We watched as heads of state, former prime ministers, heads of faith and different dignitaries – together with holders of bravery medals such because the George Cross and the Victoria Cross – made their solution to their seats. Then the pageantry actually started, with the Yeoman of the Guard, heralds and plenty of others, all in unimaginable finery, processing previous us. Unmistakeably British custom in all its glory.
Finally the second all had been ready for, because the coffin of the Queen was carried previous us by some unbelievable sturdy younger males – the Imperial crown on high glittering within the mild coming in by means of the home windows. The household had been subsequent – grief etched on their faces, slowly strolling down the centre of the nave, fastidiously avoiding the grave of the unknown soldier as they got here.
As for the service itself, it’s the elegant singing from the choir that can stay with me. It was an instinctive response to shut my eyes and simply really feel the music soothe the soul – it was gorgeous, and did certainly sound like flights of angels singing the Queen to her relaxation.
I shall additionally bear in mind the trumpeters enjoying the Final Put up and Reveille, many standing excessive above us on the quire display, carrying their bearskins, earlier than all of us belted out ‘God Save the King’. Lastly we remained standing whereas the poignancy of the piper’s lament led us to the ultimate procession and goodbye.
This was a privilege and an occasion I’ll bear in mind all my life. I used to be there to characterize Sightsavers to honour our departed patron, on behalf of the folks we serve, the supporters who make this attainable and all our workers internationally.
Might she relaxation in peace and rise in glory.
Lengthy dwell the King.
Caroline Harper
Caroline is Sightsavers’ world CEO, a job she has held since 2005. In 2015 she acquired a CBE for providers to folks with visible impairments. Extra about Caroline
