are still rarer. But in all cases, those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and privileges are long forgotten," he said..Addressing the over 2,000 people gathered in the hall, Hoyle recalled how the Queen's broadcast during the first COVID-19 lockdown ended with the words "we will all meet again."."We will all face the merciful judgment of God. We can all share the Queen's hope, which in life and death inspired her servant leadership. All who follow the Queen's example and inspiration of trust and faith in God, can with her say, 'we will meet again,'" he said..Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, also spoke at the service. He told the congregation that the grief felt by so many across Britain and the wider world reflected the late monarch's "abundant life and loving service."."Her late majesty famously declared on a 21st birthday broadcast that her whole life would be dedicated to serving the nation and Commonwealth," he said. "Rarely has such a promise been so well kept. Few leaders receive the outpouring of love that we have seen.".Near the end of the service, two minutes of silence were observed in the Abbey and throughout the entirety of the United Kingdom. God Save the King was played as the Queen's coffin was carried out of the building..At 12 a.m., the Queen's coffin was loaded back onto the state gun carriage and carried through London. Thousands gathered at designated views areas to watch as the coffin made its was towards Hyde Park Corner and the Wellington Arch..At Wellington Arch, the Queen's coffin was loaded into the back of a hearse and the motorcade made its way towards Windsor. Thousands of onlookers cheered and threw flowers onto the road as the convoy drove by..Once the hearse arrives at Windsor there will be a smaller committal service at St George's Chapel, conducted by Dean of Windsor David Conner.This afternoon, Elizabeth will be buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle alongside her husband, Prince Philip, her parents, and the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret.
