Thousands of world leaders, dignitaries, and loved ones have gathered at Westminster Abbey to pay their respects to the incredible life of Queen Elizabeth II.
After the lying in state officially closed to the public, Her Majesty’s coffin was moved from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey for the service, which is being led by Dean of Westminster David Hoyle
Thousands have gathered to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby gave the sermon.
“We come to this House of God. To a place of prayer, to a church where remembrance and hope are sacred duties. Here, where Queen Elizabeth was married and crowned, we gather from across the nation, from the Commonwealth, and from the nations of the world, to mourn our loss, to remember her long life of selfless service, and in sure confidence to commit her to the mercy of God our maker and redeemer,” he said.
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“With gratitude we remember her unswerving commitment to a high calling over so many years.”
“As Queen and head of the Commonwealth. With admiration we recall her lifelong sense of duty and dedication to her people.”
“With affection we really her love for her family and her commitment to the causes she hold dear. Now, in silence, let us, in our hearts and minds, recall our many reasons for Thanksgiving. Pray for all members of her family, and commend Queen Elizabeth to the care and keeping of almighty God.”
The funeral was held at Westminster Abbey.
Prime Minister Liz Truss also read a lesson.
“Let not your hart be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father’s House are many mansions,” she said.
“If were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto myself. That where I am thy ye may be also. Whether I go you know, and the way ye know, Thomas sayeth unto him how can we know the way.”
The Queen performed her duties until the very end.
Memorialising the monarch’s life and reign was always going to be a hard task. From the age of 25, she gave the ultimate sacrifice as she pledged her duty of the people. And on the throne she remained for 70 years, working until the very end.\
Just 48 hours before the announcement of her death silenced the world, Her Majesty officially swore in the 56th British Prime Minister, Liz Truss, at Balmoral castle.
For the occasion, the monarch donned a grey plaid skirt, blouse and matching cardigan as she shook hands with the nation’s new leader.
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Earlier this year, The Queen attended her Platinum Jubilee celebrations – which marked the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne.
The 96-year-old looked in good spirits as she appeared on the balcony for Trooping The Colour.
Although she had to cancel her appearance at the Service of Thanksgiving, the sovereign delighted royal observers by making a surprise balcony appearance following the Platinum Pageant.
Over her 70 year reign, Queen Elizabeth visited 110 countries including New Zealand on numerous occasions.
Beyond her professional achievements, she was married to her husband, Prince Philip, for 73 years, with whom she shared four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
The Queen lived enough life to last the end of time, and her impact on the Commonwealth will never wane.
