Queen Elizabeth II: Key moments from state funeral as Britain said goodbye to longest-reigning monarch

Britain said goodbye to its longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, with a historic funeral on Monday.

Millions around the world watched from afar as 2,000 people - including members of the royal family and hundreds of foreign dignitaries - gathered for the state service at Westminster Abbey.

The funeral began after King Charles III led a procession from nearby Westminster Hall, where the Queen had been lying in state since last week.

During the service, the Archbishop of Canterbury echoed the words spoken by the Queen to the nation during the coronavirus pandemic and said “we will meet again”.

He added that the “grief” felt around the world over the Queen’s death “arises from her abundant life and loving service”.

The UK observed a two-minute silence shortly before noon to mark the end of the funeral.

A royal procession then guided the Queen’s coffin to Wellington Arch and from there, it was driven back to Windsor Castle one final time.

The coffin was taken to its final resting place on Monday afternoon, while hundreds of guests gathered at St George’s Chapel for a sombre committal service.

King Charles appeared to fight back tears as he stood in silence while an emotionally-charged chorus of “God Save the King” was sung, moments after the late Queen was lowered into the royal vault.