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Scotland’s Service of Thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth II

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Scotland’s Service of Thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth’s four children walked behind her coffin today in a procession on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and later held a silent vigil at their mother’s coffin. We begin with the King and Queen Consort as they arrived at the Palace of Holyrood House.

A video as they look at some of the floral tributes left at Holyroodhouse. 

Today we saw the first church service for the late Queen with members of the Royal Family taking part. The Service of Thanksgiving was at St. Giles’ Cathedral in the Scottish capital. The Queen’s children walked behind her coffin in a procession to St. Giles’ Cathedral. Below, the procession as it was about to get underway at Holyroodhouse.

King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and behind them, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

The procession traveled along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.  

The Mile runs from the Palace of Holyrood House up a narrow, winding street to St. Giles’ Cathedral.

The King carries his Field Marshal Baton presented to him by the Queen when he became Field Marshal in 2012. Prince Edward wore his uniform as Royal Honorary Colonel of the Wessex Yeomanry.

Princess Anne was in her full Royal Navy ceremonial uniform; she is patron of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, as well as being Commodore-in-Chief for Portsmouth.

From The Telegraph’s coverage: “The crowds are even more tightly packed than yesterday on the Royal Mile, just up from the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Thousands of people are jammed onto the pavement, with some perched on walls, as they wait for a sight of the late Queen’s coffin, accompanied by her four children.”

Another view. 

Taking part in today’s procession, the Black Watch Pipers of 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland.

More from this BBC story. 

Above street level, windows were flung open and every possible vantage point was claimed. People clambered on to walls and railings, straining to get the best view, while others filmed from the windows of their flats overlooking the famous street.

Also from the BBC story.

A solemn hush descended as the King, his brothers and sister followed the slow-moving hearse carrying their mother’s coffin, save for shouts of “God bless the Queen” and “God save the King”.

Another view of the King and the Princess Royal. 

St. Giles’ Cathedral.

Returning to The Telegraph’s story. 

The crowd stood twenty ranks deep in places, with police officers forced to close off roads and turn away visitors.

Veterans in full ceremonial regalia stood alongside young children and families in the afternoon sunshine.

Sophie, Countess of Forfar (as she is titled in Scotland), and Camilla, Queen Consort, await the procession’s arrival.

A salute as the coffin arrives at the Cathedral.

And is carried into the Cathedral.

The Crown of Scotland was brought from Edinburgh Castle for today’s service and lying-in-state. It was placed on the coffin by the Duke of Hamilton.

A closer look. 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon read from Ecclesiastes. 

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven, a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. 

From the homily given by Rt. Reverend Dr. Iain Greenshields. 

She was determined to see her work as a form of service to others, and she maintained that steady course until the end of her life.

And although sometimes buffeted by events around her, she continued resolutely and cheerfully to fulfil her responsibilities. And so today we give thanks not only for the length of her reign but for the qualities she displayed so steadfastly

Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence.

A video as God Save the King is sung.

The royals follow HM’s coffin as the procession exits the Cathedral.

A video of attendees as they pass HM’s coffin after the service concluded. 

The King and Queen Consort as they exited the Cathedral. 

The Earl and Countess of Forfar and Prince Andrew. 

You may view the entire Order of Service here. We haven’t been doing much fashion coverage, and don’t intend to change that practice, but I did want to mention that the dual thistle brooch worn by the Queen Consort today is a piece gifted to her by the Queen. The thistle is Scotland’s national flower, a piece she has worn previously. 

Those wishing to pay their respects to HM were allowed into the Cathedral following the service. Below, one view of the line to see HM. 

Many emerging from the Cathedral after paying their respects were emotional.

Another look at the line of those waiting to enter St. Giles’.

A video via Royal Central. 

After the service, King Charles and the Queen Consort attended a Scottish Parliament session. (His kilt is in the Prince Charles Edward Stuart tartan.)

Where a motion of condolence was read and passed by Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone.

From The Telegraph’s coverage. 

The Scottish Parliament’s presiding officer Alison Johnstone MSP has paid tribute to the “Queen of Scots” and expressed condolences to the King and the Royal Family over her passing.

She said: “In her we had indeed a true friend and supporter with us, in each step from our first opening ceremony in 1999.

“In my role representing the parliament I was privilieged to enjoy two private audiences with her majesty… and I very much valued her insight and wise counsel.”

Shortly before 8pm in Edinburgh, the Queen’s children returned to St. Giles’.

Princess Anne as she exited her vehicle.

King Charles, the Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward stood alongside their mother’s coffin.

We return to The Guardian’s coverage: 

Charles stands at the head of the coffin, the crown behind him on top of it. He and his siblings, facing outwards, bow their heads. They are stood next to the Royal Company of Archers. Camilla is sat off to the side alongside Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Members of the public are still filing past the coffin.

Princess Anne. 

His Majesty. 

Chris Ship of ITV posted a video of people at the Cathedral at 10:30pm local time. 

 

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The King’s first engagement today was at Westminster Hall, where both Houses of Parliament were assembled for a ceremony in which formal condolences were offered by the Speakers of the Commons and Lords.

More from The Guardian’s story. 

In an often personal address in Westminster Hall, the soaring 11th-century structure at the heart of the parliamentary estate, Charles thanked the Speakers for their addresses, and paid tribute to “the late sovereign, my beloved mother, the Queen”.

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Tomorrow the late Queen’s coffin will leave Scotland and travel to London, arriving at Buckingham Palace around 8pm (3pm EDT). The King and Queen Consort will witness its arrival at the palace; we also will see the Prince and Princess of Wales as the coffin arrives. 

I’ll wrap up the post with a few of tomorrow’s front pages. 

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Osi

Tuesday 13th of September 2022

A family in mourning for a loved one. I wonder what must be going through their minds? All they want to do is to say goodbye to a mother dearly loved, and yet, even in this most personal and solemness of times, the whole world watches them. There is no escape.

Kristan

Tuesday 13th of September 2022

I have a question. Why is Camilla called Queen Consort and not just Queen? Is it an effort to be sensitive to feelings about her or is it what all Queen's really are? When Kate becomes Queen, will she be Queen Consort or just Queen Catherine? Like the Queen Mother was when King George reigned?

Sue V

Wednesday 14th of September 2022

@admin, like the majority of us I am not an expert but I also wonder if the press, etc., are referring to Camilla as Queen Consort at this time because, although Charles has officially been pronounced King without the need to be crowned, Camilla may be referred to as Queen Camilla after the coronation? I am not sure but I think the intention is for Camilla to be ‘crowned’ the same as the late Queen Mother was?

As you say, the Queen Mother was technically Queen Consort, the same as Queens Mary and Alexandra before her.

Kristan

Tuesday 13th of September 2022

@admin, thank you so much.

admin

Tuesday 13th of September 2022

I think many are using the term "Queen Consort" because that was the late Queen's expressed wish: "...sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service." Buckingham Palace is using this title and has told media no decision has been made about possible changes to this practice. In answer to the question about sensitivities, I believe it is being handled this way because of her status as the King's second wife. As the female spouse of a King, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was technically Queen Consort, and the Princess of Wales will also be a Consort. If speculating, I imagine she would be referred to as Queen, but this is (hopefully) well down the road.

DuchFan

Monday 12th of September 2022

Thank you Susan, once again, for the wonderful, sensitive coverage. I almost cried seeing the expressions of deep sadness on the faces of Her Majesty's children, and the respect and love with which King Charles and his siblings are accompanying and guarding their mum and sovereign on her journey.

Bonnie

Monday 12th of September 2022

Anyone who has planned a funeral for a loved one, knows how emotionally draining all the details become. At a time when most want to curl up with covers over their heads, the Royal Family has so many public duties, meetings, services and rituals to perform. The massive scope of all the facets, carried out with such perfection and precision, is off the charts in organization. Yet everyone is pulling together to include police forces, the military, municipal/county/national governments, clergy, musicians, those providing transportation or security and just the "person on the street." It is such a show of unity, respect and admiration for the late Queen. The crowds and the flowers have not diminished in size, even with the passing of several days.

Susan we all thank you for how sensitive and thorough you are to bring us up to date. Do know your service is recognized and very much appreciated.

Kim

Monday 12th of September 2022

Every component of the service was stunning - the gorgeous organ and choral music, soaring congregational singing, liturgy, sermon, and the ritual. As at least one other commenter has noted, the expression on the Princess Royal’s face is heart-wrenching. There was something, too, in the intimacy of this service that drew me in. The combination of public and private grieving we are witnessing is so poignant. At the Princes’ Vigil, the King and his siblings standing vigil with their mother, the Queen. I do hope they are able to carve out time to rest, to grieve in the ways they need to, and to take care of themselves.

Thank you, Susan, for your care and thoughtfulness in these posts.

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