The last public tribute to Queen Elizabeth took place on Monday afternoon in the Gothic chapel of St. George in Windsor Castle, “where she prayed so often,” writes AFP.

After a solemn funeral in Westminster Abbey and a long journey from the abbey, the coffin of the late 96-year-old sovereign arrived at the castle to applause and tears from a huge crowd that had gathered around the royal residence since the morning, where the sovereign has lived for most of the time since the Covid pandemic.

Following King Charles III and the Queen’s three other children, as well as Crown Prince William and his brother Harry, the hearse made its way down immaculate driveways to the castle, amid freshly mowed lawns, some of which were covered with wreaths sent by the King. of Spain and the President of France.

Carried by grenadiers, who had discarded their famous fur caps for the occasion, the sovereign’s remains ascended the steps of St George’s Chapel.

Then, to the singing of the male choir, he crossed the nave and reached the hearse covered with crimson velvet.

In opening remarks under the imposing fan arch, the Dean of Windsor, David Conner, paid tribute to “the fruits of his lifelong service to the nation, the Commonwealth and the world”.

“Peace and dignity

“Here in St George’s Chapel, where he prayed so often,” recalled the dean, the monarch, who reigned for 70 years, seven months and two days, wanted a final, more intimate ceremony – with around 800 people – than the grand, organized in the morning in Westminster Abbey in the presence of numerous heads of state and crowned persons.

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The Gothic chapel, which dates back to 1475, is dear to the royal family, who have celebrated numerous baptisms and weddings here, such as those of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, or historic funerals, starting with the funeral of the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip. , in 2021, and his father, King George VI, on February 15, 1952.

“In the midst of our fast-moving and often turbulent world, her calm and dignified presence gave us the confidence to look to the future as she did with courage and hope,” said David Conner, paying tribute to “her long and blessed life.” “.

Songs and prayers followed, and then Reverend Kenneth McKenzie paid tribute to Elizabeth II’s “life of service, love and faith” in prayer.

God save the king

Most of the details of the ceremony were discussed several times with the Queen herself, including the music, which was mainly composed by William Harris, the chapel organist in the monarch’s youth, who is said to have taught her to play the piano.

After a few songs featuring Charles, Harry and William, the royal scepter, orb and imperial crown, symbols of the power of the British monarchy, were removed from the coffin in contemplative silence and placed on three purple cushions at the altar.

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Then the Queen’s personal musician played the bagpipes, gradually moving away from the chapel.

The ceremony ended with a moving “God Save the King” to the music of Bach, before the casket reached the royal crypt.

The latest ceremony was held on Monday night for members of the royal family only, and details of the ceremony have not been released, with Buckingham Palace calling it a “deeply personal family event”.

UPDATE 11:20 p.mQueen Elizabeth II was buried in Windsor

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