HRH Queen Elizabeth II

Yesterday I had some friends over to watch the Queen’s funeral. I recorded the BBC coverage overnight for watching during the afternoon. I served tea (of course), crust less sandwiches, and some specially purchased ‘Queen’s cakes from a special bakery – click to make larger to see those cakes.

A friend brought short-bread cookies with her insignia.

And I had flowers for the occasion.

It was a moving and historical afternoon, full of pageantry, history and traditions that go back thousands of years. Everyone has probably seen some of the coverage, but here are few photos I want to share.

The crowds lined the entire route from Westminster Abbey to Windsor Castle. They were quiet and respectful. The nation-wide five minutes of silence was especially moving.

If you look closely at the photo below on the left, those are flowers previously left at the palace gates which the royal gardeners re-arranged along the Windsor mile. Also, her horse Emma brought to honor her casket.

It was a long day of viewing, but my anglophile friends and I didn’t fast-forward at all…we wanted to see every moment.

A powerful and momentous day. RIP, your majesty.