The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II took place on Monday 19th September, 2022. It was watched by 29.2 million people in the UK, almost half of the nation’s population. Worldwide, over 4 billion people tuned in to the coverage of the event, making the funeral one of the most widely viewed moments in history. In addition, the funeral is likely to be the one of the largest in terms of attendance, with over 1 million in the procession, and one of the largest gatherings of world leaders, with almost 50 international heads of government, and representatives from 175 countries. This record-breaking funeral ended a period of national mourning that was exceptional in itself, where an estimated 250,000 people queued for over 24 hours to view Queen Elizabeth II as she lay in state in Westminster Hall between the 14th and 18th of September.
On Tuesday in Holyrood, a range of MSPs from across the political spectrum paid their respects to Queen Elizabeth, remarking on personal experiences, or their impressions of the Queen’s legacy.
Pam Gosal, MSP for West Scotland emphasised the Queen’s legacy as a figure of both change and stability. In her speech, she said:
Her Majesty reset the boundaries for modern Britain and, indeed, for the modern woman. In a male-dominated world, the Queen’s commitment to public service was unshakeable. At times of political uncertainty, her wisdom and wealth of experience were a shoulder to lean on for both political leaders and the nation. Her commitment to her family, to her role in public service and to her kingdom and the Commonwealth has inspired, and paved the way for me and many other women.
Sandesh Gulhane, MSP for Glasgow emphasised the unity the Queen evoked, especially during the early COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020. He said:
The outpouring from people’s hearts over the past 11 extraordinary days demonstrated that there is no sentimental difference between how people here in Scotland feel about our monarch and how others down south, in Wales or in Northern Ireland feel. During the toughest months of the pandemic and lockdown, who can forget the Queen’s calm and compassionate address to the nation? She said,
“I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge. And those who come after us will say that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any”,
and she ended by saying,
“Better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.”
How true her words were.
The past fortnight has been a display of the prestige the world held the Queen in, and the size and scale of the funeral proceedings are testament to her unequalled impact upon the world across her 70-year reign. Millions have mourned her loss, but they have also taken time to commemorate and celebrate her legacy as a symbol of modern Britain.