At today’s funeral service for the Queen at Westminster Abbey, politicians set aside their differences to pay respects.
MPs and peers from all political parties sat together in the congregation for the state occasion.
Business minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, wearing a top hat, Keir Starmer, and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon were among them.
A number of prominent figures included the Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Nadhim Zahawi, and the former leader of the Conservative Party, Lord Hague.
Before 8:30 a.m., the procession path was proclaimed filled of tens of thousands of people.
The magnificent oak doors of the Abbey – where Her Majesty wed Prince Philip and was crowned – opened at 8 a.m., three hours before to the start of the liturgy.
Thousands of royals, foreign leaders, and members of the public have begun entering the Abbey, where billions of people will watch Her Majesty’s state burial.
The majority of the VIPs arrived by coach and gathered at the Royal Hospital Chelsea before being transported to Central London by bus.
Today’s arrivals to the state funeral included business minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, who wore a top hat.
Additionally, Labour leader Keir Starmer and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng attended the service at Westminster Abbey.
Nicola Sturgeon (second from the left) and Mark Drakeford (second from the right) were in attendance at the funeral at Westminster Abbey. Chris Grayling (left), a former Cabinet minister, was also present.
Today, Deputy Prime Minister Therese Coffey attended the state funeral.
Today, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly (right) arrives at Westminster for the service.
Earlier, Sir Keir stated that the day of the Queen’s funeral would be one of remembrance and reverence.
He stated on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, “I believe today will be a day of meditation and reverence.” I believe the entire globe will want to pay their respects.’
Sir Keir stated that he hoped the events of the previous ten days will assist to unite the populace.
“The public has been phenomenal – to see those lines, to see people all around London,” he remarked.
It revealed the United Kingdom for what it truly is, a magnificent nation capable of convening and bringing people together.
He continued, ‘Recently in politics, we have spent so much time on divisive issues and differences, but when the nation is given the opportunity, it genuinely comes together. The last 10 days have been extraordinary.’
Ms. Sturgeon stated, “The state funeral for Her Majesty will be one of the most significant events in recent history, with people from all over the world observing and giving their respects.”
Today, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace (left) and Mr. Kwarteng came at the same time.
This morning, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and his wife Saadiya arrived at the Abbey.
It is an honor to represent Scotland at her funeral, as she was the greatest constant.
She continued, “As the Queen is laid to rest, it affords us the opportunity to reflect on the events of the past ten days, which have been a true, solemn, and fitting tribute to our longest-reigning monarch.”
In recent days, we’ve been reminded of how much Her Majesty meant to the people of Scotland, despite the fact that we already knew how important Scotland was to the Queen.
“I am confident that the ceremonies in Edinburgh will live long in the national memory, and today we will all bid a final and heartfelt farewell to a monarch who is deeply revered and widely adored.”
Michael and Carole Middleton, the parents of Kate, Princess of Wales, arrived for the service two hours early, followed by Tom Parker Bowles, the son of Queen Consort Camilla. Despite their close ties to the Royal Family, they were also on a bus together.
According to royal custom, myrtle was included in the Queen’s wedding bouquet, which was among the funeral flowers at the abbey. The enormous displays of white and green flowers included asiatic lilies, gladioli, alstroemeria, eustoma and the foliage of English oak, weeping birch, and myrtle sprigs.
The four tall yellow candles that traditionally surround the grave of the unknown warrior at the entrance of the historic church will be placed around the coffin.
Outside, fans of all ages set up tents, deck chairs, and even a makeshift minibar in order to secure primo seats for the event, which is expected to draw 2 million people to the city. By 8.30 a.m., the public was informed that the procession route was filled, and they were directed to Hyde Park to view the event on large screens.
As the globe pays tribute to the former queen, Lord Hague and Ms. Sturgeon arrive.
Ian Blackford, head of the SNP in Westminster, donned a kilt for today’s ceremony.