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Queen Elizabeth II's funeral breaks years of royal tradition: full details

Her Majesty's funeral will be unlike her mother and father's

Melanie Macleod
Wellness Editor
Updated: September 19, 2022
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Queen Elizabeth II's funeral took place on Monday 19 September, and the sombre occasion marks a break in royal tradition.

READ: The Queen's funeral as it happened: Prince George & Princess Charlotte's bravery & most moving royal moments

For the first time since the funeral of George III in 1760, the royal service did not take place at St George's Chapel in Windsor, and was instead held at Westminster Abbey.

WATCH: Queen's coffin driven through the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

The change of location is likely to allow more people to attend the funeral of the beloved monarch.

SEE: The touching meaning behind the Queen's funeral flowers and King Charles III's input

MORE: Queen Elizabeth II's loving message to son Charles revealed

The usual royal funeral venue, St George's Chapel, has been the location of choice for most royal ceremonies up until now, including the late Prince Phillip's funeral last year, and the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The Windsor chapel will still play a part in the Queen's funeral, though. After the service at Westminster Abbey, Queen Elizabeth will be buried at St King George VI Memorial Chapel, where her father, King George VI, and mother Queen Elizabeth are also buried, along with the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret.

queen westminster

Queen Elizabeth II inside Westminster Abbey

The Queen’s late husband Prince Philip will be moved from the Royal Vault of St George's Chapel to the King George VI Memorial Chapel, where he will be laid alongside his lifelong partner.

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The King George VI memorial chapel is an annex to the main chapel and was added to the north side, behind the North Quire Aisle in 1969. It is generally open to the public, and three services per day take place there.

windsor chapel

St George's Chapel in Windsor

A black stone slab is set into the floor of the private chapel and features the names of Queen Elizabeth II's parents, George VI and Elizabeth, in gold lettering, accompanied by the couple's years of birth and death. The slate is left blank below their names, with room for Queen Elizabeth II's name to be added.

In what initially appeared to be a small break in royal funeral tradition, Prince George wore a smart navy suit, to his grandmother's funeral, while the rest of his family, including seven-year-old Princess Charlotte, dressed in black.

While some royal fans might be wondering why George was wearing a dark blue outfit instead of the traditional black, funeral etiquette states that wearing dark colours to a funeral, including navy, is considered a sign of respect for the deceased.

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