US politicians show brief unity at memorial service for Queen Elizabeth

A thanksgiving service was held in Washington D.C.’s National Cathedral to honour Queen Elizabeth II, with politicians from both US political parties in the congregation to remember the British monarch.

The Democrats and Republicans put their differences aside for the hour-and-a-half ceremony, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

The leading Democrats sat beside leaders of the Republican Party like House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. Even former President Donald Trump’s Press Secretary Sean Spicer was in the cathedral to honour the late Queen.

President Biden was unable to attend the memorial due to his speech at the United Nations, but he was one of the hundreds of world leaders in London on 19 September for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral at Westminster Abbey. All former US Presidents were invited to the service but were unable to attend.

The British Armed Forces Colour Guard carried the Union Jack into the cathedral alongside their American counterparts who carried the Stars and Stripes. “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah,” “I Vow to Thee, My Country,” and “Lord of All Hopefulness” were all sung during the service.

British Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce said that Queen Elizabeth was “a great friend and admirer” of the United States.

“She well understood the affinity between the US and the UK, stressing not just our common heritage and kinship but our common values. To Congress, she said, ‘Some people believe that power grows from the barrel of a gun. We have gone a better way. Our societies rest on mutual agreement and on contract and consensus.’ “

Bishop Michael Curry, who gave the sermon at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, also spoke to the congregation, remarking how the late Queen kept her word to serve her country all of her life, “She kept her word. She kept her word. We are here to give God thanks that it is possible to serve and keep your word.”

“God Save The King” was played during the service before the “Star Spangled Banner” concluded the memorial.

Queen Elizabeth II made six official visits to the United States, addressed Congress and met all but one US President while she was on the throne; President Truman was her first, and President Biden was her last. The only President she never met was President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Pierce also thanked the US for the tributes to the late monarch, including the lowering of the US flag until the evening of 19 September.