King Charles And His Siblings Keep A Somber Vigil For Their Late Mother, Queen Elizabeth
In Edinburgh’s historic church, where hundreds stood in line for hours to pay their respects to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, King Charles and his siblings kept a somber vigil by their mother Queen Elizabeth’s coffin.
Charles, dressed in a kilt, stood respectfully for ten minutes next to the oak casket that was covered in the royal flag known as the Royal Standard of Scotland, along with sister Princess Anne, brothers Princes Andrew, and Edward.
The Scottish Crown, traditionally used to crown Scottish monarchs, was placed atop the flag in a wreath made of white flowers.
They were received with cheers as they exited the city’s St. Giles Cathedral.
A big, bereaved throng had previously observed the procession of the coffin leave the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the monarch’s formal residence in Scotland, in silence. Charles and other members of the royal family were seen strolling slowly behind the hearse.
After patiently waiting for hours to be admitted inside the cathedral, mourners made their way slowly past the casket while some were weeping and others had their heads down or were bowing.
After a 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth passed away on Thursday at the age of 96 in her vacation residence in the Scottish Highlands, Balmoral. Her death threw Britain into sadness even as it was dealing with an economic crisis and a change of government.
On Sunday, her casket arrived from Balmoral and remained there all night.
The Royal Company of Archers served as the guard of honor as Charles, 73, and his siblings, who automatically became king upon their mother’s passing, marched gently in front of the hearse under a sunny sky.
After the service, Charles proceeded to the devolved Scottish assembly to hear a motion of condolence as part of a busy schedule for the new monarch. He had started the day by speaking to members of the British parliament in Westminster Hall in London.
Invoking the legislature as the “alive and breathing instrument of our democracy,” he promised to continue his late mother’s legacy of upholding the institution’s independence.
There were a lot of pageantries, as there had been at every ceremony to celebrate the queen’s passing and Charles’ ascension to the throne.
He and his wife Camilla, Queen Consort, arrived at Westminster Hall to a trumpet fanfare. With cavalrymen in red tunics and plumed helmets standing at attention behind, the royal couple sat on ceremonial seats.
“God Save the King” was then sung by the group.
Charles, who is currently monarch of the United Kingdom and 14 other countries, including Australia, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, is well known for airing his opinions on subjects including the environment and youth.
In keeping with the custom that the monarch stays out of political concerns, he has said that as king, he would temper his style.
The casket will be transported by plane to London on Tuesday. On Wednesday, it will start its time of honorary lying in wait at Westminster Hall until September 19—the day of Queen Elizabeth’s official funeral.
The coffin, which will be draped by the Royal Standard and have the sovereign’s Orb and Sceptre placed on top, will be available for public viewing in London 24 hours a day until 6:30 a.m. (0530 GMT) on September 19.
News Mania Desk
