Thibaud Hue (special correspondent in Edinburgh), edited by Gauthier Delomez
A moment of intense emotion. Four days after the death of Elizabeth II, a procession took place through the streets of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. On Monday morning, the Queen’s coffin left Holyrood House, the palace of the monarchy. As one of the special envoys from Europe 1 tells it, two horses from the royal stable led the way, followed by the black hearse in which the coffin was located. This one, made of oak, was covered with the flag of the royal family and a wreath of flowers.
“A very beautiful tribute worthy of its rank”
The new King Charles III followed his mother’s body, on foot in ceremonial dress and surrounded by officers of the Royal Guard. The convoy went up the street in deep silence, in front of thousands of spectators. A particularly emotional moment for Yseult, who came from the north of Scotland with her husband to attend the tribute. “I am very moved to know that our queen is dead. It is a very beautiful tribute, worthy of her rank, and the behavior she has had throughout her life”, she confides at the microphone. Europe 1.
The Scot admits that “it was also wonderful to see such a crowd gathering for her. We will never experience such a thing again, I had never seen that in my life”.
The entry of the Queen’s body into the cathedral in profound silence
The procession arrived in front of Saint-Gilles Cathedral around 4 p.m. The Queen’s body was carried there by members of the Royal Guard, and a religious ceremony was celebrated there. The entry of the queen’s body took place at first in deep silence. The crown of the Kingdom of Scotland was then placed on the coffin. Then, the ceremony began in the presence of the entire royal family, before ending with the national anthem. God Save the King.
The family left by car, and the body of the queen remained on the spot to allow the Scots to collect themselves. It is therefore here that they will pay a last tribute to the “last queen”.
Scots ready to spend the night to say goodbye to the Queen
It is a moment eagerly awaited by the Scots who are ready to spend the night in front of Saint-Gilles Cathedral to be able to pay homage to him. Many are already queuing in front of the building, while the wait is estimated at several hours. For Karine, however, it is a necessary moment. “It’s another way of paying homage to her”, she underlines to Europe 1. “A more personal tribute because we will be in the church, but we will be able to pray for her. It’s a more intimate moment, just so we can say goodbye.”
The body of Elizabeth II will remain exposed 24 hours until Tuesday afternoon, before returning to London and the Palace of Westminster by plane in the evening. According to the English press, some 750,000 people could be tempted to come and see the queen’s coffin, one week before the national funeral celebrated on Monday, September 19.