It was one of the most striking moments of a truly historic day. As the Service of Committal for Queen Elizabeth II came to an end, the Instruments of State were removed from her coffin. A few symbolic minutes that signalled the end of a momentous reign.
In the cool air of the ancient Chapel of St. George, where kings and queens have worshipped for almost 1,000 years, the longest reigning Monarch of them all was to be laid to rest in the Royal Vault. And as the moment approached, the outward signs of her royal status were taken away.
First, the Orb was removed, carefully taken and passed to waiting hands. Then the sceptre was gently taken from the coffin. Finally, the Imperial State Crown was lifted, for a moment standing high above the coffin of Queen Elizabeth in an echo of that famous moment when it was raised above her head at her Coronation. And then all three were taken to the altar and placed on purple cushions.
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II now stood, covered with the Royal Standard and family flowers. Her many titles were read. As they echoed around the walls of history, the coffin remained the focal point. Her Late Majesty was relieved of all the public symbols of her reign. She was now Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, not just a Queen but a mother, wife, daughter, aunt and friend, lost to those who loved her and whose grief was clear to see.
As the Instruments of State sparkled on the altar, Her Late Majesty’s coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault. A pipe played a lament that faded into the distance and then she was gone. The coffin had been taken to the Vault and the Royal Family stood alone, without their matriarch for the first time in nearly a century.
The King was acclaimed and the National Anthem sung but it was perhaps the saddest version of the day. King Charles stood, now truly alone, the leader of a family, the Head of State, the Monarch to whom that same Crown has now passed.
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