Queen Elizabeth II’s burial: Prince Philip’s coffin to be relocated from the royal vault

The nine days following the queen’s death, known internally as “D-day,” will be filled with proclamations, rituals, public mourning and, of course, her funeral, expected to be held 10 days after her passing.

At first, the queen’s body will lie in the throne room at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, about a mile from Balmoral, where the Royal Company of Archers will hold vigil.
Her coffin will then be taken to St. Giles’ Cathedral for private services and, after approximately five days, be put aboard the royal train destined for Buckingham Palace.

A typical train ride from Waverly to London takes about five hours, but crowds will likely form all along the way, slowing their progress as workers clear flowers and other items from the tracks.
While the particulars of the queen’s funeral have not been made public, it is expected to be held in Westminster Abbey approximately 10 days after her death.

Until then, she would likely lie in state in Westminster Hall, where the public could pay their respects.

The day of her funeral will be a day of national mourning in the UK, with many offices closed and two minutes of silence observed at noon.

After the service, Elizabeth will most likely be buried in King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle, alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, whose coffin will be relocated from the royal vault.
A small committal service would be held at the chapel before the burial.

Meanwhile the bells from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Westminster Abbey and beyond have been tolling to mark her death, and both houses of Parliament will likely convene. The two thrones in the House of Lords are being replaced with a chair and a cushion bearing the golden outline of a crown

While a coronation might not happen for several months, Prince Charles assumes the title of king immediately after his mother’s death.

Prince Charles became king immediately after his mother’s death, taking the title  . There will be formal pronouncements and a coronation, likely within a year of Elizabeth’s death, but none are requisites for his taking the throne.

Since their marriage in 2005, Charles’ wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, has been known as princess consort, a title with no historical or legal precedent. Camilla is now queen consort under English common law.

Charles is expected to introduce as Queen Camilla at his Accession Council, held on Friday or “D+1.” The council will officially proclaim him king of England on the same day.

Elizabeth declared her support for these succession plans in February during her Platinum Jubilee.

“When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes king, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me,” she said. “And it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as queen consort as she continues her own loyal service.”

The Duke of Edinburgh died at age 99 in April 2020. Philip, who the Queen once called her “strength and stay,” died peacefully at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace.