The ultimate public service for Queen Elizabeth II before she is laid to rest has now taken place at St George's Chapel in Windsor - with several 'poignant' moments signifying the end of her lengthy 70-year reign leaving viewers in tears.
Following the state service at Westminster Abbey this morning, a congregation of some 800 people - including the King, the royal family, realm prime ministers, governors-generals and mourners from the Queen's household past an present - gathered at the gothic church west of London.
At the closing of the service itself, the Imperial State Crown, the orb and the sceptre were lifted from the Queen's coffin by the Crown Jeweller, who separated Her Majesty from her crown one final time. With the assistance of the Bargemaster and Serjeants-at-Arms, the priceless Crown Jewels were passed onto the Dean - who will place them on the High Altar.
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The Mirror reports that shortly after, former MI5 spy chief Baron Parker - the Lord Chamberlain and the most senior official in the late Queen's household - broke his 'Wand of Office' and placed it on the coffin. The ceremonial breaking of the white staff then signified the end of his service to Her Majesty as sovereign.
This emotional moment came just prior to the Queen's coffin being lowered into the royal vault - with the Dean of Windsor reading a psalm, and the Garter King of Arms pronounced the many styles and titles of the Queen. The Sovereign's Piper also played a lament from the doorway between the chapel and the Dean's cloister, walking slowly away so the tune gradually faded.
The Archbishop of Canterbury also pronounced the blessing, and God Save the King was sung.
Today's historically significant state funeral began just after 10.30am this morning - with her coffin being carried on a State Gun Carriage from New Palace Yard to Westminster Abbey. Joining the King and other royals in the Abbey itself were more than 2,000 guests made up of world leaders, royalty and ordinary members of the public.
Following on from the service, the coffin was then taken into another procession to Wellington Arch, before being transferred into the state hearse for the trip to Windsor. Thousands lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the coffin in passing, during its final journey to the service at St George's Chapel, where 800 guests gathered.
Later this evening, a private burial service will be conducted by the Dean of Windsor, attended by the King and members of the royal family. The Queen will be buried together with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, at the King George VI Memorial Chapel where her mother and father, George VI, also lay.
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