It’s moment in history awaits: The funeral gun carriage that will carry the Queen’s coffin to Westminster Abbey towed by 98 Royal Navy sailors is prepared outside Parliament 57 years after it used at Churchill’s state service
- Pictures taken this morning show the historic State Gun Carriage being unloaded outside Parliament Square
- In total, more than Royal Navy 100 sailors will take part in ceremony and using ropes to tow the gun carriage
- Queen Elizabeth’s funeral is taking place at Westminster Abbey at 11am this morning with London set to be full
- The Queen’s funeral: All the latest Royal Family news and coverage
The historic gun carriage that will transport the Queen’s coffin to Westminster Abbey later today has been pictured in preparations outside Parliament this morning – 57 years after it was used at Churchill’s state service.
The State Gun carriage will set off at 10.44am, drawn in spectacular style by 98 Royal Navy sailors known as the Sovereign’s Guard who will pull on ropes attached to the carriage’s front wheels, drawing the late monarch forward.
A further 40 sailors will serve as a brake at the rear, tugging on ropes fixed to the carriage’s back wheel during the funeral procession with each part of the day timed to perfection in what could be the biggest international event in decades.
Pictures taken this morning showed the State gun carriage being unloaded by military personnel in Parliament Square in the early hours of this morning.
The carriage has been in the care of the Royal Navy since 1901, when it was removed from active service for the funeral of Queen Victoria.
The carriage has since been used for the funerals of King Edward VII in 1910 and King George V in 1936, King George VI in 1952, Sir Winston Churchill in 1965 and was last called into action for the funeral of Lord Mountbatten in 1979.
Pictured: A gun carriage is unloaded by military personnel in Parliament Square ahead of the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth
The carriage has been in the care of the navy since 1901, when it was removed from active service for Queen Victoria’s funeral
Pictured: Members of the public file past the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, lying in state on the catafalque in Westminster Hall
The tradition of being transported on the State Gun Carriage was started by Queen Victoria who requested that she be buried as ‘a soldier’s daughter’ and since then it has been tradition for the gun carriage to be drawn by a royal guard of sailors.
While in the past, the carriage has been pulled by horses, the plan has long been for Queen Elizabeth II to be carried on the carriage with sailors using ropes rather than horses to pull it along.
The historic carriage, which weighs 2.5tonnes, was made by Vickers, Sons and Maxim in 1896.
The navy’s State Ceremonial Team will be commanded by Captain Catherine Jordan, who said: ‘She’s our Commander-in-Chief, we want to do our best for her in her last moments here, and we want to do our very best for our new Commander-in-Chief, King Charles.’
In total, more than 1,000 sailors and marines, some as young as 18, will carry out ceremonial duties during the funeral procession and have been drawn from ships and squadrons across the world.
Rear Admiral Jude Terry, who is responsible for planning the navy’s contribution, said: ‘For everybody within the parade, they will have their moment of reflection and honour to be able to have served her, as well as a moment of sadness.
‘We will all feel a great deal of emotion; she will have meant so much to us all in very different ways, all of us will have been touched by her presence in some way.
‘And then also as a reflection and a look-forward, how do we carry on and serve HM the King as we go forward in our careers, and that too comes with an almost desire to do the best for him as we can.’
Pictured above: Sir Winston Churchill’s coffin and the State Gun carriage pulled by a brigade of Guards, January 30, 1965
Pictured: Royal Navy personnel take part in rehearsals for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral at HMS Collingwood, Fareham
Pictured: Royal Navy personnel take part in rehearsals for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral at HMS Collingwood, Fareham
Rehearsals take place as the Royal Navy prepare for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at HMS Collingwood on September 13
Rear Admiral Jude Terry, director people and training, who is responsible for the Navy’s funeral planning and is the Navy’s first female admiral, said: ‘I know that for everyone who is a part of it, it is an absolute honour and privilege.
Cdr Elliot, who will be part of the gun carriage contingent, said previously: ‘I was privileged and fortunate enough to command the detachment that took on public duties in 2017.
What will happen today as the Queen is laid to rest?
– Lying in state
The lying in state will end at 6.30am on Monday, before the Queen’s coffin is taken to Westminster Abbey for the funeral service.
– Funeral service at Westminster Abbey
At 8am, the congregation will begin to take their seats in the abbey.
Heads of state and overseas government representatives, including foreign royal families, governors-general and realm prime ministers will first gather at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea before travelling to Westminster.
Just after 10.35am, a bearer party from The Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, will lift the coffin from a wooden frame and carry it to the Royal Navy’s State Gun Carriage by the North Door of Westminster Hall.
The carriage will depart at 10.44am, drawn by 142 Royal Naval personnel. It will be followed by the King, other members of the royal family, the King’s Household and the Household of the Prince of Wales.
The procession will arrive at the West Gate of Westminster Abbey at 10.52am and the coffin will be lifted off the carriage by the bearer party and carried inside.
Before the service, the tenor bell will toll every minute for 96 minutes, reflecting the years of the Queen’s life.
The funeral will begin at 11am.
At 11.55am, The Last Post will mark the beginning of a national two-minute silence.
The Queen’s Piper will then play Reveille, the national anthem and a lament to bring the service to a close at around 12pm.
– The procession and onwards to Windsor
The Queen’s coffin will be carried back to the gun carriage before the procession steps off from Westminster Abbey at 12.15pm.
The procession will move through Broad Sanctuary Parliament Square (south and east sides), Parliament Street, Whitehall, Horse Guards including Horse Guards Arch, Horse Guards Road, The Mall, Queen’s Gardens (south and west sides), Constitution Hill and Apsley Way, before arriving at Wellington Arch at 1pm.
The coffin will be lifted off the gun carriage and placed in the state hearse, which will depart for Windsor as the parade gives a royal salute and the national anthem is played.
The King and the Queen Consort, the Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the royal family will depart for Windsor by car.
The hearse will approach Shaw Farm Gate in Albert Road, Windsor, and join the procession, which will have been formed up and in position to step off at 3.10pm.
– The committal service
The service will mark the end of public ceremonial arrangements, and will begin at 4pm.
The door of St George’s Chapel will open for the congregation at 3.20pm, with members of the royal family not in the procession arriving for the service at 3.25pm.
The hearse will process along Albert Road, Long Walk, Cambridge Gate, Cambridge Drive, George IV Gate, Quadrangle (south and west sides), Engine Court, Norman Arch, Chapel Hill and the Parade Ground.
The procession, which will have been joined by the King and other family members on the north side of the quadrangle as it passes into Engine Court, will arrive at the West Steps of the chapel in Horseshoe Cloister at 3.53pm.
The bearer party will lift the coffin from the hearse and it will be carried in procession up the steps into St George’s Chapel before the committal service.
It is not known how long the service will last.
The King and members of the royal family will depart from the Galilee Porch for Windsor Castle once the service concludes.
– The private burial service
The Dean of Windsor will conduct a burial service attended by the King and members of the royal family at 7.30pm.
The Queen will be buried with the Duke of Edinburgh at King George VI Memorial Chapel.
‘Now I have been privileged to be selected as the second in command for the Royal Navy contingent supporting Her Majesty’s funeral.
‘I will have the sombre honour of marching in front of the gun carriage carrying Her Majesty’s body on her final journey.
‘Something perhaps a little more poignant for me is it will be my last action in uniform after 32 years’ service before I actually leave the Royal Navy.’
He added: ‘The royal family is incredibly important to the Royal Navy, our relationship is second to none. There is a fondness between monarch, whether that be Queen Elizabeth or King Charles, and us which will not change and is fundamental and central to everything we do.
‘They were Her Majesty’s ships, they are now His Majesty’s ships; that connection is strong and powerful from the most junior sailor to the most senior officer.’
Speaking during rehearsals for the historic event, Able Seaman Ryan Howarth, 25, whose father was a major in the Army and who met the Queen at a royal garden party, said: ‘I feel very honoured. I didn’t think I would ever get to do something like this in my career, and to do it after eight months of being in it is very shocking. I wasn’t expecting to do something like this but (am) deeply honoured about it.
‘My grandma recently passed away this year while I was doing my training so I never got to attend her funeral. I am not saying this is her funeral but I probably have emotions come up on the day.’
The Queen has been lying in state at Westminster Hall with both her children and grandchildren mounting separate vigils on Friday and Saturday respectively.
As the coffin is taken from New Palace Yard to Westminster Abbey, a procession will be led by the massed pipes and drums of Scottish and Irish Regiments, the Brigade of Gurkhas and the RAF.
The royal mourners will walk immediately behind the Queen’s coffin. This includes the King and his siblings, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal and the Earl of Wessex.
Behind them will be three of the Queen’s grandchildren – the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex and Peter Phillips.
Finally Princess Anne’s husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of Gloucester and the Earl of Swindon will follow on.
The procession is due to arrive at the West Gate of Westminster Abbey at 10:52am, shortly before the funeral begins at 11am in which the life will be remembered of the longest-serving British monarch.
The funeral itself, starting at 11am, will be conducted by the Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle. There will be a collection of readings, prayers and hymns as well as a sermon by the Archbishop of Canterbury who also gives the Commendation.
At 11.55am the Last Post will sound before a two minutes’ silence. This will be followed by Reveille, the National Anthem at 12pm and a Lament played by the Queen’s piper which will signal the end of the State funeral.
The Bearer Party, headed by the King and Queen Consort, will return the coffin to the gun carriage for its procession to Wellington Arch – where members of the public will line the streets to watch.
The Princess Royal and her husband will be behind the King and Queen Consort. Behind them will be the Duke of York – who yesterday released a tribute to his late mother – followed by the Wessexes.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will be behind them and in a last-minute announcement, their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte will attend their great-grandmother’s funeral and join the Bearer Party.
They will be in front of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Earl of Swindon and Peter Phillips. Finally, the Duke of Gloucester, Prince Michael of Kent and the Duke of Kent will be at the back of the coffin.
The procession, which many will never have seen anything like before, will begin at 12.15pm, where the coffin will be followed by King Charles and the Royal Family.
The Queen Consort,with the Princess of Wales, and the Duchess of Sussex, with the Countess of Wessex, will follow behind in a car.
Guns will be fired every minute in Hyde Park and Big Ben will toll during the procession despite the clock tower being under urgent investigation after it failed to chime during the nation’s minute of silence last night.
Hundreds of thousands of mourners are expected to line the 1.7 mile route which goes past The Mall and Buckingham Palace before reaching Wellington Arch at 1pm.
Here, the coffin will be transferred to State Hearse as it is driven to Windsor to the sound of the National Anthem on departure.
TV coverage of the funeral will be on BBC, ITV and Sky all day and members of the public out in the capital can view it on screens in Hyde Park.
At 3.06pm, the State Hearse will join the procession in Windsor as it goes past thousands of mourners lining up The Long Walk to Windsor Castle.
The Queen’s grandchildren followed their parent’s vigil by standing guard at their grandmother’s coffin on Saturday evening
King Charles and his siblings, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne and Prince Edward mounted a vigil for their mother on Friday
Mourners have already been seen carrying their belongings and sitting in camp chairs as they look to secure an early spot along the procession route.
King Charles and the other royals are expected to walk directly behind the coffin at around 3.40pm before the procession halts at the bottom of the West Steps of St George’s Chapel at 3.53pm.
The Queen Consort, with the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex with the Countess of Wessex will once again follow by car.
The Bearer Party will lift the coffin from the State Hearse in what is set to be a deeply emotional moment as they carry it up the West Steps where it will be welcomed by a guard of honour.
At 4pm a televised Committal Service will begin, conducted by the Dean of Windsor. The procession will enter the chapel and proceed down the centre aisle to the catafalque in the Quire.
Prior to the final hymn the Imperial State Crown, the Orb and the Sceptre will be removed from the coffin by the Crown Jeweller.
The Queen will be lowered into the Royal Vault as the Dean of Windsor reads a final psalm and commendation before the Archbishop of Canterbury gives a final blessing. This will be followed by the singing of God Save The King.
There will be a private, non-televised service at 7.30pm for the King and members of the Royal Family where Her Majesty will be buried together with her husband Prince Philip at the King George VI Memorial chapel.
As well as the unloading of the gun carriage, preparations are well underway for the funeral with police closing roads in London and motorists were warned to avoid driving in parts of the capital amid one of Britain’s biggest transport operations in history.
Road closures began to come in from 6am today on the A4 and the A30 in West London towards Windsor, with full closures in both directions after 10am, which are not likely to be lifted until the evening.
Multiple closures on local roads along the A4 will also be in place. People looking to drive around central, West and South West London were advised to check before they travel, allow extra time and expect long delays.
Bus routes will also be severely affected with many routes diverted or stopping short of their destinations. Between one and two million people are expected to visit the capital for the funeral which begins at 11am.
ORDER OF SERVICE FOR QUEEN’S FUNERAL IN FULL
Here is the order of service for the Queen’s state funeral, which will take place at 11am at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19, in full:
The service is conducted by The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE, Dean of Westminster. The service is sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey and the Choir of the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, (Joseph McHardy, Director of Music) under the direction of James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers, Westminster Abbey. The State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry are led by Trumpet Major Julian Sandford. The Fanfare Team of the Household Division Bands is conducted by Lieutenant Colonel David Barringer MBE, Commanding Officer, Household Division Bands. The organ is played by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist, Westminster Abbey.
Before the service, the tenor bell is tolled every minute for 96 minutes, reflecting the years of Queen Elizabeth II’s life. Members of Foreign Royal Families, Heads of State, and Overseas Government Representatives are received at the Great West Door by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster and are conducted to their seats in the Lantern. All remain seated.
Music before the service:
Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist, Westminster Abbey, plays
Fantasia of four parts Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) Organist of Westminster Abbey 1623-25
Romanza (Symphony no 5 in D) Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) arranged by Robert Quinney (b 1976)
Reliqui domum meum Peter Maxwell Davies (1934-2016)
Meditation on ‘Brother James’s Air’ Harold Darke (1888-1976)
Prelude on ‘Ecce jam noctis’ Op 157 no 3 Healey Willan (1880-1968)
Psalm Prelude Set 1 no 2 Herbert Howells (1892-1983)
In the Country Op 194 no 2 Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924)
Fantasy on ‘O Paradise’ Malcolm Williamson (1931-2003)
Elegy Op 58 Edward Elgar (1857-1934) arranged by Matthew Jorysz (b 1992)
The Sub-Organist plays
Andante espressivo (Sonata in G Op 28) Edward Elgar
Sospiri Op 70 Edward Elgar arranged by Peter Holder (b 1990)
The Procession of Religious Representatives moves to places in the Nave and the Sacrarium. All remain seated.
Verger
Mrs Marie van der Zyl President, Board of Deputies of British Jews
Dr Shirin Fozdar-Faroudi Representative of the Baha’i Community
Mr Nemu Chandaria OBE Representative of the Jain Community
Mr Malcolm Deboo Representative of the Zoroastrian Community
The Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Representative of the Buddhist Community
The Lord Singh of Wimbledon CBE Representative of the Sikh Community
Mr Rajnish Kashyap General Secretary, Hindu Council UK
Mrs Aliya Azam MBE Interfaith Co-ordinator, Al-Khoei Foundation
Shaykh Dr Asim Yusuf Muslim Scholar
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis Chief Rabbi of Great Britain and the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth
Verger
REPRESENTING THE CHURCHES OF WALES
The Reverend Simon Walkling President, Free Church Council of Wales
The Most Reverend Andrew John Archbishop of Wales
The Most Reverend Mark O’Toole Archbishop of Cardiff
REPRESENTING THE CHURCHES OF SCOTLAND
The Right Reverend Dr Iain Greenshields Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
The Most Reverend Leo Cushley Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh
The Most Reverend Mark Strange Primus, Scottish Episcopal Church
REPRESENTING THE CHURCHES OF NORTHERN IRELAND
The Reverend David Nixon President Methodist Church in Ireland
The Reverend Ian Brown Lead Minister Martyrs Memorial Free Presbyterian Church
The Right Reverend Dr John Kirkpatrick Moderator, The Presbyterian Church in Ireland
The Most Reverend Dr Eamon Martin Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland
The Most Reverend John McDowell Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland and Metropolitan
REPRESENTING THE CHURCHES IN ENGLAND
Pastor Agu Irukwu Senior Pastor, Jesus House UK
Pastor Glyn Barrett National Leader, Assemblies of God
The Reverend Canon Helen Cameron Moderator, Free Churches Group
Ms Shermara Fletcher Principal Officer for Pentecostal and Charismatic Relations, Churches Together in England
The Reverend Canon Graham Thompson President, Methodist Conference
His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos The Coptic Church in Great Britain
His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols Archbishop of Westminster
His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain
Serjeant of the Vestry
The Very Reverend Professor David Fergusson OBE Dean of the Thistle and of the Chapel Royal in Scotland
The Reverend Canon Paul Wright Sub-Dean of His Majesty’s Chapels Royal
The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE Bishop of London and Dean of His Majesty’s Chapels Royal
The Right Reverend David Conner KCVO Dean of Windsor
The Right Reverend James Newcome Clerk of the Closet
The Right Reverend Dr John Inge Lord High Almoner
Members of the Royal Family are received at the Great West Door by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster and are conducted to their seats in the Lantern. All remain seated.
The Choir of Westminster Abbey and the Choir of the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, proceed to places in the Nave and in Quire. All remain seated.
ORDER OF SERVICE
All stand as the Procession of the Coffin enters the Abbey.
The Choir of Westminster Abbey sings
THE SENTENCES
during which the Procession of the Coffin moves through the Abbey
I AM the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
John 11: 25-26
I KNOW that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God; whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another.
Job 19: 25-27
WE brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
William Croft (1678-1727) 1 Timothy 6: 7; Job 1: 21
Organist of Westminster Abbey 1708-27
The Choir of Westminster Abbey and the Choir of the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, sing
THOU knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts; shut not thy merciful ears unto our prayer; but spare us, Lord most holy, O God most mighty, O holy and most merciful Saviour, thou most worthy Judge eternal, suffer us not, at our last hour, for any pains of death, to fall from thee. Amen.
Henry Purcell (1659-95) The Book of Common Prayer 1549
Organist of Westminster Abbey 1679-95
HEARD a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, From henceforth blessed are I the dead which die in the Lord: even so saith the Spirit; for they rest from their labours. Amen.
William Croft Revelation 14: 13
Beadle
The Choir of Westminster Abbey
Mr James O’Donnell Organist and Master of the Choristers
Pursuivants and Heralds of Arms of Scotland:
March, Falkland
Linlithgow, Unicorn
Ormond, Carrick
Rothesay, Marchmont
Pursuivants and Heralds of Arms of England:
Portcullis, Bluemantle
Rouge Dragon, Wales
Norfolk, Maltravers
Windsor, York
Richmond
Kings of Arms:
Norroy and Ulster King of Arms
Lord Lyon King of Arms
Clarenceux King of Arms
Lady Usher of the Black Rod
Garter Principal King of Arms
Household of Queen Elizabeth II:
Master of the Horse Lord Steward
Director of the Royal Collection
Comptroller, Lord Chamberlain’s Office
Master of the Household
Keeper of the Privy Purse, Private Secretary
The Queen’s Page, The Queen’s Page, Palace Steward
Verger
The King’s Almsmen
Verger
Primatial Cross of York, Primatial Cross of Canterbury
The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan
The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan
The Cross of Westminster and Lights
The Reverend Robert Latham Minor Canon and Sacrist
The Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Precentor
Mr Paul Baumann CBE Receiver General
Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE High Bailiff of Westminster
Verger
The Venerable Tricia Hillas Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian and Almoner
The Right Reverend Anthony Ball Canon of Westminster and Rector of St Margaret’s Church
The Reverend David Stanton Sub-Dean and Canon Treasurer
Dean’s Verger
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE Dean of Westminster
Pall Bearers, Pall Bearers
Lord Chamberlain, Earl Marshal
HER MAJESTY’S COFFIN surmounted by The Imperial State Crown, The Orb and The Sceptre and borne by the Bearer Party
The Queen Consort, THE KING
Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, The Princess Royal
The Duke of York
The Countess of Wessex and Forfar, The Earl of Wessex and Forfar
The Princess of Wales, The Prince of Wales
Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales
The Duchess of Sussex, The Duke of Sussex
The Earl of Snowdon, Mr Peter Phillips
The Duke of Gloucester
Prince Michael of Kent, The Duke of Kent
Household of The former Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall:
Private Secretary, Principal Private Secretary
Equerry, Master of the Household
Household of The Prince and Princess of Wales:
Equerry
All remain standing. The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE, Dean of Westminster, gives
THE BIDDING
IN grief and also in profound thanksgiving we come to this House of God, to a place of prayer, to a church where remembrance and hope are sacred duties. Here, where Queen Elizabeth was married and crowned, we gather from across the nation, from the Commonwealth, and from the nations of the world, to mourn our loss, to remember her long life of selfless service, and in sure confidence to commit her to the mercy of God our maker and redeemer.
With gratitude we remember her unswerving commitment to a high calling over so many years as Queen and Head of the Commonwealth. With admiration we recall her life-long sense of duty and dedication to her people. With thanksgiving we praise God for her constant example of Christian faith and devotion. With affection we recall her love for her family and her commitment to the causes she held dear.
Now, in silence, let us in our hearts and minds recall our many reasons for thanksgiving, pray for all members of her family, and commend Queen Elizabeth to the care and keeping of almighty God.
A brief silence is kept.
MERCIFUL God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life; in whom whosoever believeth shall live, though he die; and whosoever liveth, and believeth in him, shall not die eternally; who hast taught us, by his holy Apostle Saint Paul, not to be sorry, as men without hope, for them that sleep in him: We meekly beseech thee, O Father, to raise us from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness; that, when we shall depart this life, we may rest in him, as our hope is this our sister doth; and that, at the general Resurrection in the last day, we may be found acceptable in thy sight; and receive that blessing, which thy well-beloved Son shall then pronounce to all that love and fear thee, saying, Come, ye blessed children of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. Grant this, we beseech thee, O merciful Father, through Jesus Christ, our mediator and redeemer. Amen.
All sing
THE HYMN
THE day thou gavest, Lord, is ended,
the darkness falls at thy behest;
to thee our morning hymns ascended,
thy praise shall sanctify our rest.
We thank thee that thy Church unsleeping,
while earth rolls onward into light,
through all the world her watch is keeping,
and rests not now by day or night.
As o’er each continent and island
the dawn leads on another day,
the voice of prayer is never silent,
nor dies the strain of praise away.
The sun that bids us rest is waking
our brethren ‘neath the western sky,
and hour by hour fresh lips are making
thy wondrous doings heard on high.
So be it, Lord; thy throne shall never,
like earth’s proud empires, pass away;
thy kingdom stands, and grows for ever,
till all thy creatures own thy sway.
St Clement John Ellerton (1826-93)
Clement Scholefield (1839-1904)
arranged by James O’Donnell (b 1961)
All sit. The Right Honourable the Baroness Scotland of Asthal KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, reads
THE FIRST LESSON
NOW is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15: 20-26, 53-end
Thanks be to God.
All remain seated. The choir sings
THE PSALM
LIKE as the hart desireth the water-brooks : so longeth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God : when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
My tears have been my meat day and night : while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God?
Now when I think thereupon, I pour out my heart by myself : for I went with the multitude, and brought them forth into the house of God;
In the voice of praise and thanksgiving : among such as keep holy-day.
Why art thou so full of heaviness, O my soul : and why art thou so disquieted within me?
Put thy trust in God : for I will yet give him thanks for the help of his countenance.
Judith Weir CBE (b 1954) Psalm 42: 1-7
composed for this Service
The Right Honourable Elizabeth Truss MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, reads
THE SECOND LESSON
LET not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.
John 14: 1-9a
Thanks be to God.
All stand to sing
THE HYMN
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.
My soul he doth restore again,
and me to walk doth make
within the paths of righteousness,
e’en for his own name’s sake.
The choir sings
Yea, though I walk through death’s dark vale,
yet will I fear none ill;
for thou art with me, and thy rod
and staff me comfort still.
All sing
My table thou hast furnished
in presence of my foes;
my head thou dost with oil anoint,
and my cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy all my life
shall surely follow me;
and in God’s house for evermore
my dwelling place shall be.
Crimond attributed to Jessie Seymour Irvine (1836-87) harmony by David Grant (1833-93) descant by William Baird Ross (1871-1950)
Psalm 23 in Scottish Psalter 1650
THE SERMON
The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby
Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan
All remain seated. The choir sings
THE ANTHEM
MY soul, there is a country
Far beyond the stars,
Where stands a winged sentry
All skilful in the wars:
There above noise, and danger,
Sweet Peace sits crowned with smiles,
And One born in a manger
Commands the beauteous files.
He is thy gracious friend,
And (O my soul, awake!)
Did in pure love descend,
To die here for thy sake.
If thou canst get but thither,
There grows the flower of Peace,
The Rose that cannot wither,
Thy fortress, and thy ease.
Leave then thy foolish ranges,
For none can thee secure,
But One who never changes,
Thy God, thy Life, thy Cure.
from Songs of Farewell Hubert Parry (1848-1918)
Henry Vaughan (1621-95)
The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor, leads
THE PRAYERS
In confidence and trust, let us pray to the Father.
All kneel or remain seated.
The Reverend Dr Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, says
Let us give thanks to God for Queen Elizabeth’s long life and reign, recalling with gratitude her gifts of wisdom, diligence, and service.
O GOD, from whom cometh everything that is upright and true: accept our thanks for the gifts of heart and mind that thou didst bestow upon thy daughter Elizabeth, and which she showed forth among us in her words and deeds; and grant that we may have grace to live our lives in accordance with thy will, to seek the good of others, and to remain faithful servants unto our lives’ end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Ms Shermara Fletcher, Principal Officer for Pentecostal and Charismatic Relations, Churches Together in England, says
Confident in God’s love and compassion, let us pray for all those whose hearts are heavy with grief and sorrow.
ALMIGHTY God, Father of all mercies and giver of all comfort: deal graciously, we pray thee, with those who mourn, that casting every care on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London and Dean of His Majesty’s Chapels Royal, says
Let us pray for His Majesty The King and all the Royal Family; that they may know the sustaining power of God’s love and the prayerful fellowship of God’s people.
ALMIGHTY God, the fountain of all goodness, we humbly beseech thee to bless our most gracious Sovereign Lord King Charles, Camilla The Queen Consort, William Prince of Wales, and all the Royal Family: endue them with thy Holy Spirit, enrich them with thy heavenly grace; prosper them with all happiness; and bring them to thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Reverend Canon Helen Cameron, Moderator of the Free Churches Group, says
In recognition of Queen Elizabeth’s service to this United Kingdom, let us rejoice in her unstinting devotion to duty, her compassion for her subjects, and her counsel to her ministers; and we pray for the continued health and prosperity of this Nation.
ALMIGHTY God, whose will it is that all thy children should serve thee in serving one another: look with love, we pray thee, on this Nation. Grant to its citizens grace to work together with honest and faithful hearts, each caring for the good of all; that, seeking first thy kingdom and its righteousness, they may possess all things needful for their daily sustenance and the common good; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, says
Let us give thanks for Queen Elizabeth’s commitment to the Commonwealth throughout her reign, for her service and dedication to its peoples, and for the rich bonds of unity and mutual support she sustained.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, hear our prayer for the Commonwealth, and grant it the guidance of thy wisdom. Inspire those in authority, that they may promote justice and the common good; give to all its citizens the spirit of mutual honour and respect; and grant to us all grace to strive for the establishment of righteousness and peace; for the honour of thy name. Amen.
The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, Primate of
England and Metropolitan, says
We give thanks to God for Queen Elizabeth’s loyalty to the faith she inherited through her baptism and confirmation, and affirmed at her coronation; for her unswerving devotion to the Gospel; and for her steadfast service as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
ORD, we beseech thee to keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection she may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in all good works, to the glory of thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Precentor says
Let us pray that we may be given grace to live as those who believe in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to eternal life.
BRING us, O Lord God, at our last awakening into the house and gate of heaven, to enter into that gate and dwell in that house, where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light; no noise nor silence, but one equal music; no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession; no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity; in the habitation of thy glory and dominion, world without end. Amen.
John Donne (1572-1631)
The choir sings
TASTE and see how gracious the Lord is : blest is the man that trusteth in him.
Ralph Vaughan composed for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, 1953
Williams Psalm 34: 8
The Precentor concludes
In confidence and hope, let us pray to the Father in the words our Saviour taught us,
OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
All stand to sing
THE HYMN
LOVE divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heaven, to earth come down,
fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesu, thou art all compassion,
pure unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter every trembling heart.
Come, almighty to deliver,
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return, and never,
never more thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray, and praise thee, without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.
Finish then thy new creation,
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation,
perfectly restored in thee,
changed from glory into glory
till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise!
Blaenwern Charles Wesley (1707-88)
William Rowlands (1860-1937)
arranged by James O’Donnell
All remain standing for
THE COMMENDATION
The Archbishop of Canterbury says
Let us commend to the mercy of God, our maker and redeemer, the soul of Elizabeth, our late Queen.
HEAVENLY Father, King of kings, Lord and giver of life, who of thy grace in creation didst form mankind in thine own image, and in thy great love offerest us life eternal in Christ Jesus; claiming the promises of thy most blessed Son, we entrust the soul of Elizabeth, our sister here departed, to thy merciful keeping, in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, when Christ shall be all in all; who died and rose again to save us, and now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, in glory for ever. Amen.
O forth, O Christian soul, from this world, in the name of God the Father almighty, who created thee; in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who suffered for thee; in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon thee and anointed thee. In communion with all the blessed saints, and aided by the angels and archangels and all the armies of the heavenly host, may thy portion this day be in peace, and thy dwelling in the heavenly Jerusalem. Amen.
All remain standing. The choir sings
THE ANTHEM
WHO shall separate us from the love of Christ? Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Alleluia! Amen.
Sir James MacMillan CBE (b 1959) composed for this Service
Romans 8: 35a, 38b-end
The Dean pronounces
THE BLESSING
GOD grant to the living grace; to the departed rest; to the Church, The King, the Commonwealth, and all people, peace and concord, and to us sinners, life everlasting; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
All remain standing for
THE LAST POST
Silence is kept.
REVEILLE
All sing
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
GOD save our gracious King,
long live our noble King,
God save The King.
Send him victorious,
happy and glorious,
long to reign over us:
God save The King.
Thy choicest gifts in store
on him be pleased to pour,
long may he reign.
May he defend our laws,
and ever give us cause
to sing with heart and voice:
God save The King!
arranged by Gordon Jacob (1895-1984)
All remain standing. The Queen’s Piper, Warrant Officer Class 1 (Pipe Major) Paul Burns, plays
Sleep, dearie, sleep traditional
All remain standing as the Coffin and Processions leave the church.
The Sub-Organist plays
Fantasia in C minor BWV 562 Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
THE PROCESSION OF THE COFFIN
Verger
Primatial Cross of York Primatial Cross of Canterbury
The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan
The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan
The Cross of Westminster and Lights
The Reverend Robert Latham Minor Canon and Sacrist
The Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Precentor
Mr Paul Baumann CBE Receiver General
Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE High Bailiff of Westminster
Verger
The Venerable Tricia Hillas Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian and Almoner
The Right Reverend Anthony Ball Canon of Westminster and Rector of St Margaret’s Church
The Reverend David Stanton Sub-Dean and Canon Treasurer
Dean’s Verger
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE Dean of Westminster
HER MAJESTY’S COFFIN
The Queen Consort, THE KING
Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, The Princess Royal
The Duke of York
The Countess of Wessex and Forfar, The Earl of Wessex and Forfar
The Princess of Wales, The Prince of Wales
Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales
The Duchess of Sussex, The Duke of Sussex
The Earl of Snowdon, Mr Peter Phillips
The Duke of Gloucester
Prince Michael of Kent, The Duke of Kent
Music after the service:
Allegro maestoso (Sonata in G Op 28) Edward Elgar
Members of the Congregation are requested to remain in their places until invited to move by the Honorary Stewards.
Later in the afternoon, the bells of the Abbey are rung fully-muffled by the Westminster Abbey Company of Ringers in a peal of Stedman Caters, comprising 5096 changes
Source: Read Full Article
