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Philip Williamson, Professor of Modern British History, Durham University

Queen Elizabeth II: the history of royal funerals and how this one will be different

People file past the Queen's coffin in St Giles' church, Edinburgh. PA Images/Alamy

Great royal events in the United Kingdom are often a mix of old and new, and the commemoration and funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will be no exception. While there will be several strikingly new features, the seemingly traditional elements are not as old as they may appear. While some newer elements are revivals from the past.

The modern history of royal occasions is one of innovation and tradition to preserve the monarchy’s popularity and relevance. Public service and the monarch’s ability to represent the whole nation have become the main themes.

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