Britain and the world said a final goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II at a state funeral Monday that drew presidents and kings, princes and prime ministers — and crowds who massed along the streets of London to honour a monarch whose 70-year reign defined an age.
Elizabeth's funeral procession arrived at the west gate of the medieval abbey shortly before the service at 11 a.m.
Pallbearers lifted the coffin from the state gun carriage and carried it inside the Gothic structure.
David Hoyle, the dean of Westminster, began the service offering prayers for her family and recognizing "her unswerving commitment to a high calling over so many years."
The service, taking place where Elizabeth was married in 1947 and crowned in 1953, was attended by 2,000 people, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.
In addition, about 200 members of the British public previously recognized during this year's Queen's Jubilee for volunteer efforts were in attendance.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, spoke at the service, telling the congregation that the grief felt by so many across Britain and the wider world reflected the late monarch's "abundant life and loving service."
"Her late majesty famously declared on a 21st birthday broadcast that her whole life would be dedicated to serving the nation and Commonwealth," he said.
"Rarely has such a promise been so well kept. Few leaders receive the outpouring of love that we have seen."
Near the end of service, two minutes of silence were observed in the Abbey and throughout the United Kingdom.
The congregation then sang God Save the King, with a piper's lament bringing the Anglican service to an end.
The service was being followed by a procession through the streets of London to take the Queen's coffin to Windsor, where there will be a committal service and a private service for Royal Family members.
She will later be buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle alongside her husband, Prince Philip, her parents and the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret.
Below are some pictures:
Credit: CBC News
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