Watching the funeral procession

I think I've been crying on and off throughout the day. The pipers, the naval ratings pulling her coffin, the family, the pony and the corgis, all wonderful and they did her proud.

A truly magnificent and respectful send off. Everyone involved should be justifiably proud - it all looked flawless undoubtedly due to the hours of rehearsals (& years of planning)
But what an emotional day - I feel emotionally wrung out, & that’s having watched in my own at home. We’ll not see her like again
Rest in Peace

Washerwoman

Her head groom waiting with her pony Emma had me weeping.In fact the final service at Windsor was beautiful and very moving

That was when I teared up, too. And the gun dog on the other side of the avenue.

As for 'sexist', it is traditional for only males to walk behind the coffin. I think it probably applied to 'ordinary' funerals a century or two ago. Princess Anne being there was a break in tradition. I have always admired her, but I found her being 'with' her mother for all her journeys, from Scotland to Windsor, was very moving and most admirable. She really is a good 'un.

I do hope that there is some sort of meaningful 'thank you' gesture from Charles to all those service men and women, and civilians, who have made this such a memorable occasion. The bearers were superb.

Garnet25 yes, me too! There’s something about pipe music and as the piper faded into the distance it was like a final farewell.

It was magnificent from beginning to end and touching at the same time.

For some reason it was that moment the gun carriage started moving that my tears welled up, both times. They were all standing waiting, and then off they went on the procession. ?

Very sad but all beautifully done, the military did a wonderful job as usual, especially the pall bearers, what a responsibility. It was nice to see George & Charlotte taking part & also very touching to see the pony and two of the corgis at Windsor. Agree about the piper, such an emotive sight & sound.

garnet25 - me too! Firstly the pipe band during the main procession and then the solo piper with the fade into the distance which could still be heard in the church. It was said that the Queen herself had picked the music and that was evident when Psalm 23 was sung to Crimond which would have been done many times by the Royal Family at Crathie.

My post was in response to LtEve's

Oh good! It's just a few who don't get it then!

Also apparently it is too military
Well, the Queen was their boss ...

Her head groom waiting with her pony Emma had me weeping.In fact the final service at Windsor was beautiful and very moving

Lovetopaint037

So relieved to be back on Gransnet. Just been over on Mumsnet and can’t believe the rubbish I have been reading. It seems there are posters there who are only concerned about making the funeral a sexist issue. Also apparently it is too military !!!!Another who thought the Queen should be put in the ground without the processions passing certain places of significance. Another saw Princess Anne’s position with her siblings as a sexist stance. I suppose they are younger than us but they left me gobsmacked with their ignorance.

There has been a lovely series of thread about the funeral on Mumsnet, it's on its third thread now so nearly 3000 posts and very respectful and touching. They've noticed loads of little touches that I missed and has been lovely to follow.

I woke up at 2 am to watch, and did watch the Westminster ceremony. Having to work in the morning, I went back to bed afterwards. I didn't realize the ceremony at St. George's was to be televised as well, so have seen bits of it while at work.

I will get caught up a bit later at home, when they will re-televise it. One thing I didn't realize that her coffin would lower through the floor of the chapel. That, and the removing of the crown and staff were quite moving. I was surprised that little Prince George and Princess Charlotte were at both ceremonies. Their behavior was excellent, for such a long day. I suppose there is one more ceremony for the immediate family as well. How exhausting for them.

Thought the service at Windsor was so much more moving. The piper at the end had me in tears.

English Pageantry at its best. Though not the continental clapping if that is where it came from. Bowed heads and quiet reflection as the cortege passed in my opinion is far more dignified and shows you are thinking about the person, not the event.

I'm exhausted and I've only been to the kitchen and back a few times! It was beautifully executed. The Royal family are back later for a private ceremony. Think that they have earned some privacy.

Lovetopaint037

So relieved to be back on Gransnet. Just been over on Mumsnet and can’t believe the rubbish I have been reading. It seems there are posters there who are only concerned about making the funeral a sexist issue. Also apparently it is too military !!!!Another who thought the Queen should be put in the ground without the processions passing certain places of significance. Another saw Princess Anne’s position with her siblings as a sexist stance. I suppose they are younger than us but they left me gobsmacked with their ignorance.

It seems there are posters there who are only concerned about making the funeral a sexist issue

That all sounds rather ridiculous bearing in mind whose funeral it was, Lovetopaint037

It doesn't sound as if those posters have quite thought this through with any logic.

It is estimated that 5.2 billion watched around the world.

Very moving, what a very long day they have had.

A befitting end to her reign.

I think a special mention should go to the eight men who carried the coffin. They did a wonderful job and despite the weight of that coffin, they didn't seem to strain or struggle at all.

My heart was in my mouth as they approached the steps to the Chapel in Windsor, even though this will have been rehearsed to perfection.

Beautifully done.

I think that the military, police and all others involved have done a fabulous job.
I hope they get a rest before they have a Coronation to plan for.

We were interested in the Queen's private secretary who is 7ft 2 and walking in front of the coffin.

thank you grey.
i tried to look him up but all i got was silly things about napoleonic uniforms.
google stuck on usa searches doesn't help.
i've tried changing it to uk, can't.

The bearer party must have arms of steel ?

Grandma70s

I might just learn to tolerate clapping, but cheering - never!

It is a sign of appreciation in the modern age.