Queen Elizabeth II dies — follow the latest news as the world mourns
The full order of service has been released ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral, which will take place at 11am at Westminster Abbey on Monday.
The service will be conducted by the Very Rev Dr David Hoyle MBE, Dean of Westminster.
Hymns will be sung by the choirs of Westminster Abbey and Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, of which Joseph McHardy is director of music.
They will be under the direction of James O’Donnell, organist and master of the choristers at Westminster Abbey.
The State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry will be led by trumpet major Julian Sandford.
The Fanfare Team of the Household Division Bands will be conducted by Lt Col David Barringer MBE, its commanding officer.
The organ will be played by Peter Holder, sub-organist of Westminster Abbey.
Before the service, the tenor bell will be 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 will be received at the Great West Door by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster, and conducted to their seats in the lantern. All will be remain seated.
Music before the service
Matthew Jorysz, assistant organist at Westminster Abbey, will play Fantasia of four parts by Orlando Gibbons; Romanza (Symphony No 5 in D) by Ralph Vaughan Williams, arranged by Robert Quinney; Reliqui domum meum by Peter Maxwell Davies; meditation, Brother James’s Air by Harold Darke; Prelude on Ecce jam noctis Op 157 No 3, Healey Willan; Psalm Prelude Set 1 No 2, Herbert Howells; In the Country Op 194 No 2, Charles Villiers Stanford; Fantasy on 'O Paradise', Malcolm Williamson; and Elegy Op 58 Edward Elgar (1857–1934) arranged by Matthew Jorysz.
Mr Holder will play Andante espressivo (Sonata in G Op 28) and Sospiri Op 70, bith by Edward Elgar, with the latter arranged by Peter Holder.
Religious representatives
The procession of religious representatives moves to places in the nave and sacrarium. All remain seated.
They will comprise Marie van der Zyl, president of the board of deputies of British Jews; Dr Shirin Fozdar-Faroudim, (Bahai); Mr Nemu Chandaria OBE (Jain); Mr Malcolm Deboo (Zoroastrian); Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala (Buddhist); Lord Singh of Wimbledon (Sikh); Rajnish Kashyap (Hindu); Aliya Azam MBE, Interfaith Co-ordinator at Al Khoei Foundation; Sheikh Dr Asim Yusuf, Muslim scholar; and UK chief rabbi Ephraim Mirvis.
Rehearsal at dawn for Queen Elizabeth's funeral - in pictures
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An early morning rehearsal took place on Thursday for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London. All photos: PA -
The funeral will take place in London on Monday. -
A procession down The Mall during the early morning rehearsal. -
Members of the military take part. -
The procession makes its way through central London as Big Ben looms. -
Soldiers outside Westminster Abbey. -
The eyes of the world will be on Westminster Abbey.
Verger:
Representing the churches of Wales will be the Rev Simon Walkling, president of the Free Church Council of Wales; the Most Rev Andrew John, Archbishop of Wales; and the Most Rev Mark O’Toole, Archbishop of Cardiff.
Representing the churches of Scotland will be the Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; the Most Rev Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh; and the Most Rev Mark Strange Primus; Scottish Episcopal Church.
Representing the churches of Northern Ireland will be the Rev David Nixon, president of the Methodist Church in Ireland; the Rev Ian Brown, lead minister of the Martyrs' Memorial Free Presbyterian Church; the Rt Rev Dr John Kirkpatrick, moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland; the Most Rev Dr Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland; and the Most Rev John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland and Metropolitan.
Representing the churches in England will be Pastor Agu Irukwu, senior pastor of Jesus House UK; Pastor Glyn Barrett, National Leader of Assemblies of God; The Rev Canon Helen Cameron, moderator of the Free Churches Group; Shermara Fletcher, principal officer for Pentecostal and Charismatic relations for Churches Together in England; the Rev Canon Graham Thompson, president of the Methodist Conference; His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, of the Coptic Church in Great Britain; His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster; and His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain.
The public pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster - in pictures
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Members of the public pay their respects as they pass the coffin of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II as it lies in state inside Westminster Hall, London. AFP -
People queue in Westminster Hall to pay their respects. Getty -
Queen Elizabeth's coffin arrived at Westminster Hall after a procession from Buckingham Palace. AFP -
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth lies in Westminster Hall. PA -
Long lines of mourners pass through Westminster Hall. AP -
Queen Elizabeth will lie in state in Westminster Hall from Wednesday until a few hours before her funeral on Monday. AFP
Serjeant of the Vestry
The Very Rev Prof David Fergusson OBE, Dean of the Thistle and of the Chapel Royal in Scotland; the Rev Canon Paul Wright, sub-dean of His Majesty’s Chapels Royal; the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally DBE. Bishop of London and Dean of His Majesty’s Chapels Royal; The Rt Rev David Conner KCVO, Dean of Windsor; the Rt Rev James Newcome, Clerk of the Closet; and the Rt Rev Dr John Inge, Lord High Almoner.
Members of the Royal Family will be 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, Timothy 6: 7; Job 1: 21
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, The Book of Common Prayer (1549)
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.
Queen Elizabeth II's coffin arrives at Buckingham Palace - in pictures
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The hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Buckingham Palace in London, where it will rest overnight in the Bow Room. AP -
Interior lights shine brightly in the gloomy London evening, illuminating the coffin draped in a royal standard. Reuters -
People take photos as the hearse arrives at Buckingham Palace. Reuters -
The hearse continues on its sombre journey into the palace. PA -
Drivers and passengers get out of their cars to watch as the hearse passes along the A40 in west London. AP -
The hearse passes Marble Arch in London. EPA -
Tears as the cortege carrying the coffin passes. AP -
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II leaves RAF Northolt, west London. Getty Images -
Mourners queue in the streets waiting for the hearse to pass. AP -
The cortege passes Wellington Arch in London. PA
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 Rev and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan; the Most Rev and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan; the Cross of Westminster and Lights; the Rev Robert Latham, Minor Canon and Sacrist; The Rev Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor; Paul Baumann CBE, Receiver General; and Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, High Bailiff of Westminster,
Procession of Queen Elizabeth II's coffin through Edinburgh - in pictures
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Members of the royal family arrive to attend a vigil at St Giles' Cathedral, in Edinburgh, on Monday for Queen Elizabeth II. AFP -
People queue to enter St Giles' Cathedral where Queen Elizabeth's coffin arrived earlier on Monday. It will rest there for 24 hours to enable the people of Scotland to pay their last respects. AP -
The hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arrives at St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, for a service of prayer and reflection. -
The Earl and Countess of Wessex and the Duke of York leave St Giles' Cathedral after the service of prayer and reflection for the queen's life on Monday. -
The Princess Royal, her husband Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, King Charles III and the Queen Consort leave St Giles' Cathedral after the service of prayer and reflection for Queen Elizabeth II's life. -
People attend the procession of Queen Elizabeth II's coffin, from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles' Cathedral, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Monday. AP -
The Crown of Scotland sits on the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II inside St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. AFP -
King Charles, Princess Royal Anne, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence walk behind the hearse as it moves along the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland. Getty -
King Charles III follows Queen Elizabeth II's coffin as it enters the cathedral for a service of prayer and reflection at St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh. PA -
King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward follow the hearse carrying the coffin of their mother, Queen Elizabeth, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Reuters -
King Charles, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew walk behind the hearse. Reuters -
The Royal Company of Archers, the King's Bodyguard for Scotland, arrive at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. AFP -
The hearse carrying the coffin of the queen travels slowly on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Reuters -
Members of the public gather to watch the procession, from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral, on the Royal Mile. AFP -
Royal guards carry Queen Elizabeth's coffin at the start of the procession. PA -
Royal archers outside St. Giles' Cathedral. Getty -
British Prime Minister Liz Truss attends a Service of Prayer and Reflection for the Life of Queen Elizabeth at St Giles' Cathedral. PA -
Crowds gather near Mercat Cross ahead of the procession in Edinburgh. PA -
King Charles with Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge at the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh. PA -
King Charles inspects the Guard of Honour as he arrives for the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Getty -
A young girl holds a Paddington bear and a Corgi dog stuffed toys while waiting to watch the procession. Getty -
The Keys of the City of Edinburgh, to be offered to King Charles, during the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. AFP -
Crowds gather to watch the procession in Edinburgh. AP -
King Charles talks with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as he arrives at Edinburgh Airport. Reuters -
A convoy of cars with King Charles heads to Holyroodhouse. AP -
The honour guard outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse. AFP -
Police officers keep guard ahead of the arrival King Charles in Edinburgh. Reuters
Verger
The Venerable Tricia Hillas, Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster; the Rev Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian and Almoner; the Rt Rev Anthony Ball, Canon of Westminster and rector of St Margaret’s Church; and the Rev David Stanton, Sub-Dean and Canon Treasurer.
Dean’s Verger
The Very Rev Dr David Hoyle MBE, Dean of Westminster.
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
Queen Elizabeth II's funeral: five facts you may not know - video
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 Rev 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
World leaders and royals pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II - video
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,
'til all thy creatures own thy sway.
St Clement John Ellerton; Clement Scholefield, arranged by James O’Donnell (b 1961)
King Charles and siblings hold vigil around Queen Elizabeth's coffin - video
All sit. The Rt Hon 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, 'til 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, Psalm 42: 1–7, composed for this service
First mourners pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II - video
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss 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 furnishèd
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; harmony by David Grant; descant by William Baird Ross. Psalm 23 in Scottish Psalter 1650
The UK mourns Queen Elizabeth II - in pictures
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A tribute altar for Queen Elizabeth II in Green Park in London. AFP -
Ann Doran, 6, looks at floral tributes left in Green Park. Reuters -
Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, look at floral tributes on the Sandringham Estate. AFP -
A drawing of the queen and her husband Prince Philip among flowers outside Windsor Castle. AFP -
Members of the public view floral tributes in Green Park, near Buckingham Palace. PA -
People queue on a bridge over the river Thames to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth in London. Reuters -
A member of the public lights a candle at Windsor Parish Church. AFP -
Residents of the Lawn care home in Alton, Hampshire, decorate an area with photographs of Queen Elizabeth, bunting and their own flower arrangements. PA -
Lloyd's of London chief John Neal delivers remarks honouring the life of Queen Elizabeth during a remembrance ceremony in the atrium of the company's offices in London. Getty Images -
Joyce Buckley, a sponge decorator at Emma Bridgewater pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, paints a commemorative mug. PA -
A royalist standing in front of Buckingham Palace. AFP -
Tributes to Queen Elizabeth are viewed at St James's Park in London. Reuters -
Crowds gather outside St. Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile as the queen's coffin passes in Edinburgh. Bloomberg -
Chelsea Pensioners attend a Drumhead service of remembrance, with readings and prayers, in London. Getty Images -
An image of Queen Elizabeth at Green Park Tube station. Reuters -
Vanessa, Anne and Grace, from left to right, wait opposite the Palace of Westminster to be first in line bidding farewell to Queen Elizabeth in London. AP -
A young girl holds Paddington Bear and Corgi stuffed toys while waiting to watch the procession of Queen Elizabeth's coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Reuters -
Well-wishers outside Windsor Castle. Getty Images -
Lloyd Smith paints a portrait of Queen Elizabeth in London. AFP -
A child lays flowers outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. AP -
A family leaves flowers outside Buckingham Palace. EPA -
Flowers and tributes, including sunflowers and a Paddington Bear, are left for Queen Elizabeth at the Green Park memorial in London. AP -
People start to camp on The Mall ahead of Queen Elizabeth's coffin being taken from Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon by procession on a Gun Carriage to the Palace of Westminster. PA -
Flowers left in St James's Park, London. PA -
A man with his dog arrive early as they wait to view the cortege carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth in Edinburgh. Getty Images -
Members of the public gather on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh to watch the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. PA -
Crowds watch as the hearse continues its journey to the Palace of Holyroodhouse from Balmoral. PA -
The hearse passing over Queensferry Crossing on its way to Edinburgh. PA -
Flowers left at the Sandringham Estate, one of the queen's residences. EPA -
A Paddington Bear teapot at the Sandringham Estate. EPA -
Flowers left at the gates of the Sandringham Estate. EPA -
Flowers, cards and messages left in St James's Park in London. EPA -
People lay flowers at Buckingham Palace in London. Reuters
The sermon
The Most Rev and Rt Hon 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, Henry Vaughan
Worldwide tributes to Queen Elizabeth - in pictures
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A tribute to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II appears on a Nasdaq hoarding in Times Square, New York, after she died aged 96. Reuters -
The statue of Christ The Redeemer bears the colours of Britain's flag in honour of the late queen, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AFP -
The American flag flies at half-mast at Capitol Hill in Washington. AP -
The Empire State Building is lit in purple and silver in celebration of the life of the late queen. AP -
Queen Elizabeth's royal cypher is projected onto the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada. Reuters -
A tribute to the queen is projected onto the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Reuters -
A man bows at the gate of the British Embassy in Tokyo. AP -
People gather around a statue of the queen at Government House in Brisbane, Australia. EPA -
A member of the public signs the condolence book at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia. EPA -
Flags are seen at half-mast on the Sydney Harbour ridge as a mark of mourning and respect for Queen Elizabeth. Getty -
Petrin Lookout Tower in Prague, the Czech Republic, is lit in British colours in honour of Queen Elizabeth. AP -
Gregg Donovan lights a candle at a memorial at Ye Olde King's Head British restaurant in Santa Monica, California. EPA -
The Tel Aviv Municipality building is decked in the colours of the British flag as a sign of solidarity to the British royal family. AFP -
A moment of silence is observed for Queen Elizabeth before a US Open semi-final tennis match between France's Caroline Garcia and Tunisia's Ons Jabeur in New York. AP -
The Union Jack flies at half-mast at the British Embassy in Paris. AFP -
A man pays his respects in front of the British Embassy in Berlin, Germany. EPA -
The queen's image appears on a screen during a Uefa Europa League match between Lazio and Feyenoord in Rome, Italy. Getty -
Messages of condolences and floral tributes are left at the gates of Government House in Sydney, Australia. EPA -
The American flag flies at half-mast over the White House. AP -
The Union Flag at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi at half-mast. Victor Besa / The National -
A picture of the late Queen Elizabeth II illuminates a tower in Kuwait City. AFP -
Flowers are laid near a statue of the queen inside the retired ocean liner 'Queen Elizabeth Two', docked at Port Rashid in Dubai. EPA -
A worker carries mourners' flowers in the British Embassy in Cairo, Egypt. AP -
Amos Ndegwa sits in front of the condolence book in the Treetops Hotel in which Queen Elizabeth stayed the night her father George VI died in 1952, in Aberdare National Park, Kenya. Reuters -
Portraits of the queen in Tottenham Court Road tube station in London. AFP
The prayers
The Rev Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor, leads:
In confidence and trust, let us pray to the Father.
All kneel or remain seated.
The Rev 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.
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 Rt Rev and Rt Hon 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 Rev 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 Rev and Rt Hon 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.
Lord, 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
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
This is the moment Queen Elizabeth II left Buckingham Palace for the last time - video
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:
Queen Elizabeth II's coffin arrives at Buckingham Palace - video
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 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
RAF plane carrying Queen Elizabeth II's coffin lands in London - video
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,
King Charles pays tribute to mother Queen Elizabeth in first address as monarch - video
The procession of the queen
Verger
Primatial Cross of York Primatial Cross of Canterbury; the Most Rev and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan; and the Most Rev and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan.
The Cross of Westminster and Lights
The Rev Robert Latham, Minor Canon and Sacrist; The Rev Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor; Mr Paul Baumann CBE, Receiver General; and Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, High Bailiff of Westminster.
Verger
The Venerable Tricia Hillas, Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster; the Rev Dr James Hawkey. Canon Theologian and Almoner; the Rt Rev Anthony Ball, Canon of Westminster and Rector of St Margaret’s Church; and the Rev David Stanton, Sub-Dean and Canon Treasurer
Dean’s Verger
The Very Rev Dr David Hoyle MBE, Dean of Westminster
Historically significant moments during Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign - video
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) by 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 5,096 changes.
