The last farewell to Her Majesty took place last September 19. The extraordinary procession left numerous photos and a question mark for many as to which objects were placed on Queen Elizabeth’s coffin and which were later removed before it was lowered into the royal vault.
There is no doubt that the death of Elizabeth II deployed all kinds of protocol and many of the historic traditions within the British Royal Household that many witnessed.
What was on the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II?
Along the route it was possible to see some of the historical and important objects that accompanied the coffin of Elizabeth II, until she was finally buried in Windsor, after her funeral at Westminster Abbey.
The royal standard
It is the object that has been next to the coffin since it could be seen publicly. It is the personal flag of the monarch in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and its representation outside the country as head of state. A flag, divided into four quadrants, which contains the elements of the coat of arms of the United Kingdom. Three golden lions of England, the red lion of Scotland and the royal harp of Ireland. The royal standard is, curiously, the only flag that does not fly at half-mast, as do others for mourning.
Imperial crown of the State
On the coffin was also the imperial crown of the State. Made in 1937 and adapted for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, it is adorned with 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 5 rubies and 2,868 diamonds. It is thus valued at $4.5 million, as it is composed of some of the Crown’s most important jewels, such as the Black Prince’s ruby, the St. Edward’s sapphire and the Cullinan II diamond. It is an object of incalculable historical value.
Sovereign’s Orb
This object was given to Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation and symbolizes the Christian world. A hollow sphere of gold dating from 1661, adorned with precious stones that has a jeweled cross set with jewels symbolizing the valuable role of the monarch in the Church.
Scepter of the cross
The Scepter of the Cross is a 92-centimeter gold rod, created in 1661, on the top of which is placed a cross with the so-called Cullinan I diamond, known as the Great Star of Africa, which is the second largest diamond in the world after the Golden Jubilee. At the lower end, it has a hilt with roses, thistles and enameled clovers. All together, it symbolizes the king’s power as head of state.
