Margaret Thatcher laid to rest
With hymns and prayers and biblical readings, dignitaries from around the world and from Britain’s political elite gathered in the cathedral for a service regarded as austere and devout reflecting her Methodist upbringing as bells pealed over the city and a gun salute boomed from the Tower of London.
She known as the Iron Lady stirred deep and conflicting emotions during her lifetime and, in death, triggered an equally passionate debate over her legacy.
There were moments in the funeral service that recalled her reputation for unwavering faith in her convictions.
Thousands of people several deep lined the streets behind barriers as the gun carriage passed by at a measured 70 paces per minute. Some onlookers applauded, drowning out scattered boos; some cheered and recorded the moment on cellphones and cameras. Under gray and drizzly skies that gave way to watery sunshine, well-wishers threw single flowers into the road, while a handful of protesters turned their backs on the procession.
Police sniffer dogs are deployed on Whitehall prior to the funeral service
Union flags and the national flags of the UK were lowered to half-mast at Government buildings and other locations across the country at 8am and will remain lowered until dusk.
The event was dominated by the Britain's military, as the Iron Lady was given a 'war leader's' ceremonial funeral. Thousands of troops took part.
More than 2,000 guests attended the service
celebrities, old friends and foes joined royalty and world leaders past and present to pay their last respects
The band of the Royal Marines march down Fleet Street
ceremonial funeral at St Paul’s Cathedral
Police motorbikes ride along Whitehall ahead of the funeral procession
The Union flag draped coffin bearing the body carried on a gun carriage drawn by the King’s Troop Royal Artillery
The body moved from the Palace of Westminster to her funeral service, at St Paul’s Cathedral
Thatcher's coffin resting in the Chapel of St Mary
An overhead view of the ceremonial funeral at St Paul's famous dome
Former Prime Ministers John Major and Tony Blair attend with their wives Norma Major and Cherie Blair
Queen Elizabeth II speaks with (L-R) Sarah Thatcher, Carol Thatcher,and shakes hands with Mark Thatcher as they leave St Paul's
Spectators gather on the route to watch the funeral procession of Thatcher in London
Sarah Thatcher (left) and Amanda Thatcher attended the private service for close family and friends
Last journey:R.I.P Thatcher
Thankfulness to my father who told me about this blog, this website is actually awesome.
ReplyDeleteFeel free to visit my blog - Funeral Service