The Queen has paid her own personal tributes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Westminster Abbey. Her Majesty made an unannounced visit to the grave, just hours before lockdown began in England.
This year marks the centenary of the burial of the Unknown Soldier at the Abbey. The Queen’s beloved grandfather, King George V, oversaw that solemn event, leading the nation in mourning for the young man whose name isn’t known and who represents all those killed in conflict. Her mother, later the Queen Mother, honoured the warrior herself in 1923 by placing her wedding flowers on his tomb as she walked into Westminster Abbey for her marriage.
The Queen’s visit to the Abbey took place on the morning of November 4th 2020. Her Majesty was received at the Great West Door of the Abbey by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, before paying her respects at the Tomb.
The tribute came on the same day that the Duchess of Cornwall visited the Fields of Remembrance planted around the Abbey in memory of all those who have given their lives for their country.
Westminster Abbey won’t hold public services or be open for visits during the new lockdown. However, it is still open for private prayer with details on its website.
Public engagements will now cease for all members of the Royal Family as England enters a four week period of lockdown. It is expected that duties will now resume via video link, as happened during the UK wide lockdown earlier in 2020.
