Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign Ends as State Crown, Orb, Sceptre Are Removed From Coffin During Committal Service
usmagazine.comUshering in a new era. Queen Elizabeth II’s reign came to a symbolic end on Monday, September 19, amid the committal service at St George’s Chapel.Toward the end of the ceremony, Her Majesty’s state crown, orb and sceptre, which was bestowed upon her at her June 1953 coronation, were removed from her coffin.
The touching moment took place just moments before her casket was lowered into the vault.“The reality of seeing the crown taken away and the instruments of state knowing that they are now in his procession [was moving],” reporter Max Foster said during CNN’s live broadcast. “That is the goodbye for the nation.
The goodbye for the world.”The Imperial State Crown, the orb and the sceptre were lifted from the queen’s coffin by the Crown Jeweller, officially separating the Queen from her crown one last time.The moment, which was witnessed by 800 people in attendance, is a rare historical occurrence, which many had never witnessed before.
Once the items — which date back to the seventeenth century — were removed, they were placed on the High Altar for the remainder of the service.Another poignant action during the ceremony occurred when the queen’s Lord Chamerlain, Baron Parker, broke his Wand of Office and placed it on her coffin.
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