Queen Elizabeth II’s Coffin Lies In St Giles’ Cathedral After Procession Through Edinburgh

Draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland, the coffin was carried by a hearse from the Palace of Holyroodhouse with her children following behind.

Tens of thousands of people lined the street in Edinburgh to watch the procession to the cathedral.

The procession was filled with tradition.

The skirl of bagpipes was the only sound as kilted soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland bore the coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse and placed it in the hearse.

A crown sits on a coffin draped in a red and yellow flag.
A service of prayer and reflection for Queen Elizabeth II’s life has been held at St Giles’ Cathedral where her coffin lies. (AP: Jane Barlow/PA)
King Charles walks in the middle of a guard wearing kilts.
King Charles III inspects the guard of honour at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. (Peter Byrne: Pool Photo via AP)

A gun salute sounded out from a battery on Edinburgh Castle as the hearse began its journey.

King Charles III and his siblings — Anne, Andrew and Edward — walked behind the hearse.

The Royal Company of Archers provided the guard of honour.

King Charles III, Princess Anne and Prince Edward in military dress and Prince Andrew in a suit walk abreast.
King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward following the hearse carrying the coffin of the Queen. (Reuters: Carl Recine)

While a grieving crowd stood outside the cathedral, the royal family, political leaders and dignitaries attended a service of thanksgiving for the Queen.

King Charles during service for Queen Elizabeth at St Giles' Cathedral in Scotland
King Charles III and his siblings during the service for the Queen in the cathedral. (AP: Jane Barlow via PA)

People embraced the chance to witness history.

“I just feel so privileged that we can watch this moment,” Carol Williams of Dunfermline said.

“We are so lucky that we have this opportunity to pay our respects like this. If she died in London, we would never have had this opportunity.”

A small child sits on a red telephone box in the middle of a crowd.
Crowds lined Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for the procession of Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin from Hollyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral. (ABC News: Cameron Schwarz)

Earlier on Monday, the King addressed members of the UK parliament at Westminster Hall in London.

He arrived to a fanfare of trumpets with his wife Camilla, Queen Consort.

The royal couple sat on ceremonial chairs, with cavalry troopers in red tunics and plumed helmets standing to attention behind.

Close up of King Charles with Camilla walking out of Westminster Hall.
King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort at Westminster Hall. (AP: Markus Schreiber)

He pledged to follow the Queen’s example in maintaining its independence.

“While very young, her late majesty pledged herself to serve her country and her people and to maintain the precious principles of constitutional government which lie at the heart of our nation,” he said.

King Charles and Camilla sit in two chairs in the middle of a staircase with a crowd in front and officials behind.
King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort sit as both Houses of Parliament meet to express their condolences following the Queen’s death. (Ian Vogler: Pool Photo via AP)

“This vow she kept with unsurpassed devotion.

“She set an example of selfless duty which, with God’s help and your counsels, I am resolved faithfully to follow.”

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