Queen Elizabeth updates: State funeral ends 11 days of ceremonies
Queen Elizabeth was buried with her husband, Prince Philip.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II "died peacefully" on Thursday, Sept. 8, at Balmoral Castle, the British royal family's estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace. She was 96.
Elizabeth was Britain's longest-reigning monarch. She ascended to the throne in 1952 and, in June, celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years as queen.
Latest headlines:
- Coffin descends into royal vault
- Committal service begins at St. George’s Chapel
- Coffin arrives at St. George's Chapel for committal service
- Coffin departs London for final time
- Procession underway from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch
- Prince George, Princess Charlotte walk behind coffin with parents
King Charles III addresses UK Parliament for 1st time
King Charles III addressed the U.K. Houses of Parliament for the first time as sovereign on Monday morning.
Speakers from both Houses of Parliament addressed the new king at Westminster Hall in London. Charles, accompanied by his wife Camilla, Queen Consort, then gave a reply in front of some 1,200 people gathered inside.
"As I stand before you today, I cannot help but feel the weight of history which surrounds us and which reminds us of the vital parliamentary traditions to which members of both Houses dedicate yourselves, with such personal commitment for the betterment of us all," Charles said in a brief speech.
"We gather today in remembrance of the remarkable span of the queen's dedicated service to her nations and peoples. While very young, her late majesty pledged herself to serve her country and her people and to maintain the precious principles of constitutional government which lie at the heart of our nation," he added. "This vow she kept with unsurpassed devotion. She set an example of selfless duty which, with God’s help and your counsels, I am resolved faithfully to follow."
Prince Harry pays tribute to queen in 1st statement since her death
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, paid tribute to his grandmother on Monday in his first statement since her death, thanking the late queen for her "commitment to service," "sound advice" and "infectious smile."
"In celebrating the life of my grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen—and in mourning her loss—we are all reminded of the guiding compass she was to so many in her commitment to service and duty," Harry said. "She was globally admired and respected. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy. Let us echo the words she spoke after the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, words which can bring comfort to all of us now: 'Life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings.'"
"Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings -- from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great- grandchildren," he continued. "I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between. You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over. And as it comes to first meetings, we now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III."
"Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile," he added. "We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace."
Biden formally accepts invite to Queen Elizabeth's funeral
President Joe Biden has formally accepted an invitation to attend Queen Elizabeth's funeral on Sept. 19 at Westminster Abbey in London, the White House said Sunday.
"This morning, President Biden formally accepted an invitation to attend the State Funeral Service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on September 19. He will be accompanied by the First Lady," the statement from the White House reads.
Queen's coffin arrives at Holyroodhouse Palace
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II has arrived at Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh, following a more than six-hour drive from Balmoral.
The streets were lined throughout Edinburgh with people paying their respects and cheering the late queen as a hearse carrying her coffin drove past.
Her coffin is covered by the Royal Standard of Scotland –- the flag the monarch uses when north of the border and the wreath on the coffin is made up of flowers from the queen's estate, including dahlias, sweet pea, heather and pine fir.
The queen's daughter, Princess Anne, her husband, Sir Timothy Lawrence, the minister of Crathie Kirk church and a representative of the office of Lord Chamberlain, the senior officer of the Royal Household, were part of the convoy that escorted the coffin from Balmoral.
A Guard of Honor from The Royal Regiment of Scotland greeted the coffin with a Royal Salute in the forecourt of Holyroodhouse Palace, where the coffin was received.
A military Bearer Party, found by The Royal Regiment of Scotland, carried the coffin into the palace and to the Throne Room where it will remain until the Monday afternoon to provide an opportunity for the staff of Holyroodhouse to pay their final respects. As the coffin was being taken into the palace, Princess Anne curtsied out of respect to her mother and the crown.