The Queen's coffin arrives in Edinburgh watched by Andrew, Anne, Edward and Sophie to rest in the Throne Room of the Palace of Holyroodhouse as tens of thousands of mourners line the streets of Scottish capital
- Queen Elizabeth II's coffin has arrived in Edinburgh to lie in rest at the Palace of Holyroodhouse overnight
- The royal procession led by the hearse carrying the Queen's oak coffin crossed the Forth at around 4pm
- Emotional well-wishers have lined the roads between the Highlands estate and the Scottish capital
- The late Queen's coffin will be moved to St Giles' Cathedral tomorrow for a vigil at 7.20pm that evening
- Her son King Charles III was proclaimed as head of state by officials on the Royal Mile at midday
- Follow MailOnline's live coverage of the Queen's journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh here
- Full coverage: Click here to see all our coverage of the Queen’s passing
By JACK WRIGHT and RORY TINGLE and DAVID PILDITCH FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 01:08 AEST, 12 September 2022 | UPDATED: 02:23 AEST, 12 September 2022
Queen Elizabeth II's coffin has arrived in Edinburgh to lie in rest at the Palace of Holyroodhouse overnight, after tens of thousands of mourners stood for hours in the streets of the Scottish capital to pay their respects to the late monarch as she left her beloved Balmoral Castle for the last time.
The royal procession led by the hearse carrying the Queen's oak coffin - draped in the Royal Standard for Scotland with a wreath of Balmoral flowers on top - crossed the River Forth via the Queensferry Crossing at around 4pm, nearly six hours after starting its 180-mile journey to Edinburgh.
The crowd gathered down the Royal Mile fell silent in respect as the convoy - which included a limousine carrying the late Queen's daughter the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence - passed, before a round of applause and cheers broke out.
As the Queen's coffin passed the Scottish Parliament, Scotland's political leaders - First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater and Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton - stood on the pavement outside Holyrood to pay their respects.
The hearse bearing the Queen's coffin then arrived at the Palace just before 4.30pm, where it was received by Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex. The Queen's cortege then received a guard of honour by the King's Bodyguard for Scotland before the coffin was carried out of the hearse by pallbearers and taken inside the palace, where it will stay overnight before being moved to St Giles' Cathedral tomorrow afternoon - where earlier a large crowd had gathered to witness the midday proclamation of King Charles III as head of state.
Tomorrow, King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort will visit Edinburgh and join his other siblings walking behind his late mother's coffin when it is moved from the Palace to St Giles' Cathedral. At 7.20pm, the monarch will hold a vigil at the late Queen's coffin with other members of the Royal Family.
Earlier today, a single motorbike police outrider led the way as the hearse travelled at a stately pace through the Aberdeenshire countryside. At one point, as the cortege travelled through Dundee, a lone long-stemmed flower could be seen on the hearse windscreen and in a rural part of the route farmers paid homage to the monarch with tractors lined up in a field.
Hundreds lined the main street of Ballater, the picturesque Victorian village closest to the Balmoral estate, where locals considered her a neighbour, as the Queen's coffin was driven slowly through. Her Majesty and her family were often seen in the village in Royal Deeside, which she had visited since childhood and where the Royal Family have space to be themselves.
The hearse passed Glenmuick Church, where the Rev David Barr rang the church bells 70 times after the Queen's death was announced.
Flowers were thrown into the hearse's path by well-wishers on both sides of the road in Ballater, which was sombre and silent. The hearse slowed to a fast walking pace and mourners could clearly see the royal standard-draped coffin and the wreath featuring flowers from the Balmoral estate, including sweet peas - one of the Queen's favourite flowers - dahlias, phlox, white heather and pine fir.
Earlier, the Queen's oak coffin was carried to the hearse by six Balmoral estate gamekeepers tasked with the symbolic gesture. It had been at rest in the Balmoral ballroom so the monarch's estate workers could say their goodbyes.
In other developments today:
- An emotional King Charles was greeted by well-wishers as he arrived at Buckingham Palace where he will meet with representatives from the Commonwealth;
- Prince William vowed to serve Wales with 'humility' - after he paid tribute to his 'extraordinary Grannie' in a heartbreaking statement yesterday;
- The Prince and Princess of Wales yesterday reunited with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for a historic walkabout at Windsor;
- Church services took place around the UK today to remember Her Majesty on first Sunday after her death;
- The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told his congregation that this was an 'unexpectedly extraordinary Sunday' as he paid tribute to the later monarch;
- The Sussexes' children Archie and Lilibet continued to be listed as 'Master' and 'Miss' on the new order of succession;
- First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, paid tribute to the late Queen in a tweet;
- Former Prime Minister David Cameron described how he had to apologise to Her Majesty after revealing details of private phone call. He also revealed that he help Charles prepare for becoming King by holding 'practice' audiences.
The hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arrives at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
The Duke of York, the Countess of Wessex, and the Earl of Wessex outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II passes St Giles' Cathedral on its way to Palace of Holyroodhouse
The hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland, passing Edinburgh Castle
Princess Anne watches as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth arrives at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Pallbearers carry the coffin of Britain's Queen Elizabeth as the hearse arrives at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
Princess Anne approaches the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth as it arrives at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
The hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland, passing over the Queensferry Crossing as it continues its journey to Edinburgh from Balmoral
The hearse carrying the oak coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arriving at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
The hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland, passes along Canongate towards the Royal Mile as it completes its journey from Balmoral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
The Duke of York (right) awaits the arrival of hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland, as it completes its journey from Balmoral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
King Charles III during a reception with Realm High Commissioners and their spouses in the Bow Room at Buckingham Palace
The Queen Consort during a reception with Realm High Commissioners and their spouses in the Bow Room at Buckingham Palace
What happens next: Day two of mourning
D+2 - Sunday September 11
The Queen's coffin, draped in the Royal Standard for Scotland, will be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh from 10am.
It will travel east from Balmoral to the coast, before travelling south to Holyroodhouse, in a journey lasting six hours.
Huge crowds are expected to line the route of the 170-mile journey, as mourners pay their respects.
The Queen will rest overnight in the oak-panelled Throne Room.
Proclamations will be read in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland devolved parliaments in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
And King Charles will meet Commonwealth Secretary General, Realm High Commissioners, and the Dean of Windsor at Buckingham Palace today.
D+3 - Monday September 12
At 2.35pm, the procession will be held along the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral.
The King and other senior members of the Royal Family will walk the 1,200 yard route on foot.
At 7.20pm, the King and other family members will mount a vigil by the coffin.
The Queen will then lie at rest for 24 hours, with thousands expected to file past.
The House of Commons and the House of Lords are expected to come together in Westminster for a Motion of Condolence, which the King could attend.
After leaving England and visiting Scotland, Charles will at some stage travel to the other countries of the UK - Wales and Northern Ireland - known as Operation Spring Tide.
D+4 - Tuesday September 13
At 5pm on Tuesday, the Queen's coffin will be taken by hearse to Edinburgh airport, where it will be met by a Guard of Honour from the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The Royal Air Force bearer party will then carry it on to a waiting aircraft, where it will be flown to London at 6pm.
She will be accompanied by Princess Anne and arrive at RAF Northolt in West London shortly before 7pm.
The coffin will then be driven to Buckingham Palace where it will be met by a Guard of Honour.
There it will rest in the Bow Room, under the watch of a rota of chaplains.
A rehearsal for the procession of the coffin from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster is also expected to take place.
D+5 - Wednesday September 14
The Queen's lying in state is expected to begin in Westminster Hall - Operation Marquee - following a ceremonial procession through London that will begin at 2.22pm.
The King will walk behind his mother's coffin for the second time in three days.
On arrival, the coffin will be placed on a raised bier where the Queen will lie in state for four full days.
The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct a short service following the coffin's arrival.
Hundreds of thousands of people will file past the coffin on its catafalque and pay their respects, just as they did for the Queen Mother's lying in state in 2002.
The management of the queues outside is Operation Feather.
During the Covid-19 crisis, plans included the possibility of the introduction of timed ticketing for those wanting to attend.
Senior royals are also expected to pay their own moving tribute, standing guard at some stage around the coffin - the tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes.
D+6 - Thursday September 15
Lying in state continues and a rehearsal is likely to take place for the state funeral procession.
D+7 - Friday September 16
Lying in state continues, ending on D+9.
On Friday, King Charles will continue his tour of the UK, travelling to Wales to receive a motion of condolence at the Welsh Parliament, and attend a service at Llandaff Cathedral, in Cardiff.
D+9 - Sunday September 18
Heads of state begin to arrive for the funeral. An evening reception will be held for funeral guests, including prime ministers, heads of state and other dignitaries from across the world.
The King will hold an audience with the Prime Minister.
D+10 - Monday September 19
The Queen's state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey in central London at 11am.
The original plans are for the Queen's coffin to process on a gun carriage to the abbey, pulled by naval ratings - sailors - using ropes rather than horses.
Senior members of the family will follow behind - just like they did for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh.
The military will line the streets and also join the procession.
Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000.
The service will be televised, and a national two minutes' silence is expected to be held at midday.
The same day as the funeral, the Queen's coffin will be taken to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for a televised committal service.
Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family.
The Queen's final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel - where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret. Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's.
The death of the Queen became a stark reality for tens of thousands who took to the streets to witness the first stage of her final journey today. Many had travelled through the night to secure their place along the route after Her Majesty left her beloved Balmoral for the last time. There was a solemn mood as the Queen's oak coffin draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland reached the climax of the journey to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh.
Mourners stood six deep behind metal barriers on the narrow pavements along the historic Royal Mile which connects the palace with Edinburgh Castle. Some with camping chairs had waited for more than eight hours to secure their positions on a day of history. The crowds built up steadily during the course of the day until there was barely an inch of space to pass on the packed walkways. Many in the crowd told how catching just a fleeting glimpse of the coffin containing the Queen's body had brought the reality of her death into focus.
Royal fan Andrew Brown, 63, who watched the hearse as it travelled slowly down the Royal Mile said: 'Up until now everything seemed so surreal but this has brought it all home.
'I think I had been in a bit of a state of shock and numbness but seeing the coffin and the cortege with my own eyes makes it more of a reality.'
Mr Scott, from Glasgow, added: 'It's a sad day but I'm glad I got an opportunity to say goodbye. The Queen loved Scotland and I think it is fitting that her last journey began at Balmoral.'
Hairdresser Ashley Coventry, who lives in Edinburgh, said: 'It just feels weird. I think we all knew it was going to come. But it is the realisation of being here - it is a mark of history as well. I'm amazed by the number of people here. People have travelled from far, from all over the place.'
Ashley, who was with daughter Hannah, nine, and husband Scott, 39, added: 'It's just a constant stream of people. I've never seen anything like it.'
Scott said: 'The Queen was much loved in our household and it's a very sad day.'
Lynda Amos, 69, and her husband Richard, 67, told how they broke off from their holiday in the Scottish highlands to travel to Edinburgh to pay their respects. The couple live 50 miles south of the capital in Duns in the Scottish Borders.
Lynda said: 'We came straight here. We're devastated. It came as such a shock after we had seen pictures of her only a couple of days before when she met Liz Truss. It is so sad but it is the start of a new beginning as well. The Queen has always been part of their lives. My father was in the RAF and he was in Kenya where the Queen was on holiday when her father died. They all went to the airport and stood to attention when she flew back to Britain to become Queen.
'We have been to garden parties here a couple of times. The Queen would come to host them on her way up to Balmoral each year. Everyone dressed up and she would really make an effort. She was delightful.'
Chartered surveyor Richard said: 'Being here makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.'
Liz Aitken, 61, told how she waited for three hours at the same spot to catch a glimpse of the cortege.
The assistant manager at a hotel in Dunfermline said: 'It's been a very moving day. We had a posy of flowers which we left outside the palace amongst the flowers. There was a very nice, calm atmosphere there, reading the words of the lovely messages that had been written. There were a lot of Paddington Bears that children had left for her as well as a lot of beautiful drawings.
'It's such a strange feeling. The Queen has always been around throughout my whole life. I think people thought she was going to live forever.'
NHS hospital worker Angie Thow, 55, who travelled with husband Stewart, 57, said: 'There's so many people here from different nationalities. It was nice that there was applause when the coffin came past because you don't really know how you are going to feel when the moment comes.
'It is not something we have ever experienced before. The atmosphere today has been really respectful.'
Ukrainian refugee Daria Oskolkova said she turned out to see 'the Queen off on her final journey' as her coffin made its way along the Royal Mile.
'It was very emotional to be here,' said the 38-year-old who now lives in Glasgow.
Adriana Vraghici, from Edinburgh, described the event as a 'monumental day'.
'The Queen has been part of our lives for so long, it's just nice to be so close, seeing the coffin, because she has been such an important part of our lives,' said the 25-year-old, who added: 'She has served the country in such an amazing way'.
It comes after King Charles was greeted by thousands of well-wishers as he arrived at Buckingham Palace where he met with representatives from the Commonwealth.
Crowds lining the length of The Mall - including excited young children sat on top of the shoulders of parents trying to take photos with their phones - cheered and waved at Britain's new monarch as he was driven in his state Rolls-Royce from Clarence House through the Palace gates at around 1pm, accompanied by a motorcade of four cars and four police motorbikes.
The King was followed shortly after arriving at Buckingham Palace by his wife Camilla, Queen Consort, who was also cheered by mourners.
Charles met Commonwealth general secretary Patricia Scotland in the 1844 Room at 2pm today, before attending a reception with High Commissioners and their spouses from countries where he is head of state at the royal residence's Bow Room. Then at 3.30pm, the King - who was formally proclaimed at St James's Palace yesterday - received the Dean of Windsor.
Guests included Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and the Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda - whose republican Prime Minister is threatening a referendum on ditching the Crown - as well as representatives for Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, New Zealand, St Christopher and Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Honorary Consul of Tuvalu and the Acting High Commissioner for Australia.
Next week, the King and Queen will embark on a tour of the four home nations in the run-up to his late mother's state funeral at Westminster Abbey and burial at St George's Chapel in Windsor, following her death at Balmoral on Thursday aged 96.
Today, the King was proclaimed as head of state at a swathe of ceremonies across Britain and the Commonwealth - from Edinburgh, Cardiff and Hillsborough castles, and the devolved parliaments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to the far-flung capitals of Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The late Queen's eldest son, who automatically became King three days ago, was yesterday formally proclaimed at a historic ceremony in St James's Palace in London, following a meeting of the ancient Norman-era Accession Council.
In Edinburgh, huge crowds gathered down the Royal Mile as the King's Body Guard for Scotland, known as the Royal Company of Archers, and the guard of honour marched from the Castle Esplanade to Mercat Cross. They were joined by soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland, where a drill is taking place in front of the cross in Edinburgh.
Rain beat down on officials at the proclamation event in Hillsborough, as a 40-second fanfare was sounded by a bugler after the last round of the 21-gun salute was fired before the band of the Royal Irish Regiment then played one verse of God Save the King. Guests at the event - including Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, Northern Ireland Office minister Steve Baker, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long, Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie and Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister - joined together and said three cheers for Charles III.
And at Cardiff Castle, more than 2,000 people witnessed Wales Herald of Arms Extraordinary, Tom Lloyd, and the Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Morfudd Meredith, read the proclamation of the new King in English and Welsh. Prior to the Proclamation, 26 men of the 3rd Battalion the Royal Welsh - supported by the Band of the Royal Welsh - were marching from City Hall at 11.25am along the Boulevard de Nantes, North Road and Duke Street to the castle. They were accompanied by the regimental mascot, a Welsh billy goat called Lance Corporal Shenkin IV, and Goat Major Sergeant Mark Jackson.
Pallbearers carry the Queen's oak coffin out of the hearse into the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
The coffin was driven 180 miles from the Balmoral estate in the Highlands to the Scottish capital today
Prince Andrew and the Earl and Countess of Wessex awaiting the arrival of the royal hearse at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
The hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland, passes through Ballater
Most people stood in silence as the convoy passed through the village of Ballater, while others filmed the moment on their phones
A sombre Princess Royal in a Bentley limousine behind the Queen's hearse as it travels through Aberdeenshire to Edinburgh
Princess Anne (pictured), her husband Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the minister of Crathie Kirk and a representative of the Lord chamberlain's Office are in the convoy following the Queen's coffin
The wreath is made up of flowers from the Balmoral estate including sweet peas - one of the Queen's favourite flowers - dahlias, phlox, white heather and pine fir
Farmers pay respects to the Queen with tractor guard of honour | ITV News
The Queen 's oak coffin was today seen leaving Balmoral Castle on its way to Edinburgh in a black Mercedes Benz
The coffin is draped in the Royal Standard for Scotland, which has been used by generations of Scottish monarchs
Members of the public line the streets in Ballater, Scotland, as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II passes through
People stand to pay their respects as the hearse carrying the body of Queen Elizabeth II makes its way towards Edinburgh, on the A90 in Stracathro, Angus
Large crowds lined the A90 through Angus to watch the convoy of cars pass by on its way to Edinburgh
Well-wishers line the road in preparation for the arrival of the cortege in Cults, a suburb on the western edge of Aberdeen
People gather as the cortege carrying the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II passes through Banchory this afternoon
This afternoon, the King arrived at Buckingham Palace, where he will meet with Commonwealth general secretary Patricia Scotland
Charles could be seen waving to people through the car windows, as children sat on top of parents' shoulders and people took photos as they watched the new sovereign arrive
Crowds lining the roads cheered and waved as his black car drove down The Mall and into the Palace gates accompanied by a motorcade of four cars and four police motorbikes
Members if the public help arrange and prepare flowers for display in Green Park due to the large volumes being laid for the Queen following her death
Flower tributes are continuing to be brought into Green Park as masses of the public head to central London to visit the royal park
Huge areas have been covered in flowers in Green Park as people are encouraged to bring their tributes to the royal park beside Buckingham Palace instead of placing them near the gate
A huge queue of people wait in line to lay flowers for Queen Elizabeth II in front of Buckingham Palace this afternoon
Policing operation for funeral will be 'hugely complex'
A senior Metropolitan Police officer has said policing in the run-up to the Queen's funeral will be a 'hugely complex operation'.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy on Sunday said hundreds of extra officers had already been called in as thousands descended on the capital following the monarch's death.
Officers are likely to be concerned with managing crowds, with a huge number of mourners expected to queue for several hours, including overnight, to pay their respects to the Queen as she lies in state, expected to be from Wednesday.
Leaders from around the globe will also travel to the UK for the state funeral on Monday, meaning security will be of increased concern.
Mr Cundy said: 'Our role is to ensure this is going to be a safe and a secure set of events.
'Our policing operation is hugely complex, with a huge amount of detail within it, as you can well imagine.
'So we're always mindful of all manner of different potential things that might occur. We know that not just the eyes of the United Kingdom but the world will be on London at this point in time.'
Members of the public are being encouraged to engage with police and speak to them if they have any concerns.
Mr Cundy said: 'This is a point in time for everybody to remember Her late Majesty the Queen, to pay respects, and I think also to celebrate the long life of public service which she demonstrated.
'As a police officer, we swear a solemn oath and it's a real privilege to be serving His Majesty the King. The Met is well prepared and people will already have seen significant policing presence of my colleagues here in London, and that will continue to build over the coming days.
'We're working closely with other police forces here in London, and many other partners and other agencies that are involved in the many events that will take place from now leading up to the state funeral on Monday.'
World leaders are expected to be in London for the state funeral, but Mr Cundy said the force was prepared for their visit.
Charles has also been proclaimed King in cities across the Commonwealth. Speaking from parliament's steps in Wellington, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told a crowd that in the wake of the Queen's death, New Zealand had entered a time of change.
In Canberra, Governor General David Hurley, the monarch's representative in Australia, proclaimed Charles with a 21-gun salute at Parliament House.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a national day of mourning for the Queen would take place on September 22, with the day to be a public holiday. He also announced that he would attend Her Majesty's state funeral at Westminster Abbey on September 19.
As a mark of respect, national flags in Australia are at half-mast, parliament has been suspended and a giant portrait of the Queen has been displayed on the sails of the Sydney Opera House.
And in Ottawa, a 28-member band of the Canadian Armed Forces played God Save the King during a 21-run gun salute at a proclamation ceremony attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Though Canadians are somewhat indifferent to the monarchy, many had great affection for the Queen, whose silhouette marks their coins. She was the head of state for 45% of Canada's existence and visited the country 22 times as monarch.
Next week King Charles will embark on a tour of the UK. He will begin the week with his visit to legislators at London's Westminster Hall, where both Houses of Parliament will express their condolences to the new monarch and his wife - and the King will give his reply.
Later that day, the King and Queen will fly to Edinburgh where the monarch will inspect the Guard of Honour at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, before attending the ceremony of the Keys on the forecourt.
Belfast is the next stop with the royal couple flying to Ulster on Tuesday to visit Hillsborough Castle, where they will view an exhibition about the late Queen's long association with Northern Ireland. The King will then meet the Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and party leaders and receive a message of condolence led by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, again making his reply.
After a short reception at Hillsborough, the King and Queen Consort will travel to St Anne's Cathedral for a service of prayer and reflection and before the event Charles will meet leaders from all the major faiths in Northern Ireland, and later the royal couple will return to London.
In a tribute to his late mother, the King will lead Wednesday's procession behind the gun carriage carrying her coffin to Westminster Hall, where the lying in state will begin before her state funeral on September 19.
The planned trip to Wales is scheduled for Friday, with details to be released at a later date.
Yesterday Charles paid tribute to the reign of the late Queen, 'unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion', as he was formally declared the nation's new monarch.
During a poignant and sombre meeting of the Accession Council, the King spoke movingly about his mother and the grief his family is experiencing, but said the 'sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers' had been the 'greatest consolation'.
Watched by the Queen, the new Prince of Wales and more than 200 privy counsellors - including six former prime ministers - the King pledged himself to the task now before him and the 'heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty'.
His mother would be his guide for the years ahead as he strived to 'follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government', he added.
The day included a moment of pomp and pageantry with David White, Garter King of Arm, in his colourful regalia and flanked by other Officers of Arms and Sergeants at Arms, reading the proclamation of the new King from a balcony at St James's Palace.
Meanwhile, in Scotland the late Queen's other children, the Princess Royal, Duke of York and Earl of Wessex, and their families attended a service at Balmoral's Crathie Kirk where their mother regularly worshipped.
People in Banchory line the street as the Queen's coffin is driven from Balmoral to Edinburgh where it will lie in rest for 24 hours
People gather in tribute on the side of the road as the cortege carrying the coffin of the Queen passes by in Banchory
People in Banchory gather to pay their respects as the Queen's coffin makes its way to Edinburgh today
A Union flag is held aloft as Queen Elizabeth II's coffin passes through Aberdeen as it continues its journey to Edinburgh
Onlookers watch on as the Princess Royal passes by in a vintage Bentley over the King George VI bridge on its way from Balmoral to Edinburgh
The Royal Marines march down the Royal Mile during an Accession Proclamation Ceremony at Mercat Cross, Edinburgh
Military guards march in Edinburgh prior to the arrival of the cortege carrying the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II
Members of the armed services march near St Giles' Cathedral, in Edinburgh, as the Queen's coffin travels to the city
Military guards in traditional dress march prior to the arrival of the cortege carrying the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II
Drummers at the front of a military band play prior to the Proclamations near St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh
An Accession Proclamation Ceremony at Mercat Cross, Edinburgh, publicly proclaims King Charles III as the new monarch
Edinburgh's Accession Proclamation Ceremony was watched by the public with a military band performing
The Lord Lyon King of Arms reads a public Proclamation to the people of Scotland outside St Giles Cathedral
Canons were fired in Edinburgh following the Accession Proclamation Ceremony which proclaimed King Charles III as the new monarch
Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party at Meerkat Cross, Edinburgh ahead of the arrival of the Queen's coffin
A trumpeteer sounds a fanfare during an Accession Proclamation Ceremony at Cardiff Castle, Wales
In Cardiff, the 3rd battalion of the Royal Welsh and The Band of the Royal Welsh arrive at Cardiff Castle accompanied by the regimental mascot during of the Welsh Proclamation of King Charles III
Lance Corporal Shenkin IV, the regimental mascot goat, accompanies the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Welsh regiment
Lance Corporal Shenkin IV, the regimental mascot goat, accompanies the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Welsh regiment to the Accession Proclamation Ceremony at Cardiff Castle
Battalion of the Royal Welsh, supported by the Band of the Royal Welsh, march ahead of the proclamation ceremony in Cardiff
A gun salute is fired during the proclamation ceremony for King Charles III at Cardiff Castle, Wales
Wales Herald of Arms Extraordinary, Thomas Lloyd, reads the proclamation in English at the Accession Proclamation Ceremony at Cardiff Castle. To the left stands Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford
EDINBURGH: An Accession Proclamation Ceremony at Mercat Cross publicly proclaiming King Charles as the new monarch
The Proclamation of King Charles III was read out in local areas across the UK, including the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
Tower Governor Andrew Jackson addresses the public on Tower Green during an Accession Proclamation Ceremony at the Tower of London today
William and Charles' olive branch to Harry and Meghan led to 45-minute negotiation before the 'Fab Four' were reunited to view flowers left for the Queen at Windsor Castle
The historic joint walkabout between William and Kate and Meghan and Harry only took place after an extended negotiation which delayed the Sussexes arrival by at least 45 minutes, a source suggested today.
Royal sources say Prince William attempted to bury the hatchet by extending an '11th-hour olive branch' to his younger brother Prince Harry, by asking him to join him on a walkabout outside Windsor Castle following a phone call with his father Charles III.
In a scene that clearly delighted royal fans, who had come in their hundreds to the gates of the Windsor estate to mourn the Queen's death, William and Harry walked out side-by-side with wives Kate and Meghan.
The two couples went on an 40-minute walkabout inspecting the sea of floral tributes laid outside the gates of the royal estate in honour of the much-loved monarch.
Last night, a Kensington Palace spokesman said that the Prince of Wales had invited the Sussexes to join him and the Princess of Wales during yesterday evening's walkabout.
However, according to The Times, the camps required extended negotiations beforehand which delayed their arrival by 45 minutes.
A senior Palace source said: 'The Prince of Wales invited the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier. The Prince of Wales thought it was an important show of unity for the Queen at an incredibly difficult time for the family.'
Experts predict the moment could provide a turning point in the frayed relationship between newly-titled Waleses, and the Sussexes, who have been at odds following a series of damaging interviews by Harry and Meghan.
The Montecito-based Sussexes were consequently in the UK on a pseudo royal tour when the Queen's health suddenly deteriorated on Thursday.
It is believed the Sussexes had not previously made any plans to meet with the Waleses, despite staying in Frogmore Cottage, just 700 yards from William and Kate's Adelaide Cottage. However both William and Harry raced to Balmoral on Thursday after it became clear the Queen's health was faltering.
Afterwards, Anne, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and her children Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips joined Andrew and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and Edward and the Countess of Wessex with their daughter Lady Louise, at the gates of Balmoral Castle to look at floral tributes left for the late monarch.
Eugenie wiped away tears at one point and was hugged by her father Andrew, and returned the comforting gesture.
Charles began his momentous day by discharging the 'sorrowful duty' of announcing the death of his 'beloved mother', and told the council: 'I know how deeply you, the entire nation - and I think I may say the whole world - sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered.
'It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers and that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss.'
Charles spoke of the late Queen's 'selfless service', adding: 'My mother's reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life.'
He went on to say: 'I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me. In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional Government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world.'
The King ended by saying: 'And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God.'
The historic event was broadcast for the first time, giving the world a first glimpse of an ancient ceremony dating back centuries and one of the first changes to convention instigated by the new King.
Following convention, Charles did not attend the first part of the ceremony when the clerk of the council Richard Tilbrook read the proclamation to the packed meeting that confirmed the new monarch.
He said: '...Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now, by the death of our late Sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege lord, Charles III...'
The meeting was staged in the state rooms of St James's Palace, and the clerk declared to the room: 'God Save the King,' with the privy counsellors repeating the famous phrase.
The new monarch became King the moment his mother died, but an Accession Council must be convened following the death of a Sovereign - usually within 24 hours.
More than 200 privy councillors - a group of mostly senior politicians past and present, some members of the monarchy and other national figures - were present to hear the Clerk of the Council read the Accession Proclamation.
Among them were ex-prime ministers Sir John Major, Sir Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson - Cabinet members, former Archbishops of Canterbury and York with everyone standing, a convention believed to have been established by Queen Victoria to keep such meetings short.
The current premier Liz Truss was part of the proceedings and stood at the head of the council with Camilla, William, Archbishop of York Justin Welby and other figures as the clerk read the proclamation.
Charles's address was made in the second part of the ceremony - when proceedings moved to the palace's throne room - and was effectively the King hosting his first Privy Council meeting.
After his personal declaration about the death of his mother the King took the oath to preserve the Church of Scotland - because in Scotland there is a division of powers between the church and state.
A number of procedural matters were completed including the King approving the day of the late Queen's funeral, which has yet to be confirmed, to be a bank holiday.
The new monarch became King the moment his mother died, but an Accession Council must be convened following the death of a Sovereign - usually within 24 hours.
At 11am the crowds stood in a road overlooking the St James's Palace's Friary Court saw the spectacle of the Garter King of Arms reading the proclamation from a balcony.
The coffin, which is draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is being carried by William Purves, a funeral directors with offices in Edinburgh
A slight mist hung in the air at Balmoral Castle early this morning ahead of the Queen's final departure from what was one of her most beloved places to spend time
The wreath is made up of flowers from the Balmoral estate including sweet peas - one of the Queen's favourite flowers - dahlias, phlox, white heather and pine fir
There was impeccable silence as the funeral procession drove through the village, as military veterans and dignitaries saluted
Well-wishers who had waited patiently for the opportunity to pay their respects bowed their heads while others saluted as the hearse drove slowly by
Members of the military mingle with the public as they salute the Queen's hearse as it makes its way through Ballater
Veterans dipped their flags in honour of the Queen as her hearse travelled by, while others bowed their heads
In the court below was the palace's detachment of the King's Guard made up of Number 7 Company, Coldstream Guards.
The national anthem was performed by the Band of the Coldstream Guards alongside eight State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry who were stood on the balcony.
Amid a burst of pageantry with a trumpet fanfare, it was a masterclass in royal choreography - the like of which not has not been witnessed for 70 years - as the change in reign was officially announced.
Behind the old stone castellations of the balcony above Friary Court in St James's Palace, the Garter Principal King of Arms David White, resplendent in a sumptuous red and gold velvet tabard, stepped into the warm September air under grey skies to shout out the proclamation.
It signified the formal notice to the people of the accession of a new sovereign, at the conclusion of the historic Accession Council.
In a poignant move, the Queen's grieving first cousins had made their way into Friary Court to watch from beneath the arches of St James's Palace.
Led by the late Queen's Master of the Household Vice Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, the Duke of Kent, aged 86 and 10 years the Queen's junior, looked ailing and frail as he walked slowly but without any aid to sit on a red leather and wooden seat specially set out for him under the arches of the courtyard.
There too were his brother Prince Michael of Kent, and the Duke of Gloucester and his wife the Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent's daughter Lady Helen Taylor.
The Duchess of Gloucester, sat next to the Duke of Kent, listened as he pointed towards the balcony discussing the scene before them.
The Queen's cousins have served Elizabeth II throughout their lives and shared precious times with her in childhood.
At one point the Gloucesters stood with their arms interlinked.
In the quadrangle, the King's principal private secretary Sir Clive Alderton, clutching a series of white documents, and the late Queen's private secretary Sir Edward Young were engrossed in conversation shortly before the public proclamation. Both have key roles in the busy days ahead as London Bridge gets fully under way - although Charles has yet to set out the details of royal court as monarch.
The Garter King of Arms confessed beforehand to being nervous at his 'emotional' role.
The Queens cortege passing dignitaries at Duthie park in Aberdeen and crossing the George VI bridge over the river Dee for the final time
Dignitaries salute Queen Elizabeth II's hearse as it passes through the village of Ballater
Local people - dressed in black - gather in Ballater in tribute to the Queen as her coffin passed through the village
'It's a great honour and something that we have been preparing for, for years. It's a rather emotional occasion,' he said.
Asked if he had any nerves, he replied: 'I do.'
His intricately decorated tabard, embroidered gold thread, was thankfully not heavy or hot, he disclosed, due to it being made of velvet.
Given the ancient nature of the ceremony, it was also remarkably new, having been made just 10 years ago when the previous one which dated from 1838 became too frail to be used.
'Every garment has its working life,' he added.
There had been much to do in preparation. One of the 20 foot high huge sash windows at the back of the balcony was removed entirely on Friday to allow the Garter King of Arms and the Officers and Serjeants of Arms ease of access - with a scramble through a window unthinkable amid the carefully staged pomp.
It was replaced with a temporary window in case of poor weather and for protection, which was removed on Saturday as the scene was readied.
Special wooden steps - crafted by a carpenter - were created to allow the ceremonial officers, all decked out in tabards like a row of court playing cards - to process with regal effect onto the balcony, which overlooked the expanse of the red coloured court.
Ahead of the ceremony, the newly named King's Guard - made up of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guard - in familiar red tunics and black bearskin hats took their positions with shouts of 'Be still' from their Captain.
Timing was of the utmost importance and the Earl Marshal - the Duke of Norfolk - in charge of the accession proceedings and the funeral - checked his watch twice as he and the others waited for the precise start time of 11am.
The Garter King of Arms read his 197 word proclamation - to 'publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now, by the death of our late Sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege lord, Charles III'.
He delivered his words loudly and without falter, the carrying of his voice assisted by two fluffy boom microphones hid out of sight behind the low dark red brick balcony wall, above the quadrangle.
The Captain of the King's Guard ordered his troops to 'Present arms' as the colour was lowered with the stomp of their feet.
The Garter King of Arms' shout of 'God Save the King' was echoed triumphantly by the gathered royals, including the Duke of Kent who rallied to stand, along with the household staff and public, as the state trumpeters sounded the royal salute.
Members of the household staff appeared moved as cheers from the crowds on The Mall and shouts of 'God Save the King' flooded into the courtyard, as the National Anthem was played, and those watching joined in.
In a poignant tribute, the King's Guard lifted their head-dresses raising them aloft three times as the Garter King of Arms declared 'Three Cheers for His Majesty The King. Hip-Hip' with the troops responding 'Hooray' to each.
The Duke of Kent raised his hand in the air for the two final cheers.
Friary Court plays a role in the Changing the Guard ceremonies, being where the Old Guard forms and is inspected by the Captain of the Guard before marching to Buckingham Palace - and on Saturday, it was a Changing the Guard of the monarchy, from a now departed monarch to her son.
Where to see the Queen's coffin: How you can pay your respects to Her Majesty in Edinburgh and London as late monarch lies in state for four days with up to a million Britons expected to file past oak casket
More than one million mourning Britons will say their final goodbyes to Queen Elizabeth II as her coffin lies in state in Scotland and London this week.
Her Majesty's coffin will lie in rest at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh for 24 hours, beginning Monday at 5pm. Those wishing to pay their respects can turn up at the church.
Officials say a queuing system and security checks will be in place. Mourners should expect to stand in the queue for a number of hours. Mobile phone use will be restricted and photography and recording will be strictly prohibited.
Members of the Royal Family, including King Charles III, will guard the coffin as it lies in state from 7.20pm on Monday in a tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes.
Brits can also pay their respects to the Queen at Westminster Hall in London beginning on Wednesday. Her Majesty will lie in state for 'four clear days' in Westminster Hall until the morning of her funeral on Monday, September 19.
Her coffin will be under continuous vigil and mourners can attend any time during daylight hours.
Police and Whitehall sources say specific details on how to attend will be released in the coming days, but it is expected to be on a first come, first served basis.
Queen Elizabeth, aged 96, died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on Thursday surrounded by her family. Her death sparked an immediate and huge outpouring of emotion, with thousands of mourners gathering outside the gates of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to leave flowers and displays of well-wishes for the Royal Family.
More than one million mourning Britons will say their final goodbyes to Queen Elizabeth II (pictured in June 2022) as her coffin lays on display in Scotland and London this week
Queen Elizabeth II's casket will lie in state for 24 hours at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. Officials are pictured outside the church on Saturday as they prepared for the procession transporting her body
Soldiers will guard the coffin around the clock during visitation. Members of the Royal Family are also expected to take turns standing guard, a tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes. Princes Edward and Charles (pictured) both guarded the Queen Mother's coffin in 2002
Brits can also visit the Queen at Westminster Hall (pictured) in London beginning on Wednesday. Her Majesty will lie in state for 'four clear days' in Westminster Hall until the morning of her funeral on Monday, September 19
Where can I pay my respects to the Queen?
Visit the Queen while she lies in rest in Edinburgh and London
Her Majesty's coffin will lie in rest at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh for 24 hours, beginning Monday at 5pm. Those wishing to pay their respects can turn up at the church.
Brits can also pay their respects to the Queen at Westminster Hall in London beginning on Wednesday. Her Majesty will lie in state for 'four clear days' until the morning of her funeral on Monday, September 19.
Her coffin will be under continuous vigil and mourners can attend any time during daylight hours.
Observe the cortege
Mourners can stand safely by as the Queen's coffin makes its six-hour journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh on Sunday.
The cortege will travel a 175-mile route, processing through Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen, Angus and Tayside along the way.
Leave flowers at royal residences throughout the UK
Buckingham Palace: Mourners can leave flowers and other tributes to Her Majesty at designated sites in Green Park and Hyde Park.
Windsor Castle: Memorials can be left at Cambridge Gate along the Long Walk. They can also be left at the Norwich Gates at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
Balmoral Castle: Mourners can leave flowers at the Main Gate of Balmoral Castle, where the Queen passed away.
Authorities have requested mourners not to drive to the castle. Road access is currently closed. They are advised to use park and ride services in Braemar and Ballater.
Hillsborough Castle: Mourners can leave flowers on the Castle Forecourt in front of the main gates.
Sign a book of condolence
Mourners can leave heartfelt messages in books of condolence that have been set up in libraries, town halls and other civic buildings across the UK.
Click here to find your local authority. Visit your authority's website to find a book of condolence on display near you.
Mourners can also sign an online book of condolence on the Royal Family website.
The Queen's coffin – which is lying in the ballroom at Balmoral Castle – will be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh this morning, on a six-hour journey by hearse, covering 175 miles.
The procession will travel from Balmoral to Aberdeen on the A93 and reached Ballater for a tribute in Aberdeenshire around 10.12am today.
The tribute was attended by the Lord Lieutenants of Aberdeenshire, as well as senior officers and councillors.
The cortege left Aberdeen at around 11am. Another tribute - led by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen and other civic dignitaries - took place at Great Southern Road by Duthie Park, The Telegraph reported.
The public was invited to pay their respects at the ceremony or on a footpath along the procession route.
The cortege will then follow the A90 to Dundee, arriving around 2pm for another tribute. Civic dignitaries from Tayside and Fife will stand on a dais as the cortege leaves the city.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the 'poignant' journey would give the public a chance to come together to 'mark our country's shared loss'.
Well-wishers are expected to gather along the route and Ms Sturgeon and other party leaders in Scotland are expected to watch the coffin as it goes past the Scottish Parliament.
The coffin will be taken to St Giles' Cathedral where it will lie in rest until Tuesday. Mourners will be able to begin viewing the coffin around 5pm Monday, the City of Edinburgh Council confirmed to Edinburgh Evening News.
Visitors will go through an official queuing system that will feature security checks.
King Charles will stand beside the coffin from 7.20pm as part of the Vigil of the Princes - a longstanding tradition where male members of the Royal Family stand guard as their relatives lie in state.
Prince Edward and Charles both guarded the Queen Mother's coffin in 2002.
After lying in state for 24 hours, Her Majesty's coffin will then be flown from Edinburgh to RAF Northolt on Tuesday, accompanied by her daughter Princess Anne.
The casket will then be driven to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday ahead of a processional through the streets on London to Westminster Hall, where it will lie in state until the morning of the funeral.
A million mourners - included several foreign dignitaries - are expected to visit the coffin while it is lying-in-state and officials estimate two million people will gather in the streets every day until Her Majesty is laid to rest.
'We will open the queue and control it through the normal way,' a senior Whitehall source told The Sunday Times. 'It is like trying to organise something on a similar scale to the London Olympics in a matter of days.'
A police source echoed: 'It will be like the Notting Hill carnival every day.'
Nadhim Zahawi, the chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, is reportedly chairing daily meetings to oversee the viewings as officials try to ensure 'as many people as possible' can see the Queen.
Soldiers will guard the coffin around the clock during visitation. Members of the Royal Family are also expected to take turns standing guard.
The body of King George VI is pictured lying in state in Westminster Hall, London, in February 1952 before being taken to St George's Chapel, Windsor, for burial
King George VI's coffin lies in state in Westminster Hall in 1952
People wait for the hearse carrying the body of Britain's late Queen Elizabeth II on its way to Edinburgh, in Balmoral, Scotland
Police stand next to flowers left in tribute to Britain's late Queen Elizabeth II outside Balmoral Castle, Scotland
A visitor leaves a floral tribute at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for the late Queen Elizabeth II on September 11, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland
The Queen's coffin – which is lying in the Ballroom at Balmoral Castle – will be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Sunday September 11, on a six-hour journey by hearse
King Charles will be at the front of the royal party heading from the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and up the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral
After the ceremonies in Edinburgh, the coffin will be flown to RAF Northolt and from there will be taken by road to Buckingham Palace
When her coffin arrives in Edinburgh it will be taken to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen in Scotland, before a service is held at St Giles' Cathedral on Tuesday
King Charles will lead the nation in mourning on Monday as he walks at the head of a procession of the Queen's coffin through the streets of Edinburgh.
He will be at the front of the royal party heading from the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and up the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral, it has been announced.
The King and Queen Consort will fly to Edinburgh with Prince William and other members of the Royal Family to lead the procession. Some members of the family will follow in cars, with others walking.
The Queen's children and Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence will join King Charles in the the procession in Scotland.
A spokesperson confirmed that Charles is still in 'discussions' about arrangements for his mother's state funeral.
'I think what the family are genuinely focusing on is the death of Her Majesty the Queen and are united on that,' the spokesman told the Times. 'They are trying to get through this period by honouring the Queen as best as possible.'
Prime Minister Liz Truss will also accompany the King on a tour around Britain this week.
Police prepare the streets on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh on Sunday, ahead of the arrival of the coffin of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla arrive at Bucking Palace on Friday after mourners laid flowers outside the royal estate
A view of floral tributes left outside Buckingham Palace on Saturday
Officers from the Household Cavalry stand in vigil at the coffin of Britain's Queen Mother as it lies in state April 5, 2002 in Westminster Hall
The man in charge of the huge funeral operation, the Earl Marshall the Duke of Norfolk, said the King's main focus will be leading the royal family and nation in mourning over the coming days.
'Whilst, in the next few days, the King will carry out all the necessary state duties, his main focus will be leading the Royal Family, the nation, the Realms and the Commonwealth in mourning Her Majesty The Queen. This will include meeting members of the public, to share in their grief,' he told Mail Online on Saturday.
The Duke of Norfolk said he and other staff were carrying out their task 'with a heavy heart'.
He said: 'As the person with overall responsibility for delivering the funeral, let me end by saying that, together with so many colleagues from within The Royal Household, the Armed Forces, the Police, and other institutions of Church and State, we will carry out our duty over the coming days with the heaviest of hearts.
'But also, with the firmest of resolve to ensure a fitting farewell to one of the defining figures of our times; a monarch whom we were truly privileged to have had as the Head of State of our country and the Realms, and Head of the wider Commonwealth.
'While His Majesty The King was speaking about his family, I think it applies to us all when he said in his broadcast yesterday that: 'We owe her the most heartfelt debt.' I think we can, in some way, repay that debt by carrying out her last wishes in delivering Her Majesty The Queen's Funeral.'
Hour-by-hour guide to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II: World will watch as King Charles III and senior royals walk behind late monarch's oak coffin carried on gun carriage from Parliament to Westminster Abbey for historic service
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey at 11am on Monday, September 19.
It will be the first funeral service at the Abbey - which was the background to much of the Queen's astonishing life, from her marriage to her beloved Duke of Edinburgh to the Coronation - for a British monarch since that of King George II in 1760.
The funerals of kings and queens have been at St George's Chapel in Windsor since the reign of George III.
However, in a break with convention, Her Majesty - who died at Balmoral on Thursday aged 96 following many months of concern over her health - decided her funeral should be in the much bigger setting of Westminster Abbey.
Scotland Yard has now been tasked with organising the most significant security arrangement in British history for the funeral.
After a night at the Palace of Holyroodhouse tonight, the Queen will lie in state for 24 hours at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. Her coffin will be flown to London on Tuesday, acccompanied by the Princess Royal, before being driven to Buckingham Palace. The Queen's lying in state is expected to begin in Westminster Hall in London on Wednesday afternoon.
Then on Monday, the coffin will be moved from the Houses of Parliament that morning on the state gun carriage and transported to the neighbouring Abbey. King Charles III and other senior members of the Royal Family, as well as the military, will follow the coffin while hundreds of thousands of mourners line the streets to pay their final respects to the late monarch.
Around 2,000 guests including Prime Minister Liz Truss and US President Joe Biden will then attend the hour-long televised service in the Abbey, which is expected to be one of the most watched live events in history - before the coffin is solemnly carried to Wellington Arch at 1pm via Whitehall, The Mall and past Buckingham Palace.
The coffin will then be carried to Windsor, before the Queen is buried at St George's Chapel next to her husband Prince Philip.
Her Majesty stands on the Buckingham Palace balcony on the final day of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in early June
6am-8.30am: Last vigil at Queen's coffin in Westminster Hall
At dawn on the last day of national mourning, the King's bodyguards will begin their final vigil at the Queen's oak coffin in the Houses of Parliament. It will then close at 8.30am in preparation for the procession.
9am: Big Ben will strike
Big Ben will strike clearly, before the bell's hammer is covered with a thick leather pad to muffle its strikes for the rest of the day, out of respect and deference to the late monarch.
10.30am: Queen's coffin is carried from House of Parliament to Westminster Abbey
The Queen's coffin will be moved onto the state gun carriage which will be outside the north door of Westminster Hall.
From there, it will be pulled by naval ratings using ropes instead of horses from the Hall to Westminster Abbey.
Enormous crowds of mourners are expected to line the streets in Westminster as King Charles and senior members of the Royal Family follow the coffin as they did at the funeral for Princess Diana and for Prince Philip. The military will also join the procession.
11am: The Queen's coffin is carried to the High Altar
Around 2,000 guests including members of the Royal Family, Prime Minister Liz Truss, former British premiers, foreign dignitaries including US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and possibly Japanese Emperor Naruhito, and other VIPs, will fill the Abbey and watch as the Queen's coffin is moved down the nave to the High Altar, before the nation falls silent.
The state funeral at Westminster Abbey (pictured) be led by the Dean of Westminster and the Archbishop of Canterbury
11am-12pm: The state funeral at the Abbey
The state funeral will be led by the Dean of Westminster and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
It is being televised and is expected to be beamed to millions around the world - and could well be one of the most watched live events in human history.
Royal experts believe that the choice of the Abbey could be both because it is so big - it has a capacity of 2,000 though can hold as many as 8,000 - and more live TV broadcasts have already been held there.
It is also believed that it could be a better place for large crowds to gather to pay their respects, since it is in Central London.
And the Abbey was the setting for many of the most important events of the Queen's life - from her Coronation to her wedding to Prince Philip. The Princess Royal and the Duke of York, and the Queen's sister Princess Margaret, were also married there.
Other royal funerals have been held at the Abbey, including Princess Diana's in 1997 and the Queen Mother's in 2002. The funeral of Earl Mountbatten of Burma, Philip's uncle, was also held there in 1979.
Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey
12pm: The Last Post
At the end of the service, the Last Post and Reveille will be played.
12pm-1pm: Queen's coffin is carried to Wellington Arch via The Mall
The Queen's coffin will then be placed back on the state gun carriage, before the royal funeral procession will solemnly move through Parliament Square, Whitehall, Constitution Hill and The Mall, past Buckingham Palace, to arrive at Wellington Arch at 1pm.
1pm-4pm: The coffin is transported to Windsor
Then the coffin will be transported to Windsor, where the Queen spent much of the last years of her life, to her final resting place at St George's Chapel via the Long Walk.
The Queen's coffin will be lowered into the Royal Vault at St George's Chapel in Windsor (pictured), where she will be buried alongside her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, her beloved parents, and her sister Princess Margaret
Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in an official wedding photograph taken on their wedding day in 1947
4pm: Queen will be buried at St George's Chapel by her husband Prince Philip
The committal service conducted by the Dean of Windsor will then begin, and will also be televised around the world.
Before the last hymn, the Imperial State Crown, sceptre and orb will be removed from the Queen's coffin by the crown jeweller.
Then at the end of the service, a lament will be played by a lone piper as the coffin is lowered into the Royal Vault, where she will be buried alongside her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, her beloved parents, and her sister Margaret.
7pm: King Charles will attend private family burial service at chapel
King Charles and his closest family will return to the chapel for a private family burial service, where - as the late Queen did for her father - the monarch will scatter earth upon the coffin.
The significance of Westminster Abbey in the Queen's life: Married and crowned there, Her Majesty's state funeral will be the first at the church for the first time since George II's 260 years ago
The Queen was married and crowned at Westminster Abbey.
Now the bells of the 'House of Kings' - half muffled in mourning - will ring out at her funeral.
It will be the first time in over 260 years a sovereign's funeral has taken place in the Abbey. The last was George II's in 1760.
For the Queen, the Abbey was where her most defining milestones took place, both in terms of her personal happiness and her public duty.
Princess Elizabeth was 21 when, on Thursday November 20 1947, she married her prince in the surrounds of the central London church. It was a morale booster in tough post-war years and millions of people listened on the radio.
More than 2,000 guests gathered inside, waiting for the royal bride, whose Norman Hartnell wedding dress was hand-embroidered with more than 10,000 pearls and crystals.
Just five years after she married, the princess became Queen Elizabeth II on the death of her father, George VI.
Some 16 months later, on June 2 1953, she was crowned at the Abbey - the scene of coronations for some 900 years. During the service, the Queen took the oath and was anointed, with the St Edward's Crown placed on her head. An estimated 27 million people in Britain watched the ceremony on TV after the Queen agreed it could be televised.
The Abbey was also the site of romantic royal celebrations for the Queen.
She saw her daughter, Princess Anne, marry Captain Mark Phillips in the church in 1973, and her second son, the Duke of York, wed Sarah Ferguson in 1986.
In 2011, her grandson, the Duke of Cambridge, now the Prince of Wales, exchanged vows with Kate Middleton as millions watched across the globe.
Many times, the Queen went to the Abbey with her family to attend thanksgivings or commemorative events such as a service to mark the 60th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme in 2016.
The church was also a reminder of the loss of her mother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and former daughter-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales. The Queen Mother's funeral was held at the Abbey in 2002, five years after Diana's.
The Gothic church - whose official title is the Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster - has been the coronation church since 1066. The Queen's was the 38th.
It is also the final resting place of 17 monarchs, including Charles II and Elizabeth I.
Steeped in over 1,000 years of history, Benedictine monks first went to the site in the middle of the 10th century. The present church, started by Henry III in 1245, is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the country, with the medieval shrine of Anglo-Saxon saint Edward the Confessor still at its heart.
Elizabeth II maintained a close connection with the Abbey, which is a Royal Peculiar and subject only to the sovereign and not any archbishop or bishop.
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The Queen’s Coffin Arrives at Palace of Holyroodhouse
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