King Charles III receives Queen Elizabeth II's coffin at Buckingham Palace in London
King Charles III and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, traveled to Northern Ireland on Tuesday before returning to London to receive Queen Elizabeth II's coffin at Buckingham Palace. The coffin's arrival at the palace in London marked the first time Queen Elizabeth has been back in England since her death in Scotland.
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A record 5 million people tracked Queen Elizabeth II's final flight from Edinburgh to RAF Northolt in West London Tuesday evening on Flightrader24.
The flight tracking service said people followed the late queen's flight on the website, apps and via live stream, setting an "all-time flight tracking record."
The queen's coffin left Scotland's Balmoral Castle on Sunday morning three days after her death and took a circuitous route south to Edinburgh before flying to London where her funeral will be held on Sept. 19.
Her daughter Princess Anne accompanied her mother's coffin on the short flight.
Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip (Getty Images)
You could call it the infamous grouse.
It plopped from the sky, striking the late Queen Elizabeth II on the shoulder.
The queen was out hiking the fields and hills near the River Dee close to Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands in the early fall of 1995. What roiled Her Highness wasn’t a chunk of space debris or an engine bolt dislodged from an aircraft above.
Click here to read more on the mother-son love for whisky.
King Charles III, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Getty Images)
King Charles III waited for Queen Elizabeth II's casket to arrive at Buckingham Palace with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle directly behind him on a staircase Tuesday evening in London, England.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at the palace shortly before the Queen's casket after departing the RAF Northolt Airforce station in Ruislip.
The casket will now rest in the Bow Room overnight until being moved into Westminster Hall to lie in state. Hundreds of thousands of mourners are expected to file past and pay their respects to Her Majesty before her official funeral Monday.
Click here to read more on the father-son and daughter-in-law interaction at the palace.
Prince William, Prince Harry (Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Prince William will follow Queen Elizabeth II's coffin on foot next to their father, King Charles III. The procession is from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall where the Queen will lie in state for four days ahead of her funeral.
Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Princess Anne will also be walking on-foot next to the coffin.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, Princess Kate (Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Prince William shocked the world when they appeared together with their wives for the first time since 2020.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William and Kate Middleton, sometimes referred to as the "Fab Four," made their way outside of Windsor Castle on Sept. 10 to view floral tributes left for Queen Elizabeth II in the wake of her death on Sept. 8.
However, the special occasion was marred by reports that Prince Harry and Markle delayed the reunion.
Click here to read more on William and Harry's reunion.
Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle (Getty Images)
Oprah Winfrey is facing some criticism after suggesting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could make peace with the royal family in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
"Well, this is what I think. I think in all families — you know, my father passed recently, this summer — and when all families come together for a common ceremony, the ritual of, you know, burying your dead, there's an opportunity for peacemaking," Winfrey told Extra at the Toronto Film Festival
"And hopefully, there will be that."
Click here to read more on Winfrey defending Harry and Markle.
Prince Harry (Getty Images)
Prince Harry is ready to move forward and bring the focus back to Queen Elizabeth II.
On Monday, news broke that Harry would not be permitted to wear his military uniform to any royal events, including the final vigil, but his uncle Prince Andrew was reportedly given permission to do so.
After this decision was widely perceived as a blow to Harry, a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex shared a statement urging everyone to keep the focus on his late grandmother.
Click here to read the Harry's statement.
Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II (Getty Images)
Prince Andrew is an "embarrassment" to the royals but the shamed duke "doesn’t realize." "Bizarre!" as one source told me. I believe that is a bit harsh, but that is the feeling on the ground here in the U.K. while we all mourn our greatest monarch Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Andrew cuts a desolate figure when you see him at events, which I have done in close encounters, and while people may be rightly cruel at times let’s not forget that he was a loving son of the queen, and therefore we should be polite and remember that he too is grieving.
Known in the British tabloids by the nickname "Randy Andy," Prince Andrew has been in and out of the headlines for a good part of his life. Relationships were reported with former actress Koo Stark and, according to reports, to other women, including a former model and Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein.
Click here to read more on Prince Andrew's reputation in the United Kingdom.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle arrive at Buckingham Palace on Sept. 13. (Credit: Guy Bell/Shutterstock)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined the royal family to receive Queen Elizabeth II's coffin as it arrived for a final time at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
Queen Elizabeth II's coffin was received by members of the royal family, including King Charles III, after traveling from Scotland.
So far, the royal couple has attended two public events regarding the preparations for Queen Elizabeth's funeral. Prince Harry and Markle joined Prince William and Kate Middleton on Saturday as the "Fab Four" viewed floral tributes and greeted well-wishers outside of Windsor Castle.
The outing marked the first time the four were photographed all together since March 2020.
Click to read more about the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's appearance.
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arrives in the Royal Hearse at Buckingham Palace in London on September 13, 2022, where it will rest in the Palace's Bow Room overnight. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II's coffin has arrived to Buckingham Palace after a journey starting at the St. Giles' Cathedral in Scotland.
The hearse arrived to cheers outside of Buckingham Palace as the street was lined with mourners.
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is carried off a plane by the Queen's Colour Squadron and lifted into the state hearse at RAF Northolt, west London, from where it will be taken to Buckingham Palace, London, to lie at rest overnight in the Bow Room. (Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
A hearse carrying Queen Elizabeth II's coffin has departed the RAF Northolt Airforce station in Ruislip, England.
The coffin is en route to Buckingham Palace in London.
Princess Anne released her first statement regarding the death of her mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
"I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life. It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys," the Princess Royal wrote. "Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting. We will all share unique memories. I offer my thanks to each and every one who share our sense of loss."
"We may have been reminded how much of her presence and contribution to our national identity we took for granted," she added. "I am also so grateful for the support and understanding offered to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the added responsibilities of The Monarch."
Queen Elizabeth II's only daughter concluded her statement by thanking her mother.
Pallbearers from the Queen's Colour Squadron (63 Squadron RAF Regiment) place the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II into the Royal Hearse at the Royal Air Force Northolt airbase on September 13, 2022, before it is taken to Buckingham Palace, to rest in the Bow Room. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II's coffin arrived to the RAF Northolt Airforce station in Ruislip, England on Tuesday.
This marks Queen Elizabeth's return to England after she died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday. The coffin has rested at St. Giles' Cathedral since the day after Her Majesty's death.
After landing, Queen Elizabeth II's coffin will receive a royal salute and royal welcome as it is transferred to a hearse for the journey to London. The hearse will travel the 15 miles to Buckingham Palace as mourners are expected to line the route in the rain.
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla are expected to receive the coffin at Buckingham Palace later this evening.
King Charles III arrived back to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday after making his stop in Northern Ireland for his tour of the UK nations.
King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, will receive Queen Elizabeth II's coffin at Buckingham Palace later Tuesday after it was moved from St. Giles' Cathedral in Scotland.
Pallbearers from the Queen's Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF) carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, into a RAF C17 aircraft at Edinburgh airport on September 13, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Paul Ellis - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II's coffin left the Edinburgh airport on Tuesday after being moved from St. Giles' Cathedral in Scotland.
Her Majesty is accompanied by Princess Anne on the Royal Air Force aircraft.
Queen Elizabeth's coffin was moved from the hearse to the aircraft by the Royal Air Force. The bearer party will continue with Queen Elizabeth II's coffin on the flight to London. The plane will land at RAF Northolt.
The coffin will be then be transferred to Buckingham Palace and later recieved by King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort.
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is carried from St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh on September 13, 2022, before travelling to the airport to be flown to London and taken to Buckingham Palace. (Photo by CARL RECINE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II's coffin was moved from St. Giles' Cathedral on Tuesday.
A group of bearers led by the Royal Air Force transferred the coffin from the cathedral to the hearse.
Princess Anne is accompanying the coffin on the way to the Edinburgh airport for the first leg of the journey to London.
The hearse was met with cheers from crowds lining the street as the coffin left St. Giles'.
Britain's Princess Anne, Princess Royal, arrives at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh on September 13, 2022, where Queen Elizabeth II is lying at rest. (Photo by RUSSELL CHEYNE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Princess Anne has arrived at St. Giles' Cathedral in Scotland.
She will accompany Queen Elizabeth II's coffin from the cathedral to the Edinburgh airport to be transferred to Buckingham Palace.
A service of prayer will take place before the coffin is moved.
Princess Anne is the only daughter of Her Majesty.
King Charles III and Camilla were greeted by cheers after leaving St. Anne's Cathedral on Tuesday.
His Majesty and the Queen Consort shook hands with well-wishers at Writer's Square.
King Charles III and Camilla attended a Service of Reflection in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. At one point, Charles listened as attendees sang "God Save the King."
King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, are seen arriving ahead of a service of reflection in memory of Queen Elizabeth II at St Anne's Cathedral on September 13, 2022 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Carrie Davenport/Getty Images)
King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, arrived at St. Anne's Cathedral on Tuesday after meeting with the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The two will be greeted at the West Door by Lord Lieutenant of Belfast and other community leaders.
King Charles III and Camilla are at St. Anne's Cathedral to attend a Service of Reflection.
King Charles III responded to a message of condolence given to him at Hillsborough Castle in Ireland on Tuesday.
"On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most heartfelt thanks for your condolences," King Charles III said. "I am here today at a time of great personal sorrow as we mark the death of my beloved mother, after a life most faithfully dedicated to the duty to which she had been called."
"It is fitting that we should meet at Hillsborough, which my mother knew so well, and in whose beautiful rose garden she always took such pleasure."
King Charles III shakes hands with the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alex Maskey. (Niall Carson/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II was praised by Alex Maskey, the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly for her leadership and service, as well as maintaining and supporting a relationship between England and Northern Ireland. She was applauded for creating a diverse assembly.
Speaking directly to King Charles III and the Queen consort, Maskey offered his condolences to the entire Royal family.
He said, "Queen Elizabeth was not a distant observer in the transformation and progress of relationships in and between these islands. She personally demonstrated how individual acts of positive leadership can help break down barriers and encourage reconciliation...She personally underlined that one tradition is not diminished by reaching out to show respect to another."
King Charles III received a gun salute from North Ireland officials after greeting seas of people outside the Royal Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
In addition to the salute, cannons were fired to welcome His Majesty to Belfast.
The King appeared full of glee after seeing a Corgi amongst throngs of people in the crowd at the Royal Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
King Charles III has undoubtedly met hundreds of thousands of people since the passing of his mother, but no person seemed to charm or excite the new monarch as much as a Corgi he spotted in the crowd at the Royal Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
The King was photographed flashing a big smile after fawning over the dog. They are the breed that was so beloved by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen's corgis are reportedly going to live with her son Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
King Charles III received a warm welcome from Belfast, met with cheers of 'Long Live The King,' as he exited his car and shook hands with fans and onlookers.
The King was joined by the Queen Consort.
The two have a long day ahead of them, with their first stop in Northern Ireland to be a visit at Hillsborough Castle, where they will view an exhibition on the Queen's relationship with Northern Ireland.
King Charles III and the Queen Consort were greeted by Northern Ireland dignitaries upon landing in Belfast from Edinburgh. (Liam McBurney/PA Pool/AP Photo)
King Charles III touched down in Northern Ireland amid ongoing preparations of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral on September 19.
The new reigning monarch and the Queen Consort flew to Belfast from Edinburgh this morning and were met by the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast upon deplaning. They were also greeted with a bouquet of flowers before being ushered to their vehicle.
The relationship between England and Northern Ireland has been more acrimonious than with Scotland, but the country has been receptive to more peaceful communications in wake of the Queen's death.
People queue to see the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as she lies at rest at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Queen Elizabeth's coffin continues to lie in state at St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh ahead of its departure for London later today.
Mourners have been streaming through the church to pay their respects.
On Monday, a vigil was held in the Scottish city, attended by King Charles III, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward.
Click to learn more about St. Giles Cathedral.
The Associated Press Contributed to this report.
PAUL ELLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
King Charles III and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, boarded a plane on Tuesday at Edinburgh airport for travel to Northern Ireland as part of his first tour of all four nations of the United Kingdom as new monarch. Upon arrival, they are to visit an exhibition at Hillsborough Castle, meet Northern Irish politicians and attend a service at St Anne's Cathedral.
Click to read more about Queen Elizabeth II's funeral preparations.
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