I was one of 2000 in Westminster Abbey for Queen’s funeral – I’ll never forget the sad look on King Charles’ face
THE whole one-hour service went in a flash and, as I write, the music is still playing in my head.
Millions have seen the Queen’s coffin on her journey from Balmoral to London.
But just a select 2,000 were in Westminster Abbey and I was honoured to be one of them.
When photographing the royal family, I have always tried to be dispassionate.
But I’m not ashamed to say that twice during this unforgettable state service I choked up and had to wipe my eyes.
First was then I read the deeply moving order of service that reflected her life.
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And I shed a tear again when the Queen’s coffin passed my vantage spot in the Abbott’s Pew.
The remarkable woman with the beautiful smile who I photographed for 40 years — and who gave me my MBE — was gone. I would see her no more.
The turnout from overseas was incredible — testament to the esteem the Queen was held in around the world and that I witnessed time and again on royal tours.
To see the kings and queens of Europe and the US president, along with the prime ministers of realms Canada, New Zealand and Australia, bodes well for the future.
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The pomp and ceremony throughout this exceptional day was better than I had ever seen.
Every soldier, sailor and member of the air force who took part must have been so proud. For the rest of their lives they will say they were there when Queen Elizabeth made her final journey.
Nor will I forget the sad look on the King’s face as he followed so closely behind his mother’s coffin.
My God, Charles III has a tough job ahead but he’s made a brilliant start. I’m convinced he’s highly capable of doing it as the latest King in a line that stretches back to William the Conqueror.
For a few hours yesterday, I’m sure the future was the last thing on his mind. All he was thinking about was his wonderful mother, the woman he called Mummy.
But the future was there as well, in the shape of Prince George.
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It’s my greatest hope that the constitutional British monarchy we saw at its exceptional best yesterday will never be replaced.