The monarch’s oak coffin carried the royal remains, usually kept under guard at the Tower of London, across from the Queen’s state in lieu, her funeral at Westminster Abbey and the final procession to Windsor of her reign. The long journey to her resting place included the coffin being carried by teams of pallbearers, pulled by gun carriages carried by sailors and transported by hearse – before being carried up steep steps to St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Many viewers had wondered how the symbols of sovereignty appeared so still during the long journey – a mystery solved as they were carefully removed from the casket during the engagement. The cameras revealed that special fittings had been attached to the monarch’s coffin, with rods protruding discreetly below the Royal Standard flag to raise the scepter slightly above the lead-lined oak casket. The scepter was held in place by rods A separate fixture was used to hold the bullet firmly in place, with a discreet placement on the coffin – and a small spike attached to the bottom of the bullet itself – holding the bullet firmly in place and preventing it from rolling as it was uphill. . The orb and scepter were carefully removed (Photo: PA) Even the purple pillow that carried the Imperial State Crown featured a discreet custom fitting designed to keep the artifact safe, with a protruding section that keeps the crown front and center on the precarious journey. The purple pillow contained a hidden item The objects and other decorations in the coffin were carefully removed during the ceremony in Windsor to allow the monarch to descend into the grave as a simple Christian soul, it was explained. The Imperial State Crown dates back to the 15th century, with the current version made for the coronation of George VI in 1937. It has been worn by the monarch since her coronation, with adjustments made to reduce its size. It bears priceless gems, including the Cullinan II Jewel, a cut of the largest diamond ever found, as well as the St Edward’s Sapphire – the oldest gem in the royal collection, dating back to 1042.
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The scepter – officially known as the Sovereign’s Crossed Scepter – has been used at every coronation since the coronation of Charles II in 1661 and bears the Cullinan I diamond – its larger sibling to the one in the crown – which, at 530.2 carats, it is the largest colorless cut diamond in the world. The Sovereign’s Orb, a golden orb surmounted by a cross, dates from 1661.
