While the Queen' s grieving family members joined the procession on Wednesday following her coffin to Westminster, her closest aides were not far away. Her loyal ladies-in-waiting were pictured lined up in black frocks and hats inside for the service and just like the Queen's children and grandchildren, put on brave faces as they watched their Queen take her final journey from Buckingham Palace.
Some of the women had been by Her Majesty's side for more than 60 years and had become more than just her staff, as they had grown to become loyal companions. As the nation faces dramatic change with the passing of the much-loved monarch, it will be felt deeply among her 'Head Girls' who put the Queen's busy diary of official engagements together, arranged private family events, and dealt with everything in between.
It is expected that a couple of the women will soon retire, as they are well into their 80s, but had wanted to stay serving the Queen up until the very end. A few others could stay on for a while longer providing a helping hand to the new Queen Consort, Camilla.
