She was known as the Queen of the world and they travelled from the four corners of the globe to honour Elizabeth the Great.
Kings, queens, presidents and world leaders sat in Westminster Abbey for today's state funeral.
And the people Her Majesty so selflessly dedicated herself to for more than 70 years packed the streets from Westminster to Windsor to pay their respects as she made her final journey.
After one of the most tumultuous times in recent history, the sight of Covid heroes standing proudly beside military personnel showed that even in death, our beloved Queen sent us a message of unity.
On a day that will outlive the memory of those who bore witness, an extraordinary era was brought to an end at Windsor Castle.
As Her Majesty’s coffin descended into the vault of St George’s Chapel, reuniting her with her cherished husband, Prince Philip, a new chapter in our nation’s history began.
The moment the 800-strong congregation launched into the national anthem, a grief-stricken King Charles appeared to well up.
After 12 gruelling days travelling the United Kingdom, the new monarch will have to regroup before starting the challenge of following his mother’s illustrious reign.
As he said in his first speech to the nation, just hours after Her Majesty’s death on September 8, he will seek to continue her legacy of being a unifying force in an often disjointed world.
At 73, Charles knows he cannot hope for a reign as long as that enjoyed by his mother, who became Queen at 25 and died aged 96. But he can benefit by building his own rule on the solid foundations she has left.
Those who came to love and mourn his mother will hope he can honour his vow when he said: “Whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love.”
Earlier at Westminster Abbey, in front of a 2,000-strong congregation, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said the grief felt by so many across Britain and the wider world reflected the late monarch’s “abundant life and loving service”. He said: “Her late Majesty famously declared on a 21st birthday broadcast that her whole life would be dedicated to serving the nation and Commonwealth.
“Rarely has such a promise been so well kept. Few leaders receive the outpouring of love that we have seen.”
Sources say the King has been overwhelmed but re-energised by the outpouring of love and affection for his mother. He will now look to harness that bond with the people to sow the seeds of his own legacy.
Meanwhile, those close to him say he will seek to strengthen and rebuild relations with any Commonwealth realms looking to part ways with the monarchy, as well as focusing on the strength and resolve shown in recent days within his own family.
Distraught well-wishers threw flowers and clapped for mile after mile as the Queen’s hearse passed from the capital to the English countryside she so loved.
When the procession made its way to Windsor, thousands once again fell silent and waved Union Jack flags as the Queen passed along the Long Walk, towards St George’s Chapel.
Children sat on parents’ shoulders to catch a glimpse of the hearse passing as waves of applause mixed with the sound of weeping rippled through the crowd. And at the end of Her Majesty’s journey, there were some particularly touching moments.
The Queen’s fell pony Emma, held by her stud groom and manager, was standing a few feet from the coffin as the procession entered the grounds of Windsor Castle.
And waiting in the royal residence’s quadrangle were her corgis Muick and Sandy – who had been gifts from her son, the Duke of York.
When the Queen was lying in state for four days last week, an uninterrupted river of people flowed past her coffin to pay their respects in scenes never seen before. An estimated million had queued to say goodbye to a woman who gave so much and who will be remembered for her tireless devotion to service.
As Britain’s longest-reigning sovereign, she oversaw a nation trying to carve out a new place in the world, following a war that had brought it to the brink.
Then, under her guidance, the emergence of the Commonwealth of Nations – now comprising 54 countries – became one of her greatest achievements.
As he begins his own reign, Charles has vowed to continue the work she was so admired for, placing duty above all else.
Tellingly, he referenced her vow to the people of all Commonwealth countries in 1947 that “my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service”.
After a rousing and inspiring ceremony of celebration in London and witnessing the sea of mourners that turned out from Balmoral to Edinburgh, and from Wellington Arch to Windsor, the King believes he has the backing of the nation to carry on his mother’s work.
