The period of official mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, culminated on Monday morning with her state funeral at London’s former Westminster Abbey. The guest list for the service includes about 500 foreign dignitaries, including President Biden and about 100 other heads of state. The large influx of VIPs tested an unprecedented security operation that was decades in the planning.
Queen Elizabeth died on September 8 at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle, her beloved estate in Scotland. His eldest son, now King Charles III, has led the royal family, the nation and the world in honoring his legacy and ushering in a new era that is likely to present increasing challenges for both the kingdom as for his Commonwealth.
Monday’s full service will air live, with CBS News coverage beginning at 5:30 a.m. ET, hosted by Norah O’Donnell and Gayle King.
The Reverend Dr. David Hoyle, the 39th Dean of Westminster Abbey, who officiated at the funeral, told CBS News: “You can be absolutely sure that some of the things that the Queen expected us to say will be part of the service.”
The funeral was preceded by days of carefully choreographed public events, including a stately procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall on Wednesday. Countless admirers queued for miles, waiting all day and night for the chance to walk past the Queen’s coffin during her four days of lying in state.
After Monday’s service, the Queen’s coffin will be taken in a procession to Hyde Park, then by hearse to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, her final resting place, where her late husband, Prince Philip, and his sister, Princess Margaret. , are also buried.
Follow the updates below as events unfold.