World leaders, foreign dignitaries present as Queen Elizabeth II is laid to rest

In a grand burial steeped in tradition and a reflection of the widespread popularity she gained throughout her seven-decade rule, Queen Elizabeth II of England has been laid to rest.

On Monday, her coffin was lowered into the royal vault in St. George’s chapel at Windsor Castle, England.

Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8 after an initial statement by Buckingham Palace that doctors were concerned about her health.

Around 500 foreign dignitaries — including world leaders — were said to have attended the funeral.

Among world leaders present were Nigeria’s Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as kings and queens from across Europe, and leaders of Commonwealth nations.

A state funeral service was held earlier on Monday at Westminster Abbey — the building in which the Queen was married and crowned.

During the committal service, the crown jewels, alongside a broken ceremonial wand of office, were placed atop the coffin in line with tradition.

According to the order of service for her funeral, members of the congregation were advised to “refrain from using private cameras, video, or sound recording equipment”, just as “mobile phones and other electronic devices” were expected to be switched off.

Later on Monday, the king and his relatives are expected to be at the King George VI memorial chapel for a private burial, when the queen will be laid to rest next to her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Details of the later service have not been disclosed as the Buckingham Palace has described it as a “deeply personal family occasion”.