Queen Elizabeth funeral and looking forward

[Pea-n-Me]

Is the viewing going to be round the clock, ie open all night?

 

[Karin1984]

Is the viewing going to be round the clock, ie open all night?

Yes, from 5 pm today to 6.30 am on Monday. Meaning it is open for about 110 hours. If they only allow 400k people in that is about 3700 people per hour 60 people per second.

Probably people will be disappointed.

 

[Jangles]

What was the name of the song that they played for this morning’s somber walk? If they said it, I missed it.

Chopin’s funeral march.

 

[Jangles]

No need to use Mr. and Mrs. Husband’s Name

Mrs. Alice and Mr. Ralph Kramden

If they had divorced or if Alice became a widow:
Ms. Alice Kramden

Different countries, different customs.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

A couple of observations from the part today where the immediate family members were joined with their spouses, just before they left Westminster Chapel.

As they filed out:

1) Prince Andrew walked alone, while the rest were joined by their spouses. Sara Ferguson hasn’t been seen at anything official, even though she and Andrew are still partners - divorced, but living together again for years. I wonder if they will now re-marry? Word was that Prince Phillip was not a fan of Fergie, not sure how The Queen felt about it. I wonder if he will have to get permission from his brother, The King, if he does want to re-marry.

2) Harry and Meghan were the only two to hold hands. I’ve seen criticism in comments about this over the past few days after their joining Prince William and Catherine at Windsor the other night. Does anyone else think this is just an American thing, vs an English thing? I often wondered why no one usually held The Queen’s hand as she was walking, as we typically do with our elderly. No doubt this day was difficult for Harry and brought back some tough memories for him. I’m sure it was comforting for him that she held his hand. UK people, what say you? Is hand-holding for couples viewed as something that shouldn’t be done in public?

 

[Kennywood]

Details About The Queen's Coffin​

Queen Elizabeth II's coffin was manufactured by a company called Henry Smith, which closed in 2005. The company was established in 1869 and manufactured caskets by hand until it closed down. As reported by the Telegraph, the queen's coffin was ordered and made more than 30 years before her death. It's the same company that provided the coffins for other well-known personalities including Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, actress and singer Diana Dors, musician Jimi Hendrix, and the queen's late husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

When Henry Smith closed, the company T Cribb & Sons took over, but records were lost in the transition and the exact date of manufacture couldn't be determined. Traditionally, royal coffins are made from English oak taken from the Sandringham estate. The exact details about Queen Elizabeth II's coffin are difficult to confirm, as they were lost with the records. What is known is that it took about a week for the coffin to be completed. Today, it is rare for coffins to be made of English oak, as the material is difficult to procure and will be too pricey. As an alternative, today's oak coffins are made from American oak.

The detailing on the coffin -- fitments, clasps, and handles -- was reportedly provided by the now-defunct company Newman Brothers, a coffin furniture manufacturer that was located on Birmingham's Fleet Street. The details were specifically designed for royal caskets, and the fitments were created to securely hold the orb, scepter, and crown on top of the coffin.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/worl...elizabeth-ii-s-30-year-old-coffin/ar-AA11KwtD

 

[Karin1984]

A couple of observations from the part today where the immediate family members were joined with their spouses, just before they left Westminster Chapel.

As they filed out:

1) Prince Andrew walked alone, while the rest were joined by their spouses. Sara Ferguson hasn’t been seen at anything official, even though she and Andrew are still partners - divorced, but living together again for years. I wonder if they will now re-marry? Word was that Prince Phillip was not a fan of Fergie, not sure how The Queen felt about it. I wonder if he will have to get permission from his brother, The King, if he does want to re-marry.

2) Harry and Meghan were the only two to hold hands. I’ve seen criticism in comments about this over the past few days after their joining Prince William and Catherine at Windsor the other night. Does anyone else think this is just an American thing, vs an English thing? I often wondered why no one usually held The Queen’s hand as she was walking, as we typically do with our elderly. No doubt this day was difficult for Harry and brought back some tough memories for him. I’m sure it was comforting for him that she held his hand. UK people, what say you? Is hand-holding for couples viewed as something that shouldn’t be done in public?

1. I believe after Phillip's death Sarah has been a comfort for Her Majesty. Probably becuase she is not an official partner anymore. It is said she will be at the funeral.

2. I think you should make a difference between couples and royal couples.
Royal couples in the UK decide to limit public displays of affections. It is not forbidden, just probably a choice. I assume the thought behind it is 'it is about the people', by holding hands you take something away from that.

 

[Jangles]

Is hand-holding for couples viewed as something that shouldn’t be done in public?

I think it’s a matter of ‘there is a time and a place’. I wouldn’t expect people to hold hands during a formal procession, and I wonder if Harry would have done it if he wore military dress. There are many examples of gentlemen offering their hand to the Queen, exiting cars, walking up steps etc., on informal occasions. William also often offers a hand to Catherine during informal occasions.

 

[mousefan73]

What I don't get is why the women always wear bascially stilettos- super high heels. anyone is lying who says they are comfortable in those and safe to walk in especially on slippery stone floorings like westminter. I was holding my breath worried somebody is going to wipe out. Camilla had a larger more secure heal, but come on. nobody will notice a more sensible heel ( doesnt have to be flats) vs. silettos.

 

[CdnCarrie]

My employer is closed on Monday for the funeral. I'm happy about that.

 

[Wendy31]

A couple of observations from the part today where the immediate family members were joined with their spouses, just before they left Westminster Chapel.

As they filed out:

1) Prince Andrew walked alone, while the rest were joined by their spouses. Sara Ferguson hasn’t been seen at anything official, even though she and Andrew are still partners - divorced, but living together again for years. I wonder if they will now re-marry? Word was that Prince Phillip was not a fan of Fergie, not sure how The Queen felt about it. I wonder if he will have to get permission from his brother, The King, if he does want to re-marry.

2) Harry and Meghan were the only two to hold hands. I’ve seen criticism in comments about this over the past few days after their joining Prince William and Catherine at Windsor the other night. Does anyone else think this is just an American thing, vs an English thing? I often wondered why no one usually held The Queen’s hand as she was walking, as we typically do with our elderly. No doubt this day was difficult for Harry and brought back some tough memories for him. I’m sure it was comforting for him that she held his hand. UK people, what say you? Is hand-holding for couples viewed as something that shouldn’t be done in public?

As a fan of the Royal Family, over the years, I’ve heard various reports & read in different articles that, during official public appearances & duties, there aren’t usually any physical displays of affection between members of the family while performing royal duties in service to the Queen (now King) & country.

Things are kept formal, proper, & to the order of business. And hand-holding doesn’t fit the Royal Family’s standard procedures & etiquette for official, public appearances.

That’s not to say a hand can’t be offered as necessary or a hand to the back to guide/direct - but not normally to the extent of what people see w/ Harry & Meghan.

Additionally, though, she & Harry aren’t technically members of the official working Royal Family any longer.

And, trying to be fair to Meghan, she hasn’t been in the family as long as Kate & Sophie. I don’t think she (or Harry) gave herself enough time to really understand the position & the Royal Family’s customs, traditions, & protocols before deciding to leave & live more ”private lives.” Also, right or wrong, I think Harry has made a conscious, deliberate decision to go his own way & do things differently.

And, this is completely random & off-topic, but the way Meghan always wears shoes that are too big/long for her feet really bugs me. I can’t figure out how she keeps her shoes on w/o them slipping every time she takes a step.

 

[Karin1984]

As a fan of the Royal Family, over the years, I’ve heard various reports & read in different articles that, during official public appearances & duties, there aren’t usually any physical displays of affection between members of the family while performing royal duties in service to the Queen (now King) & country.

Things are kept formal, proper, & to the order of business. And hand-holding doesn’t fit the Royal Family’s standard procedures & etiquette for official, public appearances.

That’s not to say a hand can’t be offered as necessary or a hand to the back to guide/direct - but not normally to the extent of what people see w/ Harry & Meghan.

Additionally, though, she & Harry aren’t technically members of the official working Royal Family any longer.

And, trying to be fair to Meghan, she hasn’t been in the family as long as Kate & Sophie. I don’t think she (or Harry) gave herself enough time to really understand the position & the Royal Family’s customs, traditions, & protocols before deciding to leave & live more ”private lives.” Also, right or wrong, I think Harry has made a conscious, deliberate decision to go his own way & do things differently.

And, this is completely random & off-topic, but the way Meghan always wears shoes that are too big/long for her feet really bugs me. I can’t figure out how she keeps her shoes on w/o them slipping every time she takes a step.

Harry and Meghan have always been very touchy-feely in public. I think it might be from Meghan's side that she didn't know, it's very common in the US. And from Harry, I think he so longs for affection that he welcomes it with open arms. And Meghan is apparently very sensitive about her toes, so some people from her past have said.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hey, everyone,

Please remember to be respectful for a country's traditions and to fellow members on these boards.

 

[mamamia2005]

Royal couples are not normally touchy feely in public. I remember a few years ago William and Catherine hugged each other in joy at winning a competition at a sports event (may have been something to do with the Olympics?) and it was commented on at the time how unusual it was - and of course there were the comparisons against William's parents.
Meghan always goes to take Harry's hand. I guess if he thinks its not ok he should be telling her so. But she does come across as needy (IMO) However, I would cut him some slack today. He is grieving for his Grandmother, and this must all be bringing back memories of his Mother. Maybe he needs to take her hand today.

 

[Karin1984]

What I don't get is why the women always wear bascially stilettos- super high heels. anyone is lying who says they are comfortable in those and safe to walk in especially on slippery stone floorings like westminter. I was holding my breath worried somebody is going to wipe out. Camilla had a larger more secure heal, but come on. nobody will notice a more sensible heel ( doesnt have to be flats) vs. silettos.

I've always wondered about this as well. The queen wore low heels, Camilla usually wears a more firm heel, but still a little too high for my taste. Maybe it's just vanity for the 'younger' female royals to make their legs look the best they can?
Lady Louise was wearing heels, but not stilettos. Either she is smart or still too young.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Royal couples are not normally touchy feely in public. I remember a few years ago William and Catherine hugged each other in joy at winning a competition at a sports event (may have been something to do with the Olympics?) and it was commented on at the time how unusual it was - and of course there were the comparisons against William's parents.
Meghan always goes to take Harry's hand. I guess if he thinks its not ok he should be telling her so. But she does come across as needy (IMO) However, I would cut him some slack today. He is grieving for his Grandmother, and this must all be bringing back memories of his Mother. Maybe he needs to take her hand today.

Absolutely

 

[fla4fun]

As to PDA, I think it depends on whether the individual wants/needs physical touch as a part of their love language, and how that touch impacts their composure when upset. When my parents died, as the oldest child I felt it was my responsibility to be the strong one when in public. A big part of maintaining my composure was keeping a physical aloofness from others. It didn’t mean I wasn’t hugging people and sobbing up a storm behind the scenes, but dealing with the funeral and going to work I didn’t allow myself that luxury.

William and Harry were at very different and distinct points in their lives when they lost their mother, and it affects how they relate to the family and the public, to this day. I am sure in many ways this experience is bringing them right back to where they were at that time. Harry was the one who held Charles’ hand for support as they looked at floral tributes to Diana, while William was more stoic and appeared to be trying to behave in a manner older than his years. I am sure both of them were shattered by that experience. I am not surprised that their reactions now are so similar to the past, and I don’t feel one is more correct than another under the circumstances. I don’t envy them doing this on the world’s stage. I hope, in private, that the entire family is getting the support and comfort they need during this difficult time.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Yes. My point, though, was that there seems to be a lot of negative commentary specifically about the hand-holding between Harry and Meghan from the people of the UK, which is why I wondered if it was something frowned upon there generally. Stiff upper lip and all that. I have seen William and Kate on rare occasion hold hands, and I did see a few times people offer assistance to The Queen. But there were also times I was surprised, when people were walking up stairs or something, right next to her, that she was left to walk without anyone offering her a hand. I figured it must be cultural. (And there’s nothing wrong with that. Just maybe a little different than the customs I’m famIliar with.) Not criticizing (as I am a hand-holder myself), just curious about it.

 

[Karin1984]

I really think it's a difference in culture, but just between commoners and royal family. Harry decided he wanted to do things differently. But it probably also had to do with his place in line and what is expected of him. I think Mike and Zara Tindall are a lot more affectionate in public, but they also have less official visits.

The Telegraph reports that Harry's book is delayed till next year. Not sure if that's a blessing or a curse. I hope for the first.

 

[SirDuff]

I do find a bit ironic(?) that, because of protocols/tradition, the only two immediate members of the Royal Family that actually saw active military duty were the only two that weren’t in uniform.