Buckingham Palace has unveiled detailed plans for the upcoming state funeral of the Queen, marking a poignant moment as the nation bids farewell to its beloved monarch.
Among the arrangements disclosed today is the participation of Kate and Sophie Wessex, who are slated to join the funeral procession by car, adding a touch of solemnity and grandeur to the historic event.
The procession, set to take place next Monday, will be led by King Charles, who will guide members of the royal family in a somber march from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey, where the state funeral will be held.
Notably, Kate, William, and the Countess of Wessex, known for her close bond with the late Queen, will be among those traveling by car, while Meghan finds herself excluded from this privilege by Charles.
In a previous departure from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, Kate and Sophie shared a vehicle as they accompanied Her Majesty on her final journey.
Meanwhile, Charles, after spending a private day at his residence in Gloucestershire, is expected to walk alongside his siblings Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward during the procession to Westminster Abbey.
Following closely behind will be Prince William, Prince Harry, and Peter Phillips, all expressing their shared grief for their grandmother despite any past differences.
The solemn march will also include Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Earl of Snowdon, paying their respects to the late Queen.
The ceremonial carriage bearing the Queen’s coffin, a historic 123-year-old gun carriage, will be pulled by 98 Royal Navy sailors as part of a tradition dating back to Queen Victoria’s funeral.
The procession will be accompanied by the stirring music of Scottish and Irish regiments, the Brigade of Kirkers, and the Royal Air Force, totaling 200 musicians.
Inside Westminster Abbey, a congregation of two thousand individuals, including dignitaries and foreign royals, will gather to honor the late Queen.
Notable figures such as US President Joe Biden and French leader Emmanuel Macron are expected to attend the service, which will commence at 11am following the seating of the guests.
As the service progresses, poignant moments such as the sounding of the last post at 11.55am and a two-minute national silence will mark the culmination of the funeral proceedings.
Mourners have already begun to pay their respects at Westminster Hall, with queue times stretching up to 4.9 miles and lasting as long as nine hours, prompting a surge of visitors from across the country.
With a live stream tracking the queue’s progress, attendees are advised to prepare for extended waiting periods, potentially reaching up to 30 hours depending on the influx of visitors.
The queue, currently extending almost 10 miles, is equipped with essential facilities like portable toilets and water stations to ensure the comfort and well-being of those in attendance.
In this solemn moment of national mourning, Brits are urged to dress appropriately and bring necessary provisions while awaiting their turn to bid farewell to the late Queen.
As the nation unites in remembrance, the state funeral stands as a poignant tribute to a monarch who left an indelible mark on British history.
