Four days after her death in the Scottish castle of Balmoral, Queen Elizabeth II completed her last trip on Monday.
After joining Edinburgh on Sunday through the Scottish countryside, her funeral procession left the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the sovereign's official residence in Scotland, at 2.35 p.m. to reach, under the gaze of hundreds of thousands of Britons, Saint-Gilles Cathedral from Edinburgh.
The day before, the royal family had published in detail the itinerary of the funeral procession.
A royal procession to Saint-Gilles Cathedral
At the start of the afternoon, the four children of Elizabeth II silently followed the hearse on foot for more than a kilometer in the old town of the Scottish capital.
Charles III, Princes Andrew and Edward as well as Princess Anne marched in rhythm, all in military uniform except Andrew, stepping back from the monarchy following the sexual assault charges he ended in paying millions of dollars.
A particularity which confirms the sidelining of the one who has often been described as “favorite son” of Elizabeth II.
The procession lasted about thirty minutes.
King Charles III led the procession on Monday, surrounded by his brothers and sisters, carrying the coffin of Elizabeth II to St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Oli SCARFF / AFP
Elizabeth II's coffin arrived at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh shortly after 3 p.m., where a religious ceremony continued in the presence of the royal family as well as several political figures - British Prime Minister Liz Truss and Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
A religious ceremony in Saint-Gilles Cathedral
The crown of Scotland, made up of gold, silver and precious stones, was placed on the coffin.
“This is Scotland saying goodbye to our monarch,” Reverend Calum MacLeod announced to begin the service.
Religious songs followed one another, as did the reading of certain chapters of Ecclesiastes, a book of the Old Testament.
The ceremony, broadcast on television, was followed by many Britons… including in London pubs.
The Queen's remains will remain on display in the cathedral for 24 hours.
Jane Barlow/Reuters PA
The new king left the ceremony, alongside Queen Consort Camilla, shortly after 4.30pm to applause from the street.
However, the day of homage continues in the evening.
The Scots were able to begin to meditate on the coffin of the monarch.
24 hours of tributes before he is flown back to London on Tuesday.
VIDEO.
Death of Elizabeth II: find the full religious tribute in Edinburgh
A final tribute from Scots to the Queen
Long queues thus formed at the end of the afternoon near the Saint-Gilles cathedral.
According to The Times, more than 750,000 people could try to see the coffin of the late sovereign.
The British will thus have to arm themselves with patience;
the wait can go up to several hours, warn the local media.
Wristband holders in the queue for St Giles' Cathedral.
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— Andrew Picken (@BBCandrewpicken) September 12, 2022
The remains of Elizabeth II will remain in Parliament for five days before the state funeral.
Some 500 foreign dignitaries are expected - a considerable security challenge for the police - including US President Joe Biden, his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as well as many crowned heads.