The late Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) will be laid to rest this Monday in a special coffin deeply rooted in the Windsor family tradition. The details of the coffin at a glance.
Strictly speaking, Queen Elizabeth’s coffin is two boxes in one. As the “Telegraph” reports, the metal lead was poured over an inner, wooden chest. This construction was then encased in an outer coffin of English oak.
There is a simple reason for the lead pouring. The mortal remains of Queen Elizabeth II are buried in the family vault in the King George VI Memorial Chapel – and thus to a certain extent above ground. To prevent odors or toxic gases from escaping there, the lead seals the coffin airtight. The decomposition process is also slowed down – for up to a year.
Due to the high weight of the heavy metal, eight and not the usual six bearers carry the royal coffin.
However, the fact that British oak is used is unusual. As “Metro” reports, American oak is usually used for coffins for cost reasons. The wood used is said to come from Sandringham House, which is privately owned by the British royal family.
Elizabeth I (1533-1603) was already buried in a lead coffin in 1603. However, it is likely that royal tradition stretches back even further into England’s past.
Queen Elizabeth’s late husband Prince Philip (1921-2021) was buried in a lead coffin, as was Princess Diana (1961-1997).
Of course, such a coffin cannot be made “in a day” like Leverton’s Andrew Leverton
Observers and TV viewers have certainly noticed the numerous details that adorn the Queen’s coffin. The container for the mortal remains of the monarch is wrapped in the so-called Royal Standard flag. As a royal standard, the flag represents the Empress and the United Kingdom.
It shows the English “Three Lions” twice, yellow on a red background. Next to it is the red Scottish lion on a yellow background. A harp represented on the flag of Ireland.
Special brackets on the top of the coffin hold the three imperial regalia, symbolizing Queen Elizabeth’s reign over the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. These include the Imperial State Crown, the crown first used in 1838 to crown the young Queen Victoria (1819-1901). The Imperial State Crown is covered with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires and numerous other precious stones.
In addition, the Queen’s Orb adorns the coffin, and the Imperial Scepter is also attached to it.
The wreath of flowers that adorns the Queen’s coffin was hand-delivered by King Charles III. (73) compiled, as reported by “Independent”. Included is rosemary, which symbolizes remembrance, and myrtle, a symbol of a happy marriage. The pedunculate oak, on the other hand, stands for the power of love. Also included are garden roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, sedum and scabious.
The flowers selected come from the gardens of Buckingham Palace and from Charles’ country estate, Highgrove House, and Clarence House in London. The color of the wreath is dominated by pink, burgundy, gold and white. They are the colors that can also be seen on the royal standard.
