Queen’s coffin placed in royal vault

The funeral service for Queen Elizabeth II on Monday began with a bell tolling once a minute 96 times—once for every year of her life. Then, 142 Royal Navy sailors used ropes to draw the carriage carrying her coffin to Westminster Abbey. Her coffin was draped with the Royal Standard, with the Imperial Crown and the sovereign’s orb and scepter atop it. After the ceremony, the ornaments were removed from her coffin—the final time they will be separated from her. Her coffin was transported to Windsor Castle and lowered into a vault under St. George’s Chapel. The queen was laid to rest beside her husband, Prince Philip. 

How did the public participate? Thousands of people lined the streets, and leaders from across the globe attended the funeral, including U.S. President Joe Biden. Monday was a public holiday in honor of Elizabeth. Her funeral ended with two minutes of silence observed across the U.K. and then attendees sang its national anthem, now titled “God Save the King.” 

Dig deeper: Read Carolina Lumetta’s report in World Tour on how Elizabeth’s funeral showcased her faith.