Queen Elizabeth II's funeral attended by hundreds of world leading figures and watched by hundreds of millions more

Hundreds of global leaders gathered in London, 19 September, to mark the life and work of Queen Elizabeth II, as Britain honoured its late monarch with a state funeral watched by hundreds of millions around the world. Tens of thousands of members of the British public also gathered in London along the route of the funeral cortege to pay their last respects to the late Queen who died last week at the age of 96. Queen Elizabeth’s more than 70 years on the throne and “lifelong sense of duty and dedication to her people” were commemorated in a service in Westminster Abbey with 2,000 guests, before a more private committal service was held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. On the eve of the state funeral, King Charles III had hosted an event described as “the diplomatic reception of the century”, with 1,000 guests at Buckingham Palace. Guests included US president Biden, French president Macron, Canadian prime minister Trudeau and New Zealand premier Arden. The funeral marked the end of 10 days of national mourning in the UK, days which saw hundreds of thousands of people queue to file pass the late Queen’s coffin as she lay in state. The state funeral involved a major security operation with a no-fly zone and drone-blocking technology. Scotland Yard described the event as ”the largest single policing event” it has ever undertaken. Around 4,000 military personnel were on parade at the funeral. President Biden said in his tribute to Queen Elizabeth: “You were fortunate to have had her for 70 years, we all were. The world is better for her.” All those who helped work on and supply equipment for this unique global event can certainly take pride in their professional delivery. CMW also adds its salute to Queen Elizabeth II. God Save the King. Photo: Copyright Finley Sampson, Mash Media