King Charles leads royals as they walk behind Queen's coffin

The Queen is being moved to St Giles Cathedral

Author: Chloe Shaw & Chris MaskeryPublished 12th Sep 2022
Last updated 12th Sep 2022

King Charles III has led some of the Royal family as they walked behind Queen Elizabeth's coffin.

The Queen is being taken from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to nearby St Giles’ Cathedral where her family, and a congregation drawn from all areas of Scottish society, will attend a service of thanksgiving for her life.

The new king led the family procession, people lining the route clapped as the procession made its way along the route to the cathedral.

Women shouted "God bless the Queen" as the hearse made its way past.

Members of the public will be able to view the coffin to pay their respects for 24 hours before it is taken to London to lie in state.

Service of thanksgiving

The hearse carrying the Queen's coffin arrived at St Giles' Cathedral where a service of prayer and reflection took place.

The coffin was lifted out of the hearse and brought into the place of worship, with the King, the Queen Consort, the Princess Royal, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of York, and the Earl and the Countess of Wessex walking behind.

As the coffin made its way through the cathedral the choir sang Thou Wilt Keep Him In Perfect Peace, Whose Mind Is Stayed On Thee.

At the beginning of the service, Reverend Calum MacLeod welcomed the royal family, "representatives of our nation's life" and "people whose lives were touched by the Queen in so many unforgettable ways".

He said: "And so we gather to bid Scotland's farewell to our late monarch, whose life of service to the nation and the world we celebrate.

"And whose love for Scotland was legendary."

The music at the service incorporates material that is European, Anglican and Scottish and is drawn from composers of sacred music - Bach, Byrd, Purcell and Tallis.

The Psalms will have often been sung by The Queen and her family at Crathie Kirk in Balmoral.

Vigil for The Queen

Later in the evening, the King and other members of his family, likely his siblings, will hold a vigil at the cathedral in honour of the Queen.

The Duke of Sussex earlier released an emotional statement, promising to “honour” his father as the new King.

Tributes paid to Queen Elizabeth

Flowers are being laid outside many of the Queen's homes, following her death. Here a family lay flowers outside Windsor Castle in Berkshire, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

Crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace the evening after the news of the Queen's death was made public.

Mourners gather at Buckingham Palace placing flowers and paying their respect

Messages on the flowers included this 'Forever our Queen' message

Even the gates of Buckingham palace were adorned with flowers

Books of condolence have been set up in many places across the UK, including this one at Liverpool Cathedral

Birmingham Cathedral also had a space for remembrance

People were queuing to sign the book of condolence in Birmingham

Flowers at the gates of Balmoral in Scotland

Brighton UK 9th September 2022 - A tribute to The Queen at a bus stop in Brighton today after her death at the age of 96 was announced yesterday .

Floral tributes to Queen Elizabeth II at the gate of Buckingham Palace.
London, England, UK. 9th Sep, 2022.

Newmarket, UK. 9 September, 2022. Floral tributes left in memory to Queen Elizabeth II after her death on 8th September on a bronze statue designed by Etienne Millner, which is situated at the Newmarket Racecourse entrance which was a gift from the town in the year of her 90th birthday. Pictured is Matt Hancock Conservative MP, for West Suffolk, with his floral tribute the Queen.

Mourners make their way along the Long Walk to pay their respects at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Union Flag flies at half mast at the City Chambers in Edinburgh, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

John Houston of the Merchant Navy Association pays his respects at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Floral tributes and messages at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Floral tributes and messages at the gates of Sandringham House on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Minutes of silence before the game to pay respect after the death of Queen Elizabeth II before the UEFA Europa Conference League match at the London Stadium, London.
London, England, 8th September 2022.

Crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II who died on Thursday 8th September.
London, England, UK. 8th Sep, 2022.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie looks at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland. The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Floral tributes left at the gates of Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland. The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, Buckingham Palace has announced.

DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson looks at floral tributes at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland. The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Floral tributes continue to be left outside several locations across the country and the world. Here, on 11th September, at the gates of Buckingham Palace, the crowds continue to gather and leave flowers and other tributes.

Six-year-old Terezka Cernianska leaves flowers at the gates of Balmoral in Scotland, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Large crowds gather to show their respect along the A90, Forfar, as the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is taken to Edinburgh.

Floral tributes left next to a fountain in St James' Park outside Buckingham Palace.

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