The realisation this is history in the making dawns for the congregation with the first singing of God Save The King.
At the memorial service for the Queen at St Paul’s Cathedral, they sing “send him victorious”, words which have not rung out for more than 70 years, since the death of George VI.
Now we have lost his daughter Elizabeth II and his son has become King Charles III.
The congregation has been waiting for hours, 2,000 people in meandering queues weaving through the streets of the capital. Undeterred by lashing rain, by 4pm the crowd begins steadily filing through the large wooden doors of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Across the tiled chequered floor, past the marble statues and ornate carving, they take their seats, shrouded in the sombre hush of whispers.
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Some were dressed in black, with polished shoes and neat ties, but others have come casual, clearly abandoning whatever they were up to today for the chance to honour Elizabeth II’s reign.
Casting an eye across the congregation at the service for the late Queen, there are few famous faces, no members of the royal family, nor pious pomp. This event is for the people that Her Majesty spent her life serving; her loyal subjects.
Of course, politicians do pepper the crowd. Labour leader Keir Starmer is there as is Chancellor Kwasi Kwateng, while The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Home Secretary Suella Braverman sit side by side. Liz Truss, our new prime minister who met with Her Majesty just three days ago, strides to her seat in front of the altar. She is wearing a black dress and a solemn expression, her husband Hugh O’Leary in tow.
A half-muffled single bell tolls, and St. Paul’s Cathedral falls into silence. Then, through the speakers, King Charles III’s voice echoes off the stone walls as he gives his speech to the nation.
“I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved Mother – was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example.
"Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”
Although he now speaks as head of state, his role as grieving son is clear: “And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you.”
The service, filled with hymns and prayer, begins and The Bishop of London states: “A life lived in the service of others is a rare jewel. It is a jewel that Her Late Majesty The Queen wore as a crown.”
Hankies are held and sniffed at, shoulders are leaned on and postures corrected. The Prime Minister does a reading, but it is the final portion of the ceremony that really gives a sense of gravitas to the moment.
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s blessing begins: “God grant to the living, grace; to the departed, rest.”
With that, the packed cathedral stands and, all together for the first time, we sing: “God save our gracious King. Long Live our noble king, God save the king!”
* This weekend, the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror celebrate the life of Her Majesty the Queen with a commemorative special filled with all the key moments from Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Be sure to pick up your copy of the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror to get both pullouts.
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