Service for the commencement of Lying-in-State of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
14 September 2022
A service took place in Westminster Hall at 3pm on Wednesday 14 September for the reception of the coffin of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II before the Lying-in-State.
His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family, and members of the House of Commons and House of Lords, attended.
Arrival ceremony
His Majesty King Charles III, accompanied by members of the Royal Family, members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, members of the legislatures of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and High Commissioners of the Realms, were present in Westminster Hall for the reception of Her Majesty’s coffin on Wednesday 14 September.
On arrival of the coffin, the Archbishop of Canterbury conducted a short service.
Lying-in-State
The Queen’s coffin lay in state in Westminster Hall to allow members of the public to pay their respects before the State Funeral on Monday 19 September.
During the Lying-in-State, the Queen's coffin rested on a raised platform in the middle of Westminster Hall. Members of the public visited Westminster Hall to pay their respects.
Each corner of the platform was guarded around the clock by units from the Sovereign's Bodyguard, Foot Guards or the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
Departure
The Lying-in-State ended on Monday 19 September. The Queen’s coffin was carried from Westminster Hall on the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy for the State Funeral in Westminster Abbey.
Further information
- Service for the Reception of Her Majesty’s Coffin at Westminster Hall: Order of Service (external website)
- View images of the Service for the Reception of Her Majesty’s Coffin: House of Lords Flickr album (external website)
- Parliamentary occasions: Lying-in-State
- Attending Lying-in-State: practical information
Image: Copyright House of Lords / Photography by Roger Harris