A Nation’s Guard of Honor stood by the Queen’s last journey as she returned home to Windsor Castle for the last time yesterday.
The hearse carried her coffin the long walk up – a road she had often driven herself – to the place where she had been at home since childhood.
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The rousing sound of bagpipes filled the air as the… funeral procession headed for the final and most poignant leg of her journey.
It was the last time her people would see her.
Amid the drone of guns fired by The King’s Troop at one minute intervals, her MajestyThe coffin entered The Long Walk at about 3:10 PM.
On the way to Windsor Castle — that of the deceased sovereign last resting place — the procession was greeted by a sea of its adoring subjects.
More than 200,000 people had gathered to see their beloved queen “come home”.
A gloomy silence spread through the crowd, many of whom had waited overnight, watching the procession move slowly along part of the famous three-mile avenue.
The huge crowd bowed their heads as Her Majesty’s coffin came into view and the procession marched slowly.
A seconded detachment from the Household Cavalry Regiment, marching with their swords pointed to the ground, led the way.
Then came a mounted division of the Sovereign’s Escort, resplendent in red uniforms, followed by column after column of military precision.
A total of 406 soldiers accompanied Her Majesty on foot and on horseback.
Hundreds of police officers from across the country stood ten meters on either side of the road, watching the crowd.
Another 477 soldiers, sailors, Royal Marines and RAF personnel watched.
They presented their weapons as the coffin passed by, standing with heads bowed and guns pointing downwards.
Forty employees of the Royal House also accompanied the hearse of the State.
The crowd applauded softly as the vehicle – covered with flowers thrown by benefactors – on the way to the castle.
As the procession approached Cambridge Gate, members of a massive pipe and drum band from the Coldstream Guards and Household Cavalry in kilts played a rousing tune.
The castle’s Sebastopol bell also rang—something that only happens when a British monarch dies—when the hearse ended its journey.
Flights to and from nearby Heathrow were interrupted and the procession entered the castle grounds at 3:40 pm.
Many benefactors braved the cold at night to gain a front row seat in history.
Tents were banned, so most slept in camping chairs or on blankets, huddled with flasks of tea and soup.
When the funeral began in London, young and old alike had stood in awe as the service at Westminster Abbey was shown on giant TV screens and heard through huge loudspeakers.
Later, when the procession entered the Long Walk, the screens were turned off and those present were able to say their final goodbyes as Her Majesty’s coffin passed by.
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