Britain’s government has disclosed that the funeral and lying-in-state ceremonies for Queen Elizabeth II, held last year, incurred an approximate cost of £162 million ($200 million).
The state funeral, which took place on September 19, marked a historic moment as the first of its kind in the UK since the funeral of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1965.
Following the queen’s passing at the age of 96 on September 8, after an impressive 70-year reign, a period of national mourning lasting 10 days preceded the solemn event. Leaders and dignitaries from around the world converged to pay their respects.
Westminster Hall in London became a pilgrimage site for hundreds of thousands of individuals who wished to witness the revered monarch, the longest-serving in the United Kingdom’s history, lying in state.
In a written statement to Parliament, the detailed costs were published, shedding light on the substantial expenses incurred during these solemn proceedings.
John Glen, Chief Secretary to the treasury, in a statement attributed the cost “to the government’s dedication to ensuring that the events unfolded smoothly, maintaining a dignified atmosphere, and prioritizing the safety and security of the public.”
The final resting place for both Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, was St. George’s Chapel, situated within the grandeur of Windsor Castle.
Prince Philip, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 99, opted not to lie in state due to the stringent social distancing measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, his funeral was a subdued affair.
Prior to this significant occasion, the last royal funeral took place in 2002 for Queen Elizabeth’s mother, affectionately known as the Queen Mother.
Her body lay in state for three days, with estimated funeral expenses totaling around £5.4 million.
