The queen’s remains were transferred to St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, where thousands of people are passing to bid farewell to the monarch, whose body will travel to London on Tuesday. Carlos III and his brothers also came to watch over his mother. In previous hours, the king received condolences from both Houses of Parliament in London, before speaking for the first time before that institution.
The London Bridge operation continues its march. Elizabeth III’s body arrived at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, where she was watched over by her children and where thousands of citizens have come to pay tribute to the monarch.
Before leaving for Edinburgh, King Charles III spoke for the first time in front of Parliament in London.
In his speech before the two Houses – which minutes before gave him their condolences – he highlighted the role that his mother had as head of state and her vocation for selfless service towards the Crown and the country.
Here the most important news about the death of Queen Elizabeth III on Monday, September 12:
- 18:04 (BOG) Thousands of people visit the remains of Elizabeth III
For hours, the streets surrounding St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh have been packed with thousands of people lining up to pay their respects to the coffin containing the monarch’s remains.
Those present walk slowly before the coffin, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland flag and decorated with a crown of white flowers and the Crown of Scotland, traditionally reserved for coronations of Scottish kings.
Among those present, some bow as they pass, others wipe away tears.
“It was very beautiful, very peaceful and calm,” said Marie Claire Cross, 55, a National Health Service worker who had been waiting for more than 7 hours to enter. “I was in awe of the fact that I was in the cathedral with Queen Elizabeth, who I have admired all my life.”
- Carlos III and his brothers keep vigil before the coffin of their mother
King Charles III and his brothers attended a wake Monday night at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, where their mother’s coffin rests.
The presentation of the remains of the monarch, which had begun an hour earlier in the Scottish capital, did not stop when King Charles III, Princes Andrew and Edward and Princess Anne stood around the coffin, to which they turned their backs.
- 15:08 (BOG) World leaders who have confirmed their attendance at the queen’s funeral
Elizabeth II’s funeral will take place in London on Monday. A long list of world leaders has already confirmed her attendance.
Joe Biden, President of the United States; Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria; Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand; Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister; Gypsy Nausea, President of Lithuania; Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka; Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany; Yoon Suk-yeol, President of South Korea; Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil; King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium; Andrzej Duda, President of Poland; Sergio Mattarella, president of Italy; Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister; Charles Michel, President of the European Council, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands; King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain; Egils Levits, President of Latvia; Paula-Mae Weekes, President of Trinidad and Tobago; Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister; Sauli Niinisto, President of Finland; Katalin Novak, Hungarian President; Michael D Higgins, Irish President; Michael Martin, Irish Prime Minister.
- 14:52 (BOG) The emeritus king of Spain will attend the queen’s funeral
The former monarch, Juan Carlos I, who gave up in 2014, and his wife Sofía reported that they will attend the queen’s funeral on September 19, according to the Spanish Crown.
Juan Carlos has lived in Abu Dhabi since August 2020 in the midst of a judicial investigation against him for allegations of fraud in Spain and Switzerland. The investigation was later closed due to lack of evidence.
The former monarch could also face trial in the UK in a harassment case against him. The emeritus king, the most controversial figure in the Spanish Crown, has flatly denied the accusations against him.
- 9.58 (BOG) The coffin of the queen entered the Cathedral
The remains of Elizabeth II arrived at the facilities of Saint Gilles, in Edinburgh, after a solemn procession. Next, a religious mass will be held in her honor and later civilians will be allowed to say goodbye to the monarch.
Along with the royal family, the first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, politicians, officials and representatives of local charities of which Elizabeth II was godmother are also present.
- 9.25 (BOG) United Kingdom invites the emeritus king of Spain to the funeral of Elizabeth II
The Casa del Rey announced that the Spanish Embassy in British territory received a note from the Foreign Office inviting a delegation to attend Elizabeth II’s wake next Monday, September 19. It will be extended to “heads of state, former heads of state and wives.”
Kings Felipe and Letizia confirmed their attendance, indicated the official communication. While La Casa del Rey “transferred” the invitation to King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía and are “waiting” for the decision.
- 8.44 (BOG) Edinburgh procession started
King Charles III leads the caravan with his brothers on the route that began at Holyrood Palace and will end in Saint Giles. Eduardo, Andrés and Ana accompany the coffin on foot. When you arrive at the temple, a religious service will be held.
The queen’s coffin is covered with the royal banner of Scotland, which contains the territory’s coat of arms with the lion rampant gules on gold. While he is escorted by members of the Royal Company of Archers, the sovereign’s honor guard on Scottish soil.
Once the procession is over, citizens will be able to enter to leave their greetings and say goodbye to the monarch until Tuesday, when he is taken back to London.
- 7.49 (BOG) How is the coffin of Elizabeth II?
Hundreds of thousands of people will gather to bid farewell to the monarch who reigned 70 years on British soil and became one of the most emblematic people of the modern era.
The queen’s coffin is made of lead-lined English oak, identical to the one that was used with her husband, Felipe, in April 2021. In addition, it was already prepared more than 30 years ago, according to ‘The Times’. It will be closed and covered with banners and royal regalia.
The London funeral company in charge of the funeral, Leverton and Sons, told the British newspaper four years ago that they did not know for whom the coffins were made.
The lead lining will seal the coffin, which will go to a crypt and will not be buried, but it adds a very important extra weight.
- 7.18 (BOG) New Zealand does not intend to be a republic, says prime minister
Jacinda Ardern dismissed the possibility that the oceanic country seeks to be a republic during her term, evaporating any concerns that arise after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The premier acknowledged that “for years” there have been internal debates regarding the role of the British monarchy.
“There are so many challenges that we face. This is a broad and significant debate, I don’t think it’s one that is or should be happening anytime soon,” she said.
However, the policy stressed that Wellington must be a republic, but “in due course”.
“I think that is where New Zealand will go over time. It is likely to occur throughout my lifetime,” she added.
Although the majority of the five million inhabitants are in favor of the parliamentary constitutional monarchical system, in recent years opinions in favor of republicanism have increased.
- 07.05 (BOG) Charles III arrived in Edinburgh
The King of the United Kingdom arrived in Scottish territory, where the remains of Elizabeth II have been found for hours. Together with the queen consort Camilla, the monarch will go to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, official residence of the Crown.
Scotland will be the first British country to host the queen’s funeral procession. Throughout the week she will also be in Cardiff and Belfast, the other jurisdictions that make up the United Kingdom.
- 6.20 (BOG) Prince Harry says goodbye to his “granny”
In his first public statements since the death of Isabel II, the youngest son of Carlos III paid tribute to Isabel II, whom he called a “compass for so many in their commitment to service and duty.”
“She was admired and respected around the world. Her unwavering grace and her dignity remained true throughout her life and now her eternal legacy,” she stated.
Harry nostalgically highlighted the moments he shared with his “grandma.”
“Although this final farewell causes us great sadness, I will be eternally grateful for our first meetings. Thank you for your commitment to service”, he closed.
- 5.47 (BOG) Carlos III spoke in front of the Chambers of Parliament
For the first time since assuming his position on the throne, the king addressed the House of Commons and the House of Lords, whom he called “the living and beating instrument of our democracy”.
There he stated that he is “determined to faithfully follow” the example of Elizabeth II.
In Westminster Hall, Carlos III paid tribute to his mother and pledged to continue defending constitutional government.
“When he was very young, his late Majesty pledged himself to serve his country, his people and uphold the precious principles of constitutional government,” he said. “She fulfilled it with unsurpassed devotion,” she added.
The monarch highlighted Elizabeth II’s “example of duty” and stated that he was “determined to follow it faithfully.”
In his brief speech, he admitted that he cannot “avoid feeling the weight of history” that these hours in the United Kingdom imply and which recall “the vital parliamentary traditions, to which the members of both Houses dedicate themselves with such personal commitment to the betterment” of society.
After his appearance in Westminster, he will go to Edinburgh to accompany the farewell of his mother’s coffin in Scotland.
- 5.27 (BOG) Parliament offers its condolences
Both Chambers received King Carlos III and Queen Consort Camilla on the death of Elizabeth II and expressed their sorrow. In the Palace of Westminster, the two factions that make up the British Parliament, the Commons and the Lords, held a brief ceremony to formalize their condolences.
Soon, the king will give a few words before leaving with his wife for Scotland. In Edinburgh it will be the first station in the United Kingdom through which the remains of the queen will pass and where people will be able to pay their respects.
with Reuters
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