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Queen Elizabeth II Funeral Procession Order: Its Significance

TThe funeral procession of Queen Elizabeth II began at Westminster Abbey. It was then transferred to a gun carriage that was pulled by 142 Royal Navy members through central London. Before the trip to Windsor, the coffin will be taken through central London to Wellington Arch.

A purple cushion was placed over the coffin to support the imperial state crown. A simple note from King Charles II that was nestled in the wreath on the coffin read, “in loving and devoted memory—Charles R.” The wreath included rosemary, English Oak and myrtle that was once part of the Queen’s wedding bouquet.

Walking behind the queen’s coffin as the procession filed out of the church were the King and Queen Consort, then the Princess Royal, followed by the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex. With their children George, Charlotte, and the Duke and Duchess Sussex, they were followed by Prince and Princess Wales.

Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, King Charles III, and Anne, Princess Royal walk alongside Yeoman of the Guards at the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. (Getty Images—2022 Getty Images)

Prince William of Wales and Prince Richard, Prince of Gloucester, Prince Harry, Prince of Sussex, Prince Harry, Prince Harry, Prince Harry, Prince Harry, Prince of Sussex, King Charles III, Anne, Princess Royal, walk beside Yeomans the Guards at Queen Elizabeth’s State Funeral.

Getty Images—2022 Getty Images

As the King led the procession through Buckingham Palace, staff members at the palace lined up to pay respects in front.

Camilla, Queen Consort, followed Prince George and Princess Charlotte in a car as they lowered the coffin.

The Duchess and Sophie Wessex, as well as Princesses Beatrice (and Eugenie) also took another vehicle.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police led the journey through London. Members of Commonwealth and U.K armed forces also participated.

It lasted a mile and a quarter.

The funeral procession began with the transfer of the coffin from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey.

The King had led the procession behind his mother’s coffin on that short journey along with Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Prince William, Prince Harry and Peter Phillips (son of Princess Anne) walked alongside them.

Prince Andrew, Prince Harry and Prince Harry have ceased to be working royals. They are currently wearing morning suits while King George and the other royals are still in their military uniforms.

The bearer party made up of members of the Queen’s guard carried the coffin from the gun carriage.

Tradition dates back to Queen Victoria’s 1901 funeral.

Grenadier Guards was one of Britain’s most senior infantry regiments and brought the coffin to the Abbey.

Once the coffin arrives in Windsor, there will be a third procession to St George’s Chapel in the castle grounds.

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