Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning British monarch, passed away on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96. After a 70-year reign, the Queen’s death marked the end of an era and left many wondering what would happen next as part of the extensive preparations for her passing. One of the biggest questions has been where the Queen’s final resting place will be. As the much beloved matriarch of the Royal Family and a fixture of the modern world stage, the Queen’s funeral and burial were always going to capture global interest.
The Queen’s Final Resting Place
After her death at her Balmoral estate in Scotland, the Queen’s coffin traveled to Edinburgh for a series of memorial services before being flown back to London. On September 19, 2022, the state funeral was held at Westminster Abbey, a church long associated with royalty. Following the funeral service, the coffin proceeded to Windsor Castle where the committal service was held.
It is within the grounds of Windsor Castle that the Queen will be laid to rest, alongside her beloved husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Specifically, the Queen’s final resting place will be at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, located within St. George’s Chapel at Windsor.
The Significance of Windsor
Windsor Castle, located about 20 miles west of London, has been a royal residence and fortress for nearly 1,000 years. It holds deep significance for the Queen, as it is where she spent many weekends and has come to be considered her true home. She moved permanently to Windsor Castle at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
In addition to its status as one of the official residences of the British monarch, Windsor Castle has important royal burial grounds. St. George’s Chapel dates back over 500 years, with renovations and additions made over the centuries. The chapel itself is still used regularly for worship services and ceremonies. Beneath St. George’s Chapel sits the royal burial vault, which has entombed monarchs and royal family members for centuries.
Some key royals buried in St. George’s Chapel include:
– King Henry VIII
– King Charles I
– King George III
– King George IV
– King George V
– King George VI, the Queen’s father
– Queen Mary, the Queen’s grandmother
– Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister
In 1969, the Queen commissioned a new annex to the chapel, now known as the King George VI Memorial Chapel, where her father King George VI was interred. It is here that the Queen chose to be buried alongside her father, mother, and sister.
Burial Next to Prince Philip
After Prince Philip’s death in April 2021 at age 99, his coffin was interred in the Royal Vault beneath St. George’s Chapel. However, this was always intended to be a temporary resting place until the Queen’s own passing.
Now the Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin has been relocated to the King George VI Memorial Chapel so he can be buried permanently next to his beloved wife of over seven decades. While Philip was born a prince of Greece and Denmark, he renounced his titles in order to marry Elizabeth. After their marriage, Philip was granted the title Duke of Edinburgh by King George VI.
The royal couple had four children together – Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward. Their marriage became a symbol of dedication through turbulent times, including World War II prior to Elizabeth ascending the throne in 1952. Having her final resting place beside Prince Philip represents their enduring union.
Breaking From Tradition
The choice to be buried at Windsor Castle actually represents a departure from recent tradition when it comes to the burial places of British monarchs and their consorts. Most royals for the last couple centuries have been buried in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle or in Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
The Queen broke with the tradition of most monarchs by not being buried at Westminster Abbey or having a state funeral at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The last king buried at Westminster was King George II in 1760.
Instead, Windsor Castle was personally meaningful to the Queen and will be an intimate burial location away from the busyness of London. Both Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral will still play important ceremonial roles, however. After lying in state at Westminster Hall in London for four days where mourners paid respects, her funeral was held at Westminster Abbey. St. Paul’s Cathedral also held a memorial service.
Prince Philip’s wishes were also considered, as he expressed a preference to not have a state funeral or be buried at Westminster Abbey. Philip opted for a more low-key ceremony and burial at Windsor with his wife.
Other Royal Burial Sites
In addition to Windsor Castle, some other significant royal burial sites include:
Westminster Abbey
The Gothic church in central London has been the site of royal weddings, coronations, and funerals since 1066. It houses the tombs of monarchs such as King Henry V and Queen Elizabeth I.
St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle
As discussed above, the 15th century chapel contains the remains of many monarchs in the royal vault below.
Frogmore
Located in Windsor Great Park, this royal burial ground entombs several members of Queen Victoria’s family.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
The iconic London cathedral has been used for important royal services for centuries. Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington are among those buried in the crypt.
Royal Burial Ground, Norfolk
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s mausoleum is located near Sandringham House, where numerous descendants are buried.
Peterborough Cathedral
The tomb of Catherine of Aragon, first wife of King Henry VIII, is located here.
Kingston Lacy, Dorset
A burial site of several members of the Bankes family who had close ties to royalty.
A Monarch at Rest Among Her People
Queen Elizabeth II lived her life in service to her nation and the Commonwealth. By choosing to be buried among generations of kings and queens at Windsor, she will eternally rest among her people. The intimate setting of her burial will reflect the personal touch she brought to the crown. The Queen transformed the monarchy across decades of profound change, anchoring her nation through times of war and hardship.
While marking the end of an era, her remarkable legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. King Charles III now bears the weight of her mantle, with his own reign just beginning. The Queen’s final resting place at Windsor, lying beside her “strength and stay” Prince Philip, brings her life of duty full circle. She remains surrounded in death by those she loved, in a place that came to mean so much to her living spirit.
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth II will forever be laid to rest in the King George VI Memorial Chapel at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. This intimate burial site holds deep familial and personal meaning, tucked within the grounds of the residence the Queen called home. Breaking recent tradition, Windsor will be her final resting place rather than Westminster Abbey or St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The Queen will be buried beside her beloved husband Prince Philip, who she was married to for 73 years until his death in 2021. Their coffins now lie together in the royal vault, an enduring symbol of their union and life of service to country and Crown. The Queen’s choice of burial place reflects her personal touch on the monarchy, and ensures she remains among her people in this historic royal chapel that spans centuries of British history.