The most poignant photos from Queen Elizabeth II's funeral
Her Majesty's funeral marked a true moment in history
Following her passing at the age of 96, Queen Elizabeth II has left behind an long-lasting legacy after 70 years on the throne. To commemorate her remarkable life, Her Majesty was honoured with a state funeral on 19 September 2022 - something typically only reserved for the likes of royalty, although former Prime Minister Winston Churchill was also given one in 1965.
The emotional event marking Her Majesty's death saw all of the Royal Family band together, with the Queen's four children, King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, along with grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry walking together behind the coffin, as it made its way from lying-in-state at the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey.
A 2,000-strong congregation was also present, including high-profile political figures from around the world (such as the US President, Joe Biden), celebrities and the Queen's wider family too, such as Her Majesty's great-grandchildren, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Around 3,000 military personnel were on parade in London on the day of the Queen's funeral too (spanning the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force), given that Her Majesty was Commander-in-Chief.
The day began with the doors opening at Westminster Abbey at 8am, allowing ample time for the thousands of guests to be seated, before Her Majesty's coffin departed from lying-in-state and arrived at the Gothic abbey church at 11am (which was also the site for many joyful moments in the Queen's life too, including her wedding to Prince Philip of Greece, to whom Her Majesty was married for 73 years).
Here, we take a look at some of the history-in-the-making photos from the Queen's funeral:
Prince William, Prince Harry and Peter Phillips
Prince William, Prince Harry and their cousin, Peter Phillips (Princess Anne's son), look emotional as they walk behind their grandmother The Queen's coffin.
Flags on display at The Mall
King Charles III's motorcade is driven along The Mall, London, en route to Her Majesty The Queen's state funeral.
Members of the Royal Navy surround the Queen's coffin
The procession of Her Majesty's coffin saw a "98-strong team of sailors, known as the Sovereign’s Guard, pull the carriage by rope in a tradition dating back to the funeral of Queen Victoria, while 40 sailors march[ed] behind the carriage to act as a brake" (via Forces).
King Charles III during the coffin procession
The Queen's eldest son, the newly proclaimed King Charles III, appeared visibly moved during the coffin procession from Westminster Palace to Westminster Abbey.
The procession at The Mall, London (close to Buckingham Palace)
Coldstream Guards proceed down The Mall ahead of Queen Elizabeth's funeral.
The Royal Family follow the coffin
Pictured walking together: Prince William, Prince Edward, Prince Harry, King Charles III, Princess Anne, Peter Phillips and Prince Andrew.
Mourners line the streets
Members of the public watched as the carriage transporting the late Queen made its way through central London
Police officers march into position ahead of the procession
Police officers were seen getting into position ahead of the funeral procession embarking from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch at Hyde Park.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, enters Westminster Abbey
Amongst those who attended the Queen's funeral service were Prince Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice arrive
The daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, arrive for their grandmother's funeral.
Other royals from around the world arrive at Westminster Abbey
Queen Letitzia of Spain, King Felipe VI of Spain, Queen Rania of Jordan and Abdullah II of Jordan arrive at Westminster Abbey ahead of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince George, Camilla, the Queen Consort, and the Princess of Wales
One of the Queen's great-grandchildren, Prince George, pictured with his mother, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and step-grandmother, Camilla Queen Consort.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Princess Charlotte arrive at the Abbey
Prince William's wife and daughter entering Westminster Abbey.
President Joe Biden arrives
President Joe Biden attended the funeral service for Queen Elizabeth II along with his wife, the First Lady, Jill Biden.
Camilla, Queen Consort, arrives at Westminster Abbey
The second wife of King Charles III, Camilla, arrives at Westminster Abbey ahead of Her Majesty's funeral.
Five of the Queen's grandchildren enter the Abbey
Zara Tindall is seen holding hands with her husband, Mike Tindall, whilst entering the Abbey, followed by Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edo Mapelli Mozzi, and Lady Louise Windsor and her brother, James Viscount Severn.
Beefeaters and military personnel pass London landmark, Big Ben
The State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy, alongside Yeoman of the Guard, march towards Westminster Abbey.
The procession reaches Westminster Abbey
The Queen's coffin arrives outside Westminster Abbey ahead of a service for Her Majesty.
The Queen's coffin is carried into Westminster Abbey
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II (complete with the Imperial State Crown on top) is carried into Westminster Abbey by the Bearer Party.
The coffin is carried into Westminster Abbey
After arriving around 11am, the Queen's coffin is carried into Westminster Abbey for the memorial service, conducted by the dean of Windsor, David Conner, with a blessing from the archbishop of Canterbury.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
