The United Kingdom's first state funeral in 57 years is entering its final stages this evening, as the late Queen Elizabeth II will soon be laid to rest at Windsor Castle.
This afternoon's Committal Service started at 4:00PM BST on Monday, and was led by the Dean of Windsor, David Conner.
As the Queen's coffin was lowered into the royal vault, the Queen's piper played a lament for the late monarch, in what was a truly heartwrenching moment.
Following this, Justin Welby, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, provided the following blessing:
"Go forth into the world in peace; Be of good courage, hold fast that which is good, render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted, support the weak, help the afflicted, honour all people, love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit;
"And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen."
News of Her Majesty's sudden passing at the age of 96 on Thursday, September 8, shocked the nation, with so many of us only ever knowing Queen Elizabeth II as the UK's monarch thanks to her record 70-year reign.
This evening's Committal Service marks the end of a lengthy yet incredibly historic day for the longest-reigning monarch in British history, which began with the conclusion of her four-day lying-in-state at 06:30AM this morning.
It is estimated that more than 300,000 mourners paid their respects to the late Queen, whose coffin was on display for 23 hours a day during her lying-in-state. Queues of people stretched for nearly seven miles, with the longest waiting times up to a whopping 17 hours.
Her Majesty's state funeral began at 11:00AM at Westminster Abbey, with doors to the 750-year-old medieval church being opened three hours earlier to allow the congregation of 2,000 to find their seats. The large crowd of invitees included UK Prime Minister, Liz Truss, and former PMs - including David Cameron and Gordon Brown - were also in attendance.
Foreign politicians, including POTUS Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, were also in attendance.
Members of international royal families, such as those from Denmark, Japan, and Spain, were among those traveling from overseas to pay their respects. Due to current diplomatic relations, officials from Russia, Belarus, and Myanmar were not invited to attend the momentous funeral.
Delivering a sermon during the service - which was led by the dean of Westminster, Dr David Hoyle - the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, commended Queen Elizabeth on her "abundant life" marked by "loving service," adding: "She was joyful, present to so many, touching a multitude of lives."
Following the emotional service, the Queen's coffin slowly made its way from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch as part of a procession - a 1.5 mile passage that included King Charles III, as well as representatives from the National Health Service (NHS) as well as members of armed forces from across the 14 Commonwealth realms.
After being placed in a hearse at Wellington Arch, the late monarch began her final journey to Windsor Castle - two hours away. Queen Elizabeth II's coffin arrived at Windsor Castle's Shaw Farm Gate just after 3:00PM, before joining an already formed funeral procession making its way to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle via the Long Walk.
At 4:00PM, the Committal Service began. Attended by 800 guests, the service was conducted by the dean of Windsor, David Conner, who praised the late monarch in his bidding, saying Queen Elizabeth II had: "A life of unstinting service to the Nation, the Commonwealth and the wider world, but also (and especially to be remembered in this place) in kindness, concern and reassuring care for her family and friends and neighbours."
He continued: "In the midst of our rapidly changing and frequently troubled world, her calm and dignified presence has given us confidence to face the future, as she did, with courage and with hope."
Just before the final hymn was sung, the Imperial State Crown, the orb, and the scepter - previously placed upon the Queen's coffin - were removed and placed on the chapel's Altar.
Viewers also witnessed Lord Chamberlain, Baron Parker, ceremonially breaking his wand of office and placing it on top of the Queen’s coffin.
A final psalm was read by the dean of Windsor as the late Queen was slowly lowered into the Royal Vault, with Garter King of Arms pronouncing her styles and titles.
Later this evening, following a private family service, the Queen will be buried together with her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, at the King George VI memorial chapel. Her marble slab will be engraved: "ELIZABETH II 1926-2022".
Just like that, and after an historic day of unprecedented pomp and pageantry, a true era has come to an end. Regardless of the opinions surrounding Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, there is an undeniable feeling of sorrow across the nation for a long-serving monarch who was undoubtedly the people's Queen.