In a country known for pomp and pageantry, the first state funeral since Winston Churchill’s was filled with spectacle: Ahead of Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral service, a bell tolled 96 times — once a minute for each year of her life.⁠ ⁠ Then, 142 Royal Navy sailors used ropes to draw the gun carriage carrying her flag-draped coffin to Westminster Abbey before pallbearers bore it inside the church, where around 2,000 people ranging from world leaders to health care workers gathered to mourn her.⁠ ⁠ The trappings of state and monarchy abounded: The coffin was draped with the Royal Standard and atop it sat the Imperial State Crown, sparkling with almost 3,000 diamonds, and the sovereign’s orb and scepter.⁠ ⁠ But the personal was also present. The coffin was followed into the church by generations of Elizabeth’s descendants, including King Charles III, heir to the throne Prince William and 9-year-old George, who is second in line. On a wreath atop the coffin, a handwritten note read, “In loving and devoted memory,” and was signed Charles R — for Rex, or king.⁠ ⁠ Read more live updates from the queen’s funeral at the link in our bio.⁠ ⁠ #APPhotos by @alberto.pezzali, @vadimghirda, @faugstein, Dominic Lipinski/Pool via AP, Christophe Ena, Hannah Mckay/Pool Photo via AP, @andreea.a.alexandru, Martin Meissner