London: The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19, Buckingham Palace announced on Saturday.
She died on Thursday in her Balmoral estate in Scotland at age 96.
Ahead of the funeral, the Queen will ‘Lie-in-State’ in Westminster Hall for four days, to allow the public to pay their respects. The UK has also declared September 19 a holiday in honor of the queen.
The palace, in a statement said, Queen’s Coffin currently rests in the Ballroom at Balmoral Castle.
President Biden and other world leaders are expected to attend the funeral.
The world lost an extraordinary leader – Prince William
In a statement on Twitter, Elizabeth’s grandson, Prince William, wrote that on Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader and while I grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of the Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade.
“On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the realms and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign. I, however, have lost a grandmother.”
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 10, 2022
He continued: “She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real.”
The 40-year-old said that while he would “grieve” the loss of the Queen he also felt “incredibly grateful” to “have had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance” his whole life.
“My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives,” he added.
He added: “My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen.”
“I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can.”
