Queen Elizabeth’s funeral will go down as one of the most emotional events in British history.
Dr. Denise Chaffer, President of theRoyal College of Nursing, tells PEOPLE that theservice at Westminster Abbeyon Monday was “incredibly moving and incredibly sad,” adding, “It was such an honor for me to be representing the Royal College of Nursing there.”
She says the Abbey had an “incredible atmosphere. People were so respectful and completely calm — you could feel the sadness in the air. I’m almost lost for words.”
The Queen became a patron of the RCN in 1953, right at the beginning of her history-making 70-year reign.
“She was a very important patron and met thousands of nursing staff over the years,” Dr. Chaffer says. “She was always so interested and took the time to listen to the nurses she met. They felt she understood what they did and how important their role was.”
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Dr. Chaffer continues of the late monarch, “Recently, she paid tribute to nursing staff across the globe on internationals day for their contribution to the response toCOVID. It was so important to have her as patron.”
The RCN has had condolence books both online and in each of the four nations of the United Kingdom.
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Seeingthe family file past was poignant, she continues: “It was so emotional and moving to see how people were respectful towards them and also understood that they’re grieving family mourning. It was so moving seeing the children there.”
“It was a coming together, for everybody there, of incredible grief and sadness,” Dr. Chaffer adds.
Queen Elizabeth’s funeral procession.BBC America
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Last week,King Charles IIIaddressed the U.K. for the first time after the Queendied at the age of 96on Sept, 8. Among the changes announced, Charles, 73, shared thatPrince WilliamandKate Middletonhad inherited the titles ofPrince and Princess of Wales.
Their three children — who are now thesecond, third and fourthin line to the throne — go from being Princes and Princess of Cambridge to beingPrinces and Princess of Wales. Therefore, they are nowPrince Georgeof Wales,Princess Charlotteof Wales andPrince Louisof Wales.
George, 9, and Charlotte, 7, are expected to be in attendance at the Queen’s committal service at Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Chapel this afternoon.
source: people.com
