I don’t doubt that they rehearsed the entire process, perhaps even with a stand-in for the crown.
I imagine it was anchored down pretty well. You could probably have turned the casket upside down (like they do in some ice cream places) and it wouldn’t have fallen off.
“A bit”? They probably practiced for hours.
Yes, when they rehearsed for the Queen Mother’s funeral in 2002 (video) they had some kind of weight on the top of the coffin.
Wow, that’s more elaborate than I imagined. I figured they rehearsed privately, back at their barracks. That video showed them actually marching down public streets.
I thought that too but then remembered that there is a substantial amount of ironmongery involved there. That’s some chunky bling.
I don’t think the pillow is a normal pillow. I suspect there’s a head-shaped lump for the crown to sit on, at the very least. And the coffin is thought to have a depression on the lid to keep the pillow from shifting around.
You… have many funeral processions through ice cream places where you are?
There is an official live queue tracker on YouTube and other social media sites:
That’s quite normal in the UK, in recognition and appreciation of service. It often happens at the start of football matches when a significant player or manager has died.
Ice cream is the saddest dessert.
Stiff upper lips and all that.
i find carrot cake to be quite sad.
the weight of the royal coffins are substantial. they tend to have a lot of lead in them, carrying them on shoulders does help a bit.
And I noticed that they reach one arm across to rest on the shoulder of the opposite pallbearer. That may help stabilize the casket.
Given that averagely fit funeral directors manage it at funerals for mere mortals, I’m sure these strapping lads can handle it!
Fun facts about the location of the lying in State - Westminster Hall. Built in 1097 by William the Conqueror’s son, was the location for Henry VIII’s coronation banquet, and the trial of Charles I. There’s history in them there walls.
You think?
It seems there’s a fair few differences, including with the coffins. We tend to have ones that narrow towards the head, whereas from what I’ve seen on TV, US coffins tend to be rectangle (and sometimes with a half lid you can lift for open casket viewings).
Gosh, I’m watching the live feed of the lying in and it’s surprisingly emotional - something about the silence - I thought they’d cut the sound feed, but I can now hear soldier’s feet as they change the guard. Youtube feed here.
Thanks for the link. I wasn’t sure of the best place to watch. You’re right-- it’s quite moving. I wonder how many people will have filed past by the time this part is over?
Why was Sarah Ferguson absent from Andrew’s side? All the other royals had their spouses beside them in the procession. Is it because she and Andrew are divorced?
This is very moving to watch. Many in black. Most everyone briefly bowing their heads. Many making the sign of the cross. Some whispering, “Thank you.”
Yes, Sarah isn’t Andrew’s spouse anymore.
Yep. He doesn’t have a spouse. Not since 1996.