It is not yet the end of Elizabeth II’s coffin odyssey, but it is one of its most moving milestones. After its installation this Wednesday afternoon in one of the oldest rooms of the British Parliament, the Hall of the Palace of Westminster, and a brief homily delivered by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who will officiate the funeral, the British finally showed they were allowed to parade near the catafalque where the remains of their former sovereign rest.
The parade, therefore, has started this Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. local time, or 6:00 p.m. in France, as specified in the official program.
About fifteen kilometers online
But whether we look at the spindles of Greenwich or Paris, it is therefore time for the last farewell of British subjects to their late queen. Now they have four full days to do it, and even a little more. Indeed, the Hall of the Palace of Westminster will not close its doors until Monday at 6:30 a.m. Meanwhile, and always on schedule, the place will be open to the public 24 hours a day.
And it will take at least that much to satiate the emotion of the citizens already present by the thousands around Parliament, and whose queues extend over fifteen kilometers according to estimates provided by AFP. Some, in addition, arrived at the place from Wednesday.
Two minutes of silence and one last ride
Next Monday, first thing in the morning, the British mourners will have to stop their procession around this coffin that they will see nothing but the royal remains – hidden under the royal banner and various attributes of the British monarchy, including the imperial crown. – and leave the premises. Because then it will be a matter of making the last preparations before the funeral, scheduled for 11 in the morning, in the presence of 500 international leaders.
They will also take place in Westminster, but this time in the Abbey, a stone’s throw from Parliament. At the same time, the British people will have to respect two minutes of silence.
After Monday’s funeral, all that remains is to proceed with the royal burial. The coffin will then be transported to Windsor Castle, Elizabeth II’s favorite residence, with her Scottish base at Balmoral. This is where the royal burial will take place, in the vault of St George’s Chapel. According to the official program, she will rest there with her husband, Prince Felipe and 25 of her ancestors.
There is no doubt that there will still be many anonymous people to congregate along the 37 kilometers that separate London from Windsor. For one more “last” farewell.
Source: BFM TV
