Status: 09/19/2022 04:30 a.m
Great Britain bids farewell to Elizabeth II with a state funeral. Guests from all over the world attend the funeral service for the Queen. A priest reported what wish she had for her departure.
It is the day of the final farewell. Today, guests from all over the world gather at Westminster Abbey, where Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953, to attend the Queen’s funeral service. Hundreds of heads of state and government, diplomats, dignitaries and members of European royalty will be in attendance.
Right of way with the community bus
The fact that the guests were apparently asked to agree to group transport to Westminister Abbey for organizational and security reasons has sparked debate in the British media. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, on the other hand, cannot understand the excitement. On the BBC she said:
To be honest, I find it interesting that there’s such a hoopla about it. In New Zealand I also often ask ministers to ride together in a van. That just makes sense. We are very practical people.
It is certain that US President Joe Biden will not drive up in a community bus.
Heads of state from all over the world travel for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
Ann-Britt Bakkenbüll, NDR, daily topics 10:45 p.m., September 18, 2022
No long service
Although the state funeral lasts all day, the funeral service will only last an hour. John Sentamu, the former Archbishop of York who spent years preparing the state funeral, told the BBC why: “The Queen never wanted long, boring services.” The presenter wants to know whether the Queen told him so directly. Yes, she has, Sentamu clarifies and promises: There will be no boredom at the funeral service. Instead, according to the cleric, one is lifted up into glory with angelic singing.
US President Joe Biden signs a book of condolence after the death of Queen Elizabeth II at Lancaster House in London while First Lady Jill Biden looks on.
Image: AP
“This will be amazing”
About a quarter of an hour before the service begins, the Queen’s coffin is carried on a gun carriage from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey and later to Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner.
Lindsay Hoyle already has the image in his mind: “I think that will be the most poignant moment when the coffin is pulled by the Royal Navy. I’ve seen the exercises with this gun cradle that Churchill was transported on. It will be incredible. This is the last stage and everyone will remember this last stage.”
Biggest TV event of all time?
The fact that the gun carriage is pulled by Royal Navy sailors dates back to the procession after the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. At that time, the horses reared up, almost causing Queen Victoria’s coffin to fall over. So it was decided afterwards to use people instead of horses.
Overall, the military is heavily involved. Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “In fact there are over 10,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen. About 6000 of them will take part in the two processions in London and Windsor. But it’s also a big support effort, we’re also helping the emergency services in London.”
The state funeral could become the biggest TV event of all time. According to estimates, around four billion people will be sitting in front of the screens worldwide. In the UK, the funeral will not only be televised, but also on large LED screens in public squares and parks, as well as in over 120 cinemas across the country. The day was declared a national holiday to allow large sections of the population to follow the historical event. In addition, tens of thousands in London and Windsor will line the streets to say thank you and goodbye to the Queen one last time.
View of the Queen’s State Funeral
Imke Koehler, ARD London, September 19, 2022 09:14 a.m