Queen Elizabeth's funeral: How to watch the historic event live

The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II is underway at Westminster Abbey, where 2,000 mourners are gathered to say goodbye to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.

The queen’s coffin sits at the centre of the abbey after being borne by pallbearers and accompanied by her son King Charles III, and other members of the royal family.

They included Prince William, his wife Kate and their two elder children George, 9 and Charlotte, 7. Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, also walked behind the coffin.

Dean of Westminster David Hoyle opened the service in the ancient abbey, where Elizabeth was married and crowned.

He said: “We gather from across the nation, from the Commonwealth, and from the nations of the world, to mourn our loss, to remember her long life of selfless service, and in sure confidence to commit her to the mercy of God our maker and redeemer.”

Several schools in the UAE have announced that students will be able to go home early today and mourn the passing of the queen with their families.

British expats in the country have expressed their sorrow and shared several stories of how Queen Elizabeth II impacted their lives.

The UAE had also announced a mourning period of three days, where flags were half-mast, as a tribute to the queen.

Expatriates that hail from the UK, among others who would like to pay their respects and witness the historic funeral can do so, here:

The funeral began at 9.30am (UAE time) with the lying-in-state ceremony formally ending at Westminster Hall. Doors were closed to the public to facilitate the transfer of her coffin to nearby Westminster Abbey.

(With a report from AP)

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