The first pictures of the Queen’s final resting place have been revealed to the public, showing the simple inscriptions made to denote her life and reign.
In a private burial, with the cameras turned away, the former sovereign was interred in King George VI Memorial Chapel alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, after her funeral on September 19, 2022.
Only days later, the inscription of "Elizabeth II, 1926-2022" and "Philip, 1921-2021" were written into the stone covering their floor vault.
The chapel is the resting place of her immediate family, with her father, George VI, and her mother, the former Queen Elizabeth (and later the Queen Mother), both buried there, while her sister, Princess Margaret, has her ashes placed in the tomb.
Can you visit the Queen’s grave?
Yes — and huge public demand is expected following the interment of Britain's longest reigning monarch.
The King George VI Memorial is situated in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Entrance to the chapel is included with a visitor's ticket to the Berkshire castle.
Windsor Castle closed after the Queen’s death on September 8 but has since reopened following the end of the period of royal mourning.
Royal mourning came to a close seven days after the end of national mourning, with members of the Queen's family returning to public duties on September 27.
To coincide with life continuing, Windsor Castle has also opened to visitors as of Thursday, September 29.
St George’s Chapel will be open for visitors on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4.15pm (the last entry is at 4pm).
It is closed to visitors on Sundays when services are being held, but worshippers are welcome to attend the sabbath services.
There are often services held during castle opening hours in the week, as well as Sundays. Those interested should consult the chapel’s website.
Tickets for adult tourists to Windsor Castle cost £26.50 from Sunday to Friday, and £28.50 on Saturday, according to the Royal Collection Trust’s website.
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been home to 40 monarchs.
What is the King George VI Memorial Chapel?
It is the final resting place of King George VI, as commissioned by his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II.
George VI did not have a final resting place decided, so was interred in the royal vault in St George’s Chapel when he died in 1952.
Elizabeth II wanted a dedicated burial place for him and so 10 years after his passing commissioned for designs to be put forward to create a space where three monarchs and their consorts (spouses) could be buried.
With no more space for another vault within the church, it was decided to add a new chapel.
Construction on the King George VI Memorial Chapel was officially completed in 1969, making it the first addition to St George’s Chapel since Tudor times, when Henry VII was on the throne in 1504.
What is St George's Chapel known for?
St George’s Chapel has played host to many family occasions during the Queen’s lifetime, including the marriage of her son Prince Edward to Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and her grandson Prince Harry 's wedding to Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex.
As a dedicated Christian, the monarch regularly attended Sunday services at the Windsor place of worship.
In 2021, in an event made famous by the image of the masked Queen sat mourning alone while Covid-19 restrictions were in place, she attended the funeral of her beloved late husband Prince Philip, the former Duke of Edinburgh.
The Queen and her spouse are now together again following her funeral.
After the state funeral at Westminster Abbey in London on September 19, the Queen’s hearse travelled to Windsor for a committal service at the chapel and then a private burial.
Philip’s remains were then moved from the royal vault, where his body was kept for the past 17 months, and interred with his wife of 73 years in the memorial chapel, reuniting them once again.
