The Queen’s funeral is taking place today at Westminster Abbey, but royal fans have been left questioning why Prince Harry was seated so far away from his brother…
In recent years, people have been, understandably, more concerned for the Queen.
Losing a partner of more than seventy years must have been horrific. And right after that, she was struck with another painful blow just a few months later.
At the time, according to friends, the Queen was using her dogs to help cope with the grief of losing Philip…
The Queen was known for being a true animal lover, with one animal, in particular, that’s always been associated with HRH.
The Queen was given her first corgi, Susan, on her eighteenth birthday in 1944.
It has been estimated that the Queen owned more than thirty dogs during her reign, all of which were from the same family.
Her most famous dog was Monty, who appeared with her in a sketch for the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics…
The Queen had planned not to get any more dogs after Vulcan, her dorgi – a dachshund-corgi cross – passed away. She was left with just 1 corgi called Candy.
She acquired 2 new four-legged friends when Philip was hospitalized…
And their names had truly special meanings…
Fergus was named after her uncle Fergus Bowes-Lyon, who was killed in action during the First World War.
The second dog, Muick, pronounced Mick, is a pure-bred corgi and named after Loch Muick, a favorite spot for the Royals during their summer holiday.
When the news of the new dogs came out, Royal biographer Penny Junor said: “Her corgis are hugely important to her.”
“They have over the years been closer to her than any human being. The corgis are intensely loyal and loving and they have never let her down.”
But sadly, just a month after Philip died…
Her 5-month-old puppy Fergus passed away.
Fergus had been purchased by Prince Andrew to help his mother cope with the grieving process.
But sources confirmed Fergus passed away in May, just a month after she lost her husband.
A source told The Sun: “The Queen is absolutely devastated.
“The puppies were brought in to cheer her up during a very difficult period.”
“Everyone concerned is upset as this comes so soon after she lost her husband.”
It seemed that as she tried to handle all her grief, Queen Elizabeth appeared to be struggling physically as well as emotionally…
She was snapped at Westminster Abbey with her daughter for the Thanksgiving service…
To celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the British Royal Legion.
But as soon as she stepped out of her car, people noticed something concerning…
She was using a walking stick to support herself, something she hadn’t been seen with for seventeen years.
The only other time the Queen was been pictured with a stick was after her knee operation back in 2003…
But she quickly recovered and stopped using it the following year, in 2004.
The pictures left a lot of people worried about her physical health…
However, although it might have been a little alarming, the Queen still looked to be her usual upbeat self.
But royal doctors were then reported to have given her a stern health warning.
And people were left worried all over again…
Queen Elizabeth was reportedly told to stop drinking by royal doctors.
As per Vanity Fair, 2 sources claimed that doctors advised the queen to cut out alcohol except for special occasions.
“The Queen has been told to give up her evening drink which is usually a martini,” the source said.
“It’s not really a big deal for her, she is not a big drinker but it seems a trifle unfair that at this stage in her life she’s having to give up one of very few pleasures.”
Doctors were said to have given her the warning about alcohol to ensure she is was healthy as possible for her full schedule.
It also came ahead of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.
However, things went from bad to worse as the queen suffered a sprained back, resulting in her absence from the Remembrance service in London.
The service would have been her first appearance since being admitted to hospital, after which she was advised by her doctors to rest for 2 weeks and only undertake “desk-based duties,” as per Buckingham Palace.
The palace released a statement ahead of the Remembrance event…
“The Queen, having sprained her back, has decided this morning with great regret that she will not be able to attend today’s Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.”
“Her Majesty is disappointed that she will miss the service,” it continued.
“As in previous years, a wreath will be laid on Her Majesty’s behalf by the Prince of Wales.
“His Royal Highness, along with the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra will be present at the Cenotaph today as planned.”
The Queen had only ever missed 6 cenotaph ceremonies in her sixty-nine-year reign…
But that wasn’t the only commitment that had to be canceled as the Queen’s in-person appearance at the General Synod was also canceled with the Earl of Wessex attending instead.
While attending the Synod, the Earl read a speech to bishops and clergy at the Westminster headquarters of the Church of England on behalf of the queen, The Sun reported.
But what the Queen had to say in her speech broke hearts…
In her speech, the queen praised the Church of England for offering “hope” during the pandemic.
A period of time that she described as full “of anxiety, grief & weariness.”
“It is hard to believe that it is over fifty years since Prince Philip and I attended the very first meeting of the General Synod,” the Earl also read on her behalf.
“None of us can slow the passage of time; and while we often focus on all that has changed in the intervening years, much remains unchanged, including the Gospel of Christ and his teachings.”
She showed her nation just how motivated she was to carry on with her duties.
As she returned back to work after telling Armed Force Chiefs that she couldn’t move.
The Queen was back to work, smiling, and performing duties for her nation.
And she did so via a Zoom conference call.
The Queen virtually welcomed ambassadors, and definitely displayed her ability to power through.
Attending the virtual call was Ambassador of Finland Jukka Siukosaari, with Mariella Siukosaari, and the Ambassador of Jordan Manar Dabbas, with Muna Abuhassan.
And she even managed to crack an adorable smile for her audience.
Despite feeling tense after the day before.
And it’s safe to say, that the Queen had a lot to feel tense about lately.
Especially after Prince Charles tested positive for the coronavirus.
However, that didn’t stop the Queen from ensuring her job continued on.
Including her partaking in her Platinum Jubilee celebration.
The celebration, which marked a whopping 70 years of the Queen’s reign, was well attended.
The vast majority of the royals were there for the many different ceremonies and events over the four days.
Prince William and Kate Middleton were there with their children.
Alongside Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla.
And as ever, all eyes were fixed on the family in the hopes of seeing some drama.
Particularly between Kate Middleton and her son, Prince Louis.
Because it seemed as though little Louis really wasn’t enjoying the celebrations…
As he was spotted pulling a series of amusing facial expressions that got the whole internet talking! But, that wasn’t the only moment people paid attention to…
Because Prince Charles addressing the Queen as “mummy” in his Jubilee speech really turned some heads.
In his speech, the Prince of Wales thanked his mother for the seventy years she has reigned as Queen…
“Your Majesty, mummy, you have met us and talked with us, you laugh and cry with us, and most importantly, you have been there for us for these seventy years. You pledged to serve your whole life. You continue to deliver. That is why we are here. That is what we celebrate tonight. These pictures on your house are the stories of your life, and ours. So, Your Majesty, that is why we all say thank you,” the speech said.
And although Prince Charles elicited a huge cheer from the crowd, social media became divided over his choice of words for his mom.
One person wrote: “Something deeply disturbing about a 70-year-old man who says, Mummy.”
But then the Queen made headlines for some more heartbreaking news…
And it was linked to her childhood friend.
The sad news came just months after the monarch also lost fellow close friends the Duchess of Grafton and Lady Farnham, The Mirror reports.
The Queen’s Scottish-born friend Lady Myra Butter and Her Majesty were “both young girls after she was enlisted to join her in various childhood activities,” including swimming and attending Brownies.
Even so, Lady Myra Butter told The Telegraph last year that “the Guides and the Brownies were a real mixture and was nice” to join friends, family, and “all the people in the royal mews.”
She remained close to Her Majesty and also had a long-standing friendship with Philip — who she paid a “beautiful tribute” to after his death last year.
Where she mentioned how “lost” the Queen would be without her husband.
She also didn’t hesitate to explain that “Philip’s dedication to duty meant nobody could have done that job” as the Duke of Edinburgh had done for decades.
But it was only at the beginning of this year when Lady Myra Butter handed back the Pushkin medal which she was awarded by President Vladimir Putin.
For bringing Russian and Scottish schoolchildren together — but this is no big news for the Queen’s inner circle member…
As she was a descendant of Tsar Nicholas I and of poet and play-writer Alexander Pushkin.
But sadly, Lady Myra Butter passed away at the age of 97 in London…
On Thursday 8th Septempber, Buckingham Palace revealed that the Queen was placed under medical supervision at Balmoral.
It said in a statement: “Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.
“The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”
Prince Charles, Camilla, and Prince William traveled to Balmoral to be by Her Majesty’s side.
Just days before her decline in health was announced, the Queen met with Liz Truss to appoint her as the new Prime Minister of the UK.
Meghan and Harry also traveled to be by the Queen’s side.
The pair canceled an event to travel to Scotland to be with their family.
Now, the devastating news of the Queen’s own passing has been announced.
Meaning Prince Charles is now King with Camilla becoming Queen Consort.
The title was announced before the Queen’s passing just before her Platinum Jubilee.
The Queen said at the time: “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.
“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 Titles have also changed for the new heir to the throne Prince William and Kate Middleton, from Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay, with Kate taking on the female versions.
King Charles’ coronation will likely not take place for a while yet as the family mourn and rigorous planning takes place.
Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming her passing.
Following the Queen’s death, Operation London Bridge has begun…
This is a 10-day mourning period leading up to the Queen’s funeral before Charles officially takes the throne.
To mark the period, flags will be lowered to half-mast. A gun salute and a national minute’s silence will also take place in the coming days.
The UK’s new prime minister Liz Truss will also make a statement before meeting with the new King of England.
Prince Charles will then give a speech before the service of remembrance for Her Majesty is held at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
After this, on day 10 of the mourning period, processions will take place before the Queen is buried at King George VI Memorial Chapel.
Since the tragic news of Her Majesty’s death, many royal fans have been paying their respects outside Buckingham Palace.
A statement was subsequently put up on the gates outside the Palace, officially announcing her death to passers-by and those who may not have seen the news yet.
The statement, which is the same as what was posted on the Royal website, reads: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Many have also been sharing that the Queen has now been reunited with her husband, Prince Philip, who died last year.
According to sources, the Queen held onto the faith that she would be reunited with her love when she passed.
The pair met when she was just thirteen, and it was allegedly love at first sight.
Prince Philip was eighteen at the time, and the pair later got married in 1947.
Their partnership lasted seventy-three years and ended with Philip’s tragic death last April, aged ninety-nine.
During their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1997, the Queen said of Philip: “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.”
It’s clear Prince Philip had been her rock throughout her life, a presence which she was torn apart without.
But sources claimed that she was comforted by the thought that the pair would reunite one day.
“It is central to her life,” a friend of the Queen said at the time. “It means she looks confidently forward to the time when she and he are reunited.”
At last, they are together again.
And they are set to be buried together on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Before this happens, Prince Philip will be moved from his current resting place at the Royal Vault at St George’s Chapel to be beside his wife.
They will then be buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel together.
This is also the resting place of the Queen’s family, including her father, King George IV, mother, and sister, Princess Margaret.
Following the Queen’s death, Prince Charles has become the King.
And he could have chosen from any of his given names, so could have been King Arthur, King George, King Philip, or King Charles.
Clarence House, the former Prince of Wales’ official residence, has now declared that he will be officially known as King Charles III.
King Charles III isn’t the only royal with a new title.
The future King and consort of Britain, Prince William, and Kate Middleton, are now to be called The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.
Following the death of her majesty, both William and Kate have changed their name on their social media bios to, “The official account of The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge and the Royal Foundation, based at Kensington Palace.”
William and Kate have not yet made a statement regarding the Queen’s passing.
Following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, people have been curious about the line of succession to the throne.
Here is how Prince Charles became King Charles III and his accession to the throne:
To start with, Charles has been the longest-serving heir to the throne, ever since his mother became Queen when he was just three-years-old.
So when was Charles declared King?
The throne is never vacant and passes on as soon as the monarch dies so Charles became King immediately after Her Majesty, the Queen died.
The succession plans dictate that Charles will make his first address to the public as the head of state on the evening after the Queen’s death…
And will be officially confirmed as King the following day at St James’ Palace in London.
It’s likely that Charles’ coronation won’t be for several months.
The nation needs to give time and pay their respects to their Queen, who was the longest-serving monarch ever.
Holding such a ceremony of celebration during the seventeen-day mourning period, which the king had recently announced, would show a lack of respect.
After the death of the Queen’s father, King George VI, Her Majesty had waited sixteen months for her coronation.
Therefore, we will probably see Charles crowned as King in 2023.
Then the line of succession continues…
As of now, Prince William is next in line to ascend to the throne.
However, William won’t become King until his father’s death.
At Charles’ age, his reign as a monarch won’t be as long as the Queen’s.
Polls have shown that almost half of Britons want Charles to step down as monarch and allow his eldest son to take the driver’s seat.
But that won’t happen.
No monarch has ever turned down the throne, except for The Queen’s uncle, Edwards VII.
After Prince William, the next rightful heir to the throne would be Prince George.
William and Kate’s oldest son, Prince George, 9, is now second in line to the throne.
After the death of her grandmother, 7-year-old Princess Charlotte becomes the most senior female royal in terms of succession.
And is third in line to the throne.
The youngest member of the Cambridge family, Prince Louis, 4, is fourth in line for the throne.
The little Prince made rose to prominence after acting his age at the Queen’s jubilee celebrations.
Next in line to the throne of Prince Louis is Prince Harry, thirty-seven.
Harry is fifth in line to the throne.
Harry and Meghan’s firstborn, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, who is now 3 years old, is sixth.
And the couple’s fifteen-month-old daughter, Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, is seventh in line to the throne.
Charles III has been officially proclaimed as King.
He inherited the throne at St. James Palace.
Former UK prime ministers – including Gordon Brown, David Cameron Boris Johnson and Theresa May – were there to celebrate the historic moment.
Alongside the Accession Council.
Which also means William and Kate have been officially named Prince and Princess of Wales.
This means that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have new names.
Their original last name was Cambridge, but that is to be changed to Wales.
All change.
The Prince and Princess of Wales reunited with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle earlier this week.
The foursome headed to Windsor castle to view tributes left to the Queen, as well as greet the many fans waiting there.
It was reportedly Prince Harry’s idea for them to get back together.
Despite reports of a huge feud between the brothers, William is allegedly understood to have reached out to Harry, to make their first public appearance together in a year.
As the Queen’s coffin arrived at Westminster Hall, the Princes reunited again.
William and Harry joined their father, King Charles III, for the procession as the coffin made its way from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where it will stay until her funeral on Monday.
But before the Royals arrived at Westminster Hall, many pointed out that Meghan traveled separately from Kate and Camilla.
Leaving royal fans questioning the reason why.
Meghan could be seen traveling with Prince Edward’s wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
And it’s all down to the ranking of the Royal Family.
As Camilla is now Queen consort, and Kate is married to Prince William, who is now first in line to the throne, they both travel together.
So it doesn’t come down to royal tensions as some thought.
Meghan arrived at Westminster Hall with the Countess of Sussex.
The Duchess paid her respects and dressed in black clothing.
During the service, she reportedly let her guard down and inhaled deeply as the Queen’s coffin passed by.
As a mark of respect to the late monarch, both Meghan and Kate curtseyed, while the Royal men did a neck bow.
Just over a week after the Queen’s passing, new details about her death have come to light.
Speaking to The Royal Beat, Newsweek’s royal correspondent, Jack Royston, opened up about the moment King Charles heard that his mother had passed away.
“Charles and Camilla were in Dumfries House,” he began.
“Camilla was actually about to record an interview with Jenna Bush Hager, who said she heard footsteps running in the hallway.”
“Charles took a call, everything was silent, and they were asked to be silent.”
“Then the next thing she knew, Charles and Camilla were in a helicopter. And that was at 12.30, so that was around exactly the same time that we were told.”
“So they didn’t wait, they didn’t give Charles an hour or 2 hours [before telling the public].”
And that’s not all, as people are lining up to see the Queen lying in state, one moment horrified people.
Police have arrested a man who attempted to “rush” the Queen’s coffin.
The man reportedly pushed through the line of mourners, ran up to coffin, and tried to lift the royal standard.
He allegedly pushed past a 7-year-old girl to get there.
And is then thought to have put his hands on the Queen’s casket.
Over the weekend, the Queen’s 8 grandchildren stood guard over her coffin in a vigil.
William and Harry led their cousins, Zara Tindall, Peter Philips, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor, and James, Viscount Severn, in the procession. The latter 2 are just eighteen and fourteen years old.
William and Harry both wore military uniforms; Harry, for the first time in 2 years.
But only William’s bore the initials of their grandmother.
And Prince Harry has been said to be “heartbroken” after they were removed from his uniform.
“To remove his grandmother’s initials feels very intentional,” a friend told The Sunday Times.
However, this doesn’t appear to be intentional or personal.
The initals ‘ER’ are traditional only worn by those “in service” of the monarch.
And it appears that both Prince Harry and Prince Andrew will be wearing morning suits for the Queen’s funeral instead of their military attire.
They arrived at Westminster Abbey wearing their black suits as they joined the procession taking the Queen’s coffin to the Abbey from Westminster.
Harry’s military title was stripped after he stepped down as a royal to move to the US with Meghan.
Whereas Prince Andrew’s was removed after his entanglement with s*x abuser Jeffrey Epstein.
However, the pair were still allowed to wear their medals.
But that’s not the only hit Prince Harry got.
Royal fans were shocked when they saw Harry sitting on the second row during the funeral.
Many watching the broadcast live have questioned why he was sitting so far away, with some even taking to social media to express their anger.
“Why is Prince Harry in the second row? Another bad decision by the royal family and truly disrespectful to Her Majesty the Queen who adored her grandson. Where is the unity?” one Twitter user wrote.
While another commented: “Tremendous piece of theatre, this. Still trying to work why Prince Harry is relegated to the second row while an ex-rugby player sits up front.”
Harry could be seen seated behind his dad, King Charles, and a whole aisle back from Prince William.
Those that joined William were Kate Middleton and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, Princess Anne’s children, Peter Philips and Zara Philips, and Zara’s husband, Mike Tindall.
What do you think of the seating arrangements?