It is understood that William and Kate have taken time to consider whether their children will join the procession. Both George and Charlotte attended the memorial service for Prince Philip in March, but not his funeral last year which was held during the COVID pandemic. The royal children were seen in public several times during the Platinum Jubilee, but an occasion of this nature is obviously very different. Buckingham Palace said the State Funeral, which starts at 11am, will pay tribute to the Queen’s remarkable reign and her life as Head of State, Nation and Commonwealth. It will be led by the Dean of Westminster with the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Sermon. Hymns will include “The Lord’s My Shepherd” which was sung at the Queen’s wedding to Prince Philip in 1947 when she was Princess Elizabeth. Before the service, the bell of Westminster Abbey will be rung 96 times — once for each year of the Queen’s life. The hourly service will conclude with the Sovereign’s Piper playing the Lament ‘Sleep, dearie, sleep’. Around 2,000 people will be at the Abbey for the event as the Metropolitan Police conducts its biggest ever security operation. Almost every country in the world has sent a representative and the Queen’s public life in the UK will be reflected as recipients of the Victoria and George Cross honors will be at the Abbey alongside representatives from the Queen’s patrons, her loyal staff and wider her family. After the service he will be taken to Windsor for a service at St George’s Chapel at 4pm. and a private burial will follow later that evening. Town & Country editor Victoria Murphy has been writing about the British royal family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and traveled the world covering many royal tours. She was the Daily Mirror’s royal correspondent and is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America.
