Westminster Abbey, where thousands of leaders from around the world will gather forQueen Elizabeth’sstate funeralon Monday, was the location of many significant milestones in the late monarch’s life.
Before becoming Queen, then-Princess Elizabethwalked down the aisleat the famous London church to marryPrince Philipon November 20, 1947. The wedding brought smiles and celebrations to the nation — something that was certainly needed just two years after the end of World War II.
At the time of their wedding, millions of Britons were living in the aftermath of the bomb-damaged cities and coping with food rations. The wedding service was the first major event after the end of the war.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s wedding.Popperfoto/Getty
For her big day, she wore a magnificent Norman Hartnell silk wedding dress featuring a 15-foot train embroidered in pearl, crystal and applique duchess satin.
“With her bridal dress and tiara on her wedding day, she was a knockout,” one of her bridesmaids, Lady Pamela Hicks, previously told PEOPLE. “And, of course, Philip was every girl’s dream Viking prince.”
Westminster Abbey.Getty
Lady Pamela, who was one of eight attendants, recalled women who would send their “treasured gift” of clothing coupons to Buckingham Palace to help out with the nuptials. Although the coupons were returned, “It showed how people wanted to be involved,” she said.
The Queen also celebrated another wedding day at Westminster Abbey: the April 2011 nuptials of her grandsonPrince WilliamtoKate Middleton.
Queen Elizabeth II after her Coronation.Getty
Westminster Abbey also served as the location forQueen Elizabeth’s1953 coronation.
Prince Philipplayed aninstrumental part in planning the occasion, chairing the Coronation Committee, which was one of two committees created to organize the event.
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Westminster Abbey.Tim Graham/Getty
Westminster Abbey also holds somber memories for the late monarch. In March 2022, Westminster Abbey hosted amemorial service for Prince Philip, nearly one year after his death at age 99. Although a small funeral was held for the Duke of Edinburgh at St. George’s Chapel, where Queen Elizabeth will have her committal service after her state funeral on September 19, it was limited in capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions. The service at the Abbey provided an opportunity for representatives of the many charities and organizations that Prince Philip worked with to pay tribute to him.
source: people.com
