The Princess Royal has been with her mother for every part of the first stage of her final journey as she followed the car carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II on a six hour voyage to the seat of royal power in Scotland.
The coffin of Her Late Majesty left Balmoral just after 10 o’clock on the morning of September 11th 2022, covered in the royal standard of Scotland and bearing a simple wreath of flowers cut from the royal gardens.
The hearse made its way slowly through Aberdeenshire and towards Edinburgh where it was finally received at the Palace of Holyroodhouse just before 4.30 that afternoon.
Throughout the long journey, Princess Anne travelled in the car behind, her eyes often fixed on the coffin in front. She was with her mother as many tributes were paid along the way, including a guard of honour by farmers who drove their tractors to the side of the road to show their appreciation for Her Late Majesty.
Crowds gathered on bridges to see the procession and to clap as a mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth II.
As the hearse approached Edinburgh, the numbers grew and by the time the procession reached the Royal Mile, the crowds were very large. Loud clapping continued as the coffin was borne towards Holyroodhouse while flowers were sometimes thrown towards it.
Once inside the Palace gates, the Princess Royal joined her two brothers, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex, as well as her sister-in-law, the Countess of Wessex to wait by the main doors for the coffin to be carried in.
As it was lifted out and borne into the official residence of the Monarch in Scotland, Princess Anne gave a low curtsey.
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II will now rest in the Throne Room at Holyroodhouse until September 12th 2022 when it will be taken in procession to St. Giles’ Cathedral.
King Charles will join his sister and brothers while other members of the Royal Family are also expected to be present. There will be a service at the Cathedral as well as a vigil.
Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8th 2022 at Balmoral. She was 96 years old and had reigned for 70 years. She is succeeded to the throne by her eldest son, King Charles III.
