Queen Elizabeth II's coffin begins journey to final resting place

Balmoral, UK - Well-wishers in Scotland said goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II as her coffin left Balmoral on a six-hour journey to Edinburgh, where it will lie at St. Giles' Cathedral.

The hearse carrying the coffin of the UK's Queen Elizabeth II passes through the village of Ballater, near Balmoral, Scotland.
The hearse carrying the coffin of the UK's Queen Elizabeth II passes through the village of Ballater, near Balmoral, Scotland.  © REUTERS

In bright sunshine, the hearse carrying the late monarch passed through the gates of the royal residence which was the summer refuge for the former head of state.

The Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence were part of the procession traveling in a limousine directly behind the late Queen.

Her oak coffin had been carried to the vehicle by six of the Balmoral estate's gamekeepers, who were tasked with the symbolic gesture.

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Draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland and with a wreath of flowers on top, it had remained at rest in the Balmoral ballroom so the late monarch's loyal estate workers can say their last goodbyes.

Now with a single motorbike outrider leading the way and six vehicles
following, the hearse traveled at a stately pace through the Aberdeenshire countryside.

Elsewhere, the Queen's son Charles is to be proclaimed King at a ceremony at Cardiff Castle on Sunday.

Cover photo: REUTERS

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