The death of Britain’s longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has begun an intricate period of mourning which will culminate with a huge state funeral on September 19 to honour her lifetime of devotion and steadfast service.
According to a report by Cable Network News, King Charles III, on Monday morning started the day with a trip to Westminster Hall where both Houses of Parliament expressed their condolences.
From there, the king and his wife, Camilla, then flew to Edinburgh, where they headed straight to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
In the afternoon, the King led a procession during which he carried the Queen’s coffin to St. Giles’ Cathedral where a service of prayer and reflection was held and attended by members of the royal family.
The congregation was made up of all mourners from various areas in Scotland who queued up to go into the cathedral to pay their respects. Afterwards, the coffin rested there for 24 hours to allow the Scottish public to see it.
Following the service, King Charles III had an audience with Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and also had a meeting with the presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament. Charles, accompanied by the Queen Consort, also went to the Scottish Parliament to receive a motion of condolence.
“I know that the Scottish Parliament and the people of Scotland share with me a profound sense of grief at the death of my beloved mother. My mother felt as I do, the greatest admiration for the Scottish people for their magnificent achievements, and their indomitable spirit,” Charles said during his address.
Sturgeon said that Elizabeth had been “the anchor of our nation” during a speech at the parliament.
“Your Majesty, we stand ready to support you, as you continue your own life of service – and as you build on the extraordinary legacy of your beloved mother, our Queen,” Sturgeon told Charles.
On Monday evening, the King and members of the royal family mounted their guard vigil of the Queen’s coffin.
On Tuesday (today), the King and Camilla will make a trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland. The couple will visit Hillsborough Castle and view an exhibition on the Queen’s long association with Northern Ireland.
