The Queen has continued to lie in state since Wednesday September 14 until 6.30am on Monday, September 19, the day of the state funeral. Her coffin has been sitting on a catafalque and is draped with a flag called the Royal Standard – the Queen’s crown, orb and sceptre also sit on the coffin.
It has been guarded at all hours by units from the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London. Many thousands of people have filed past the coffin to pay their respects.
As they draw level with the coffin, many have stopped for a moment, bowing their heads, bringing their hands together in what seems to be a quiet prayer of thanks, saluting or crossing themselves. Many are visibly moved by the brief experience they have waited hours for, wiping away tears or putting an arm around friends or family members as they move on.
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What is the Royal Standard flag?
According to the official royal.uk website, the Royal Standard represents the sovereign and the United Kingdom. In the past, it has been flown when the Queen was in residence in one of the royal palaces, on the Queen's car on official journeys and on aircraft (when on the ground).
The website adds: “Since the Union of the Crowns in 1603, the composition of the Royal Standard has taken various forms. In today's Standard there are four quarterings – England (three lions passant) in the first and fourth quarters, Scotland (a lion rampant) in the second quarter and Ireland (a harp) in the third quarter. Wales is not represented in the Royal Standard, as its special position as a Principality was recognised by the creation of the Prince of Wales long before the incorporation of the quarterings for Scotland and Ireland in the Royal Arms. In Scotland, a different version of the Royal Standard is used, with Scottish arms in the first and fourth quarters and English arms in the second.”
What will happen to the Royal Standard now that Charles is King?
While the Royal Standard represents the sovereign and the United Kingdom, the Queen’s own flag was unique to her and could only be flown by her. It is possible that the Royal Standard could change – the version used by the Queen includes one quarter representing Scotland, one for Ireland, and two representing England (three lions passant), with no symbol for Wales.
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