Queen's Lying in State: Personal reflection on a modern pilgrimage

ICN reviewer Amanda C Dickie writes:

The unprecedented crowds queuing to see the Lying in State of Queen Elizabeth II have drawn people from all corners of the United Kingdom to London as well as from overseas.

It struck me this was like a pilgrimage - secular Britain was showing its devotion to our late monarch and making a Canterbury Tales-like trek to London, all ages wanted to honour her and say farewell. In Medieval and Tudor times the sovereign was seen as Divinely appointed; being in the royal presence or receiving their touch was a healing balm.

During the Coronation her late Majesty was anointed in an ancient and sacred ritual which she saw as a consecration to the service of the realm. She dedicated herself to the service of her people. The youthful Elizabeth vowed to serve whether her life be long or short - it was indeed long.

She served until two days before her death fulfilling her constitutional duties at the age of 96.There are calls for her to be named Elizabeth the Faithful, Elizabeth the Servant Queen or Elizabeth the Dutiful. Another epithet could be Elizabeth the Unifier. During the pandemic she provided a reassuring voice as she had always in times of crisis and joy Even in her death in Scotland she was unifying the querulous Union and bringing divisive relations together in mourning.

As the new King said in Ireland, his mother brought people and situations together that had been divisive. The new King, politicians and people have openly referred to God and hope in eternal life in an unprecedented way in modern times. Our Queen was a role model deeply rooted in her personal faith.

She was a constant throughout my life. My war disabled father had been a member of the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) of which she was Captain General. I was taken as a child to ceremonial events that he had participated in before the war such as the Royal Tournament and the Lord Mayors' Show. He had also been part of her father's Proclamation as King George VI in the City.In recent days many witnessed the HAC 's participation at Charles III's Proclamation. When Elizabeth II was crowned we watched it on our new TV bought for the occasion. I remember the Coronation coach and the crowning. In 1955 there was a special event at the HAC's headquarters that we attended. As a child I knelt at the front as she went by. I had expected her to be wearing a crown but I still remember her quite clearly as a radiant young Queen that day.

Although I have Long Covid I determined to pay my respects and follow the accessible route to Westminster Hall. Using a walking stick I headed towards the Tate Modern to the accessible kiosk to obtain wristbands to queue near Westminster Hall. I queued for three hours. Only the British queue to get into another queue! Seats were available for those of us who needed them at intervals. Behind was a gentleman from Kent in a wheelchair and a young woman also with Long Covid in front. There were plenty of friendly young stewards with bottles of water and checking we were all OK. One had come from Manchester to assist. Finally we reached the Tate and the kiosk. By then the places for Friday were finished. Places were available during the night but I couldn't cope with that. Waiting a little longer I got a wrist band for Saturday between 10-11am and returned home.

Saturday my feet were agony, as I have arthritic toes and psoriasis and my body ached. Arriving at Victoria I caught a bus to Lambeth Bridge and ventured towards Parliament. Walking was difficult and I struggled in the accessibility queue. A FANY, ( First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) came along and put me in a wheelchair and pushed me along. Determined to be upright to pay my respects I got out of the wheelchair before entering the Hall.

Inside was an awesome sight. The medieval stained glass and gabled ceiling provided a Cathedral like appearance. The coffin raised high on the catafalque draped in purple, the crown, orb and sceptre of state glittering in a ray of sunshine was impressive. Such a powerful, peaceful and serene atmosphere pervaded. Yeoman Warders, Grenadier Guards and Gentlemen at Arms, the sovereign's personal bodyguard, kept watch on the raised dais surrounding the coffin.

I bowed and said a prayer silently and the FANY saluted behind me. It was a privilege to be part of this moment of history.

When I exited, I met the Speaker who came over and chatted animatedly, shaking hands with me. Then the king passed by in the royal car to loud cheers. On the bus back to Victoria I saw Prince William drive by!

I went to Westminster Cathedral and lit a candle at the shrine to the late Queen just inside. A beautiful photograph is flanked by the Cardinal's tribute and prayers for the repose of her soul. Flowers and Mass cards lay on the floor in front of candlestands and an altar candle burnt brightly. Rest in peace.

God Save the King!