Once the Queen’s coffin was inside the Abbey, the funeral service began. Led by the Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, the service featured several moving moments, including numerous hymns and readings from scripture.

New music, specially written for the funeral, was also sung. Written by Judith Weir, the musical version of Psalm 42 was said to be inspired by the Queen’s “unwavering Christian faith”.

As the service continued, Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, delivered a sermon in which he paid tribute to the Queen’s “well kept” promise to serve the nation and the Commonwealth.

Referencing the Queen’s broadcast during the coronavirus lockdown, in which she referenced the words of Vera Lynn’s famous song We’ll Meet Again, he concluded: “We can all share the Queen’s hope, which in life and death inspired her servant leadership. Service in life, hope in death. All who follow the Queen’s example, and inspiration of trust and faith in God, can with her say: ‘We will meet again.’”

During the ceremony, members of the Buckingham Palace staff also lined the road outside the palace in tribute to the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in pictures: the most beautiful images from the day