Queen Elizabeth funeral live updates: Commital service at Windsor

The U.K. and much of the world are mourning Queen Elizabeth II, who was celebrated at a funeral at Westminster Abbey Monday and will later be laid to rest beneath St George’s Chapel with her husband of 73 years, her sister Margaret and her parents.

The queen’s casket entered Westminster Abbey around 11 a.m. local time Monday, exiting around noon after the funeral proceedings. Following the state funeral, the royal family escorted the queen’s casket to Wellington Arch, with cheers from onlookers accompanying the procession. After the passage through central London, the coffin was placed in a hearse and headed for Windsor Castle for a committal service.

The state funeral, expected to be the biggest gathering of world leaders in years, drew in millions of people to the streets of London and likely billions more to their TVs and computer screens. The funeral and events surrounding it were designed to help unite the royal family and divided subjects while helping ensure the monarchy survives another century.

London’s mayor’s office said up to two million people could line the streets as members of the royal family and hundreds of foreign dignitaries and heads of state descend on Westminster Abbey. More than 10,000 police officers were on patrol in London with reinforcements supplied from all of Britain’s 43 police forces, authorities said.

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What is the committal service at Windsor Castle?

The queen is headed to her final resting place in Windsor Castle where a committal service will take place before she is lowered into the Royal Vault. 

The committal service is conducted by the dean of Windsor, David Connor. Events include prayer and a choir performance at St George’s chapel. Nearly 800 people are expected to attend, including royal family members.

Princess Kate, daughter Princess Charlotte honor the queen with poignant accessories

Mother and daughter duo Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte, who attended the state funeral, both wore simple black dresses topped with black overcoats, paired with black tights and black shoes. But their jewelry choices paid tribute to a beloved matriarch.

On Princess Charlotte’s coat, she wore a dainty brooch in the shape of a horseshoe, a tribute to the queen, her grandmother, who had a lifelong passion for horses. The queen often attended races and was also a successful owner and breeder.

Princess Kate, the wife of Prince William, wore two pieces of jewelry that once belonged to her grandmother-in-law. She wore Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings and a four-strand pearl choker necklace, both from the queen’s collection, People reported.

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Royals escort the queen’s casket to Wellington Arch, Windsor Castle

Following the funeral, the coffin – accompanied by units of the armed forces in dress uniforms and members of her family – was brought through the capital’s streets.

At Wellington Arch near Hyde Park, it was placed in a hearse and driven to Windsor Castle – where Elizabeth spent much of her time – for another procession before a committal service in St George’s Chapel. She will be laid to rest with her late husband, Prince Philip, at a private family service.

What is the hearse the queen is in?