Where is the Queen buried and can I visit?

ON September 19, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II was finally laid to rest.

Here is all you need to know about where the Queen is buried and if you can visit.

Where is the Queen buried?

Queen Elizabeth II is buried at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, which is part of St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. 

The chapel, named after the Queen’s father, was built in 1969 within the main St George’s Chapel.

As with most of the Royal Family, the Queen was buried in a lead-lined coffin as this preserves her body for longer by creating an airtight seal that keeps moisture out.

Is the Queen buried alongside Prince Philip?

After her funeral, the Queen and Prince Phillip were reunited in death, as his coffin was moved to join her at their final resting place.

The Duke of Edinburgh passed away at the age of 99 in April 2021.

He and the Queen were married for 73 before his death.

Prince Phillip's funeral took place at St George's Chapel, where the Queen's committal service, was held on Monday, September 19, 2022.

He was then moved from the Royal Vault beneath St George's Chapel, to King George VI memorial chapel.

Who else is buried at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle?

St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle has been the preferred burial place for the British Royal Family since the 19th century.

Within the chapel are the tombs of 10 sovereigns and some of their family members. 

Prince Philip

Prince Philip became the 25th member of the Royal Family to be interred in the Royal Vault beneath St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle after his funeral on April 17, 2021.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral was a Ceremonial Royal Funeral and the short procession was followed by a closed service at St George’s chapel where members of the Royal family sat distanced from each other due to Covid restrictions.

Prince Philip was 99 years old when he passed away (April 9, 2021) after celebrating his last birthday in lockdown with the Queen.

His body was then moved to join that of his wife in the King George VI Memorial Chapel.

The Queen Mother

The Queen Mother, one of the most beloved members of the Royal Family, passed away on March 20, 2002, at the age of 101.

Her funeral took place on April 9, 2002, in Westminster Abbey, and after, Queen Elizabeth was transferred to her final resting place beside her husband George VI and younger daughter, Margaret, in St George's Chapel.

Prior to the service, her body lay at the altar of Royal Lodge's Royal Chapel of All Saints before being taken to London for her lying in state.

Princess Margaret

On the 50th anniversary of the burial in St George's Chapel of her father, King George VI, Princess Margaret was buried in the same place, after her body was cremated according to her wishes.

The Queen’s younger sister died on February 9, 2002, aged 71.

She was given a private service for her family and close friends, before her ashes were transferred to the tomb of her parents in the King George VI Memorial Chapel two months later.

King George VI

The Queen's father, George VI, died from a coronary thrombosis in 1952 at the age of 56. 

His state funeral was held on February 15, 1052, starting with a procession to Paddington station, after which his coffin was transported to Windsor Castle.

Originally, the King was interred in the Royal Vault, before being relocated to the newly-built King George VI Memorial Chapel in 1969.

Queen Victoria

One of the largest gatherings of European royalty, Queen Victoria’s state funeral took place on February 2, 1901, in St George's Chapel.

Queen Victoria, who died at the age of 81, had left strict instructions for her funeral service, including a military procession, a gun carriage for her coffin, and a white pall for her coffin. 

The monarch was interred next to Prince Albert in the Royal Mausoleum at Frogmore at Windsor Great Park.

Other than King George VI, nine other monarchs were buried within St George’s Chapel:

• King Henry VI, died May 21, 1471
• King Edward IV, died April 9, 1483
• King Henry VIII, died January 28, 1547, and his third wife Jane Seymour
• King Charles I, executed January 30, 1649
• King George III, died January 29, 1820
• King George IV, died June 26, 1830
• King William IV, died June 20, 1837
• King Edward VII, died May 6, 1910
• King George V, died January 20, 1936

Can I visit the Queen's burial site?

From September 29, 2022, people can pay their respects to the Queen at St George's Chapel.

The Queen's name has been inscribed alongside her mother's, father's and husband's on the ledger stone in the George VI Memorial Chapel.

The new stone has replaced the black stone slab set into the floor which had featured the names George VI and Elizabeth.

St George’s Chapel will be open for visitors on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4.15pm (last entry is at 4pm).

Entry to the castle is £28.50 for adults on Saturdays and £26.50 on other days, according to the website.