There was also a strong turnout from European royals, such as King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, and those from further afield, like Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan. A significant gesture given that the Japanese monarch doesn’t typically attend funerals, the family’s history with Queen Elizabeth II dates back many decades. Naruhito’s father, Akihito, who abdicated in 2019, attended the Queen’s coronation in 1953 when he was a 19-year-old crown prince and later visited as Emperor in 1998 and 2012, to mark her Diamond Jubilee. Japan even instituted its own three days of mourning in the wake of the monarch’s death.
As for the events of the funeral itself, the Palace previously announced: ‘The Service will pay tribute to The Queen’s remarkable reign and lifetime of service as Head of State, Nation and Commonwealth. The State Funeral will be led by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, and the Sermon will be given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby. The Choirs of Westminster Abbey and His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, under the direction of James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers of Westminster Abbey will sing.
‘Before the Service, the Abbey’s Tenor Bell will be tolled once a minute for 96 minutes, one toll for each year of The Queen’s life. Holders of The George Cross, Victoria Cross, and Representatives of the Orders of Chivalry will Process through the Abbey before the Service. A Procession of representatives from faith communities across the United Kingdom, as well as representatives from the Churches of Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England, will Process ahead of the Service. Also present will be the Sub-Dean of the Chapels Royal and the Dean of Windsor.
