Queen's funeral: World's final goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II in state funeral at Westminster Abbey

Mourners across the United Kingdom and beyond joined together in a show of respect for the late Queen Elizabeth II as her state funeral was held at Westminster Abbey.
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Queen Elizabeth II ruled over the UK and Commonwealth for more than 70 years, celebrating her Platinum Jubilee earlier in 2022. She was Britain's longest-serving monarch, ascending the throne in 1952 and remaining dedicated to her duty until her death on Thursday, September 8 at the age of 96.

Tributes were paid to her lifetime of service at the state funeral on Monday, September 19 with some of the world's most prestigious leaders and politicians joining the Royal Family in paying their respects.

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The nation fell quiet as a two-minute silence was held to mark the end of the funeral service, followed by a burst of applause and emotion as the national anthem, now God Save the King, rang out across the Abbey and elsewhere.

An historic day on Monday, September 19 as Britain's longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, is laid to rest in Windsor after a state funeral at Westminster Abbey. Pictures: Getty Images.An historic day on Monday, September 19 as Britain's longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, is laid to rest in Windsor after a state funeral at Westminster Abbey. Pictures: Getty Images.
An historic day on Monday, September 19 as Britain's longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, is laid to rest in Windsor after a state funeral at Westminster Abbey. Pictures: Getty Images.

Mourners lined the streets in London and surrounded Windsor Castle in an incredible show of respect for the Queen and all she represented to so many.

Her final resting place is the King George VI memorial chapel, in Windsor, alongside her late husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He died in April 2021, at the age of 99.

With well-wishers from across the globe present in London to play a part in the landmark occasion, we brought you coverage from our reporter Georgina Cutler in the capital as well as from across the North East with the rest of our team.

See our coverage from Queen Elizabeth II’s final journey below

Queen Elizabeth II: World’s final goodbye to the Queen in state funeral at Westminster Abbey - updates

Key Events

  • History is made as the state funeral for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II took place at Westminster Abbey in London on Monday, September 19.
  • Thousands of well-wishers are in London to pay their respects, as world leaders and global politicians visit for the service.
  • The service marks the last day of national mourning following the death of the Queen. The period of Royal Mourning will continue until seven days after the funeral.

A message from King Charles III

“Over the last ten days, my wife and I have been so deeply touched by the many messages of condolence and support we have received from this country and across the world.

In London, Edinburgh, Hillsborough and Cardiff we were moved beyond measure by everyone who took the trouble to come and pay their respects to the lifelong service of my dear mother, The late Queen.

As we all prepare to say our last farewell, I wanted simply to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those countless people who have been such a support and comfort to my Family and myself in this time of grief.”

His Majesty the King

Shops closed, adjusted opening hours and quiet streets

Supermarkets have shut up shop on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.Supermarkets have shut up shop on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
Supermarkets have shut up shop on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

Our photographers are out and about in the North East this morning as families across the region prepare to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen.

Silent scenes at Boldon Asda and Morrisons at Seaburn.

Many supermarkets and other businesses are closed for the entirety of Monday, while some will open after 5pm.

Supermarkets have shut up shop on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.Supermarkets have shut up shop on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
Supermarkets have shut up shop on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

The Union flag, pictured flying at half-mast, in Rhodes Harbour on Monday morning.

Union flag at half-past in Rhodes Harbour.Union flag at half-past in Rhodes Harbour.
Union flag at half-past in Rhodes Harbour.

Taking a closer look at Hartlepool

Hartlepool’s streets are normally bustling on a Monday morning.

Ahead of the Queen’s state funeral, however, they were unusually quiet with schools and a host of supermarkets and businesses closed.

Victory Square, Hartlepool.Victory Square, Hartlepool.
Victory Square, Hartlepool.

Crowds cheered and clapped as the King was driven into New Palace Yard ahead of the removal of the Queen’s coffin from Westminster Hall.

Charles and the Prince of Wales arrived in one vehicle, while the Duke of Sussex and Peter Phillips emerged from the car behind.

The 123-year-old gun carriage on which the Queen’s coffin will be towed has been pulled into New Palace Yard by 98 Royal Navy sailors.

Members of the Royal Family arrive at Westminster Abbey

Members of the royal family (left to right, from front) Arthur Chatto and Daniel Chatto, Mike Tindall and Zara Tindall, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank , Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn arriving at Westminster Abbey. Picture: PA.Members of the royal family (left to right, from front) Arthur Chatto and Daniel Chatto, Mike Tindall and Zara Tindall, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank , Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn arriving at Westminster Abbey. Picture: PA.
Members of the royal family (left to right, from front) Arthur Chatto and Daniel Chatto, Mike Tindall and Zara Tindall, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank , Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn arriving at Westminster Abbey. Picture: PA.

The procession begins

The State Gun Carriage carrying the Queen’s coffin has begun its funeral procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey.

The coffin has been draped in the Royal Standard and carries the Imperial State Crown and a wreath of flowers containing plants from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Highgrove House.

Leading the procession are around 200 pipers and drummers of Scottish and Irish Regiments, the Brigade of Gurkhas and RAF.

Walking behind the carriage are the King and his siblings, followed by the Prince of Wales, Duke of Sussex and Peter Phillips.

The State Gun Carriage has also been previously used for the funerals of King Edward VII, King George V, King George VI, Winston Churchill, and Lord Mountbatten.

A piper shows his respects at the Heugh Battery Museum

The Lord’s my shepherd

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥’𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘥; 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵

𝘏𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘦

I𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯; 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦

T𝘩𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘺.

Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral is about to begin at Westminster Abbey.

The State Gun Carriage carries the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s orb and sceptre. Picture: PA.The State Gun Carriage carries the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s orb and sceptre. Picture: PA.
The State Gun Carriage carries the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s orb and sceptre. Picture: PA.

Respects to our Queen

Members of the clergy at Westminster Abbey. Picture: PA.Members of the clergy at Westminster Abbey. Picture: PA.
Members of the clergy at Westminster Abbey. Picture: PA.