The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II went through a carefully orchestrated journey after her state funeral on September 19th, 2022. As the Queen’s coffin was lowered into the royal vault at St. George’s Chapel, this marked the beginning of her final resting place next to her beloved husband, Prince Philip.
What happens right after the coffin is lowered?
Immediately after the coffin was lowered, the Lord Chamberlain symbolically broke his Wand of Office and placed it on top of the coffin. This act signified the end of his service to the sovereign. The wreath and flowers on top of the coffin were also removed at this time.
The Dean of Windsor then conducted a committal service, including prayers and blessings over the coffin. Once the service concluded, the King and members of the royal family saluted the coffin as the national anthem played.
At this point, the coffin remained in the royal vault while the royals and congregation departed. Later that evening, the coffin was privately transferred to the King George VI memorial chapel for overnight rest.
What is the royal vault?
The royal vault is located beneath the floor of St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. It houses the remains of previous royals and contains approximately 30 burial sites. Some of the most notable royals interred there include:
- King George III
- King George IV
- King William IV
- King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra
The vault was constructed between 1804 and 1810 during the reign of King George III. Over the years it has been reopened several times to house additional coffins as members of the royal family pass away.
Purpose of the Royal Vault
The royal vault serves two main purposes:
- A temporary resting place for royal coffins during funeral services in St. George’s Chapel.
- Long-term interment for some past monarchs and royal family members.
Placing coffins in the vault first allows time for final preparations of the actual burial site, such as installing a monument or plaque.
Where is Queen Elizabeth II’s final resting place?
After temporarily being held in the royal vault, Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin was privately transferred to the King George VI Memorial Chapel later on the evening of September 19th.
The King George VI Memorial Chapel is an annex located within St. George’s Chapel. It was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth to honor her father, King George VI.
In this intimate chapel, Queen Elizabeth II will rest beside her father King George VI, mother Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother), and sister Princess Margaret.
The remains of Prince Philip were relocated from the royal vault to the Memorial Chapel earlier this year in preparation for the Queen’s interment.
Significance of the King George VI Memorial Chapel
This chapel holds special meaning for Queen Elizabeth. King George VI did not originally have a separate burial place, so Elizabeth dedicated this annex in his honor in 1969.
She selected St. George’s Chapel as it provides a more intimate final resting place compared to the royal vault. It is a quiet, peaceful memorial to her beloved father and family.
Who was present for Queen Elizabeth II’s private burial service?
Only members of the royal family were present for the Queen’s private interment service on the evening of September 19th, 2022. Those in attendance included:
- King Charles III
- Queen Consort Camilla
- Princess Anne
- Prince Andrew
Her son, King Charles III, is reported to have sprinkled holy water from the River Jordan during the service, continuing an emotional royal burial tradition.
What kind of coffin was used to bury the Queen?
Queen Elizabeth II was buried in a lead-lined English oak coffin with brass handles. This coffin was specifically crafted for her interment over 30 years ago.
English oak symbolizes strength and was chosen for its durable properties. Lead lining helps preserve contents and prevent moisture damage.
Specifications of the Queen’s Coffin
- Made of English oak from Prince Charles’ Highgrove Estate
- Lined with lead
- Weighs approximately 500 pounds
- Features brass handles on each side
- Covered with the Queen’s personal royal standard
- Originally crafted in secret over 3 decades ago
Who created the Queen’s coffin?
The Queen’s coffin was originally crafted by funeral directors Leverton & Sons, known as “undertakers to the royal family”. Founded in 1760, they have handled royal funeral arrangements for decades.
The coffin was crafted per royal specifications over 30 years ago. Its materials, size, and shape adhere to royal tradition and requirements.
Very few were aware of the coffin’s existence, as it was kept in absolute secrecy until needed for the Queen’s funeral preparations.
About Leverton & Sons
- Founded in 1760, located in Camden, north London
- Funeral directors to the royal family since 1991
- Recommended by Lord Chamberlain’s office to handle royal funerals
- Still family owned after 6 generations
- Keeps discretion about royal coffins and funerals
How was the exterior of the coffin decorated?
The exterior of Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin was adorned with several symbolic elements:
- Her personal royal standard flag in vibrant colors
- A wreath made of flowers from Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, and Highgrove House
- The Imperial State Crown resting on a velvet cushion
- The Sovereign’s orb and scepter placed at the coffin’s foot
These elements represent key parts of the Queen’s public role and image that characterized her reign. The wreath and personal standard provided splashes of color celebrating her life.
Significance of the Imperial State Crown
The placement of the Imperial State Crown symbolized the Queen’s power and authority as monarch. It was poignantly positioned above her coffin throughout the funeral and processions.
The dazzling crown features nearly 3,000 diamonds and gems, representing the vast Empire Elizabeth II presided over until her final day.
What items were placed inside the Queen’s coffin?
Buckingham Palace did not publicly confirm all items placed inside the Queen’s coffin. However, several private mementos were reportedly buried with the Queen:
- Photographs of her parents and sister Margaret
- A photo of her husband Prince Philip
- A small platinum wedding ring gifted by Philip
- Wreath and flowers from her Golden Jubilee
- Letters from her children
Including photographs and personal mementos provides comfort, as she rests surrounded by her beloved family members and memories from her life.
The Queen’s Wedding Ring
The simple platinum ring gifted by Prince Philip came from the people of Wales. Including this cherished token pays tribute to her storied 73-year marriage.
Were any other items buried with the Queen?
In addition to personal mementos:
- Scarab jewels were gifted from King Fuad of Egypt for good fortune
- Holy water from the River Jordan was sprinkled into her coffin
- An English oak tree seedling was planted next to her coffin at burial
These unique inclusions carry special significance for the late Queen. The seedling signifies new beginnings and perpetual life, while holy water represents purity.
Royal Tradition of the River Jordan
Since the late 1800s, royal coffins have been sprinkled with water from the River Jordan for its religious connotations. Queen Elizabeth continued this tradition by requesting the holy water be used for her burial.
Who inherited the Queen’s coffin and buried artifacts?
As with all royal assets, ownership of the coffin, jewels, photographs, and other buried artifacts pass to Queen Elizabeth II’s successor – King Charles III.
However, out of utmost respect, the coffin and her remains will not be disturbed. These meaningful items will eternally rest with the beloved Queen.
Legal Standing of Royal Burials
Royal burials fall under the jurisdiction of the Crown, rather than secular law. The interment, coffin, and artifacts are strictly protected within royal vaults and burial chambers in perpetuity.
Can the public visit the Queen’s burial site?
The King George VI Memorial Chapel where Queen Elizabeth II is buried is not open to the public. As it is located within a private royal residence (Windsor Castle), only the royal family and their guests may access it.
However, well-wishers and mourners can visit the Queen’s tomb in other ways:
- Leaving flowers outside St. George’s Chapel
- Signing memorial books in Windsor
- Paying respects at Buckingham Palace
- Visiting royal equestrian statue on castle grounds
Although the public cannot enter the chapel, they have still shared their immense grief, support, and farewells.
Future Burial Plans for the Public
There are proposals to allow public access to King George VI’s Nave inside St. George’s Chapel, where the Queen’s coffin was originally on display before interment. This would allow people to feel closer to her final resting place.
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth II’s historic 70-year reign came to a close with a serene, private burial alongside her beloved family members. The meaningful details of her coffin, interment, and inclusion of cherished mementos provide comfort – as the Queen is laid to eternal rest surrounded by those she held most dear.
While the private chapel housing her tomb is not accessible to the public, the outpouring of grief demonstrates the immense impact Queen Elizabeth II had on her people. Her legacy as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch shall endure for centuries to come.