Heart-Rending Photos Of The Royal Family Grieving At Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral

Sep 30, 2022 by apost team

Queen Elizabeth II's funeral drew millions of mourners, with thousands lining up at Westminster Hall to catch a final glimpse of the monarch and pay their respects one last time. The resulting and now-infamous queue will surely go down in history as a testament to how beloved Elizabeth II was. 

While her death marked the end of an era for a well-regarded monarch, Queen Elizabeth will also forever be remembered for her service. For many Englishmen, she was the only reigning monarch they had ever known in their lifetime, having sat on the throne for 70 years. In fact, in February 2022 prior to her passing, the queen celebrated 70 incredible years as Queen of the United Kingdom and 15 Commonwealth realms. 

This was not only a milestone for her but for the entire world, as she was the first British ruling monarch to reach the seven-decade mark. In fact, she made further history when she became the second longest-serving monarch ever. She's only bested by one other ruler, Louis XIV of France. The sudden loss of such a longstanding monarch has been evident in the media surrounding her funeral. 

The emotional and heartbreaking photographs and footage that have emerged from the funeral service and the procession of the queen's coffin on Sept. 19, 2022, as well as its other appearances — such as in Edinburgh earlier in the month — prove how beloved the monarch was and how deeply the country has mourned her loss. Namely, pictures of the royal family show how devastating her death is for those who knew her privately as well as publically. 

In addition to being known for her staying power, Elizabeth II will also surely be remembered for her lengthy and loving relationship with her late husband, Prince Philip, who stood by her side through thick and thin. Throughout their more than seven decades of marriage and longer as friends, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip shared many milestones together, serving as a testament to the institution of marriage. 

Tragically, the queen lost her partner when he "died peacefully" of "old age." Prince Philip passed at the incredible age of 99 on April 9, 2021. Given he was not a true monarch, he wasn't given a state funeral — as the queen would later receive — but a royal ceremonial funeral instead. Due to the pandemic restrictions, the funeral was very small — only a mere 30 people were allowed to attend. Many royal family members were a part of the funeral, including Prince Harry, who traveled from California to pay his respects.

At the time, Express reported that the royal family arranged for the funeral to be held at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, where Philip's coffin remained until the day the queen died. Following Elizabeth's passing, official arrangements were made to ensure they are buried together. This way the Duke of Edinburgh would be buried alongside his wife of 73 years. 

When Queen Elizabeth II passed in September 2022, the service was understandably larger and much more well attended. Given the pandemic restrictions had since been lifted, politicians, as well as public figures, joined members of the royal family to pay their respects. 

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For the multi-day event, the queen's body first lay in state at Westminster Hall, where members of the public paid their respects. Then she was buried at the King George VI memorial chapel, which is the resting place of her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and her sister, Princess Margaret. Meanwhile, Philip was interred and joined Elizabeth at the memorial chapel. 

During the late queen's coffin procession and when she lay in state at Westminster, she was visited by members of the royal family. Understandably emotional but perhaps blind by duty to not appear too upset, Prince Harry, Prince William, their wives and children were nonetheless captured by quick-acting photographers, letting their steely facade of English fortitude slip momentarily.

Harry, who notably held his wife's hand during the service, wiped away tears. Princess Charlotte, daughter of William and Catherine, Princess of Wales also appeared emotional outside Westminster Abbey. Her brother, George, seemed to have a more stern look, occasionally rubbing his eyes. Even the adults were at some point unable to hide their grief. Despite having weathered the funerals of many Windsors in their time, King Charles III and Anne, Princess Royal showed deep sorrow in fleeting moments which broke the propriety and sense of duty of the official ceremony.

The exposure of the event, while a gift to members of the public who wanted to share in this loss, undoubtedly restrained the members of the royal family from truly expressing themselves during this difficult time. Hopefully, once in private, they have the opportunity and space to mourn freely. 

Were you upset watching the funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family and any fellow royalists!