Queen of the People

The British are extremely good at ceremonies, and the late Queen’s procession today from Buckingham Palace to lie in state at Westminster Hall was no exception. The procession was led by mounted police, the Household Cavalry and the Grenadier and Scots Guards. Seven black horses pulled the open gun carriage bearing her coffin, and she was followed on the forty minute journey by her four children walking behind the gun carriage, with grandsons William and Harry behind them as well as members of her household. The coffin was draped with the Royal Standard and on top of it, sitting on a cushion, was the Imperial State Crown, lined in purple and sparkling with jewels. It was really beautiful and it was sad that she will never wear it again. 

You could hear Big Ben tolling mournfully and guns being fired from Hyde Park every 60 seconds. I was very proud that Cat was one of the many people who were lining the streets to watch the Queen go by. On arrival at Westminster Hall the Queen’s coffin was carried inside by six young soldiers, and placed carefully on a plinth, where she will lie in state for four days until her funeral on Monday. And after a short service, members of the public, some of whom had started queueing days ago, were allowed into the hall and started filing past the coffin. This was the part that moved me most. The people walked past quietly and solemnly, pausing to bow their heads towards her, some making the sign of the cross. It made me realise that the Queen didn’t just head up the Royals or the Armed Forces, she was the Queen of the people of the country, and many of these people were standing in miles long queues, just to pay their respects and to say farewell. Of course I’m aware that many people are not keen on the monarchy, and I respect their opinions, but now is not the time for debate. It’s the time, for those who wish to do so, to reflect on the long and dedicated reign of the Queen.