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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Katie Weston

Archbishop of Canterbury's 'savage dig' in Queen's funeral sermon called stern 'reminder'

The Archbishop of Canterbury made what has been described as a "savage dig" during the Queen's state funeral today.

Some 2,000 people gathered at Westminster Abbey to remember the late monarch, before a committal service at Windsor Castle.

In his sermon, Justin Welby told attendees that "those who serve will be loved and remembered" - while those who "cling to power and privileges are long forgotten".

The archbishop said: "People of loving service are rare in any walk of life. Leaders of loving service are still rarer.

"But in all cases those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and privileges are long forgotten.

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In his sermon, Justin Welby told attendees that "those who serve will be loved and remembered" (Getty Images)

"The grief of this day - felt not only by the late Queen's family but all round the nation, Commonwealth and world - arises from her abundant life and loving service, now gone from us.

"She was joyful, present to so many, touching a multitude of lives."

Viewers took to Twitter to point out the comment, speculating on whether it was aimed at anyone in particular.

One person described it as "pretty savage", and another wrote: "I wonder who he meant?"

The archbishop seen arriving for the committal service (PA)
Mr Welby during the state funeral at Westminster Abbey (PA)

A third tweeted: "Is it me, or did the Archbishop of Canterbury just have a dig at Boris Johnson in his address at the Abbey?"

Some suggested it was directed at Vladimir Putin, however, while others said it served as a "reminder to all dictators".

During his sermon, the archbishop also prayed for the royal family, and said that grief felt across the world arises from the Queen's "abundant life and loving service, now gone from us".

He said: "May God heal their sorrow, may the gap left in their lives be marked with memories of joy and life."

The Queen's coffin is carried into Westminster Abbey (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Mr Welby added: "We will all face the merciful judgment of God: we can all share the Queen's hope which in life and death inspired her servant leadership. Service in life, hope in death.

"All who follow the Queen's example, and inspiration of trust and faith in God, can with her say: 'We will meet again."'

The remarks echo those made by the Queen to comfort the nation during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a televised address in April 2020, the Queen evoked lyrics from Dame Vera Lynn's wartime song, telling viewers: "We will meet again."

Royal family members look on during the later service at Windsor (SKY NEWS / TV GRABS)

After the service, Mr Welby said it had been the "honour of a lifetime, and among its saddest moments" to preach at the Queen's funeral.

The funeral was broadcast live at around 125 cinemas and several cathedrals in the UK, and on a big screen in Holyrood Park in front of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.

Later this evening, a private burial service will be conducted by the Dean of Windsor, attended by the King and members of the royal family.

The Queen is to be buried together with the Duke of Edinburgh at the King George VI Memorial Chapel with her mother and father, George VI.

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