Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral was held at Westminster Abbey this morning, with the funeral procession currently taking place throughout the streets of the capital.
Millions of people have tuned in from across the world for the momentous occasion as they pay their respects to Britain's longest reigning monarch, who sadly passed away at Balmoral Castle on September 8 at the age of 96.
The Royal Standard flag has been draped over Her Majesty's coffin for the past 10 days and placed delicately on top of the casket is the Queen's orb and sceptre which has accompanied her throughout her 70 year reign.
Before the end of the Queen's committal service, the orb and sceptre will be from the coffin by the jeweller and placed on the altar.
But what is the significance of the orb and sceptre?
What does the Queen's orb represent?
The crown jewels are made up of over 100 items that are "of incalculable cultural, historical, and symbolic value", according to Historic Royal Palaces – an independent charity that manages some of the United Kingdom's unoccupied royal palaces.
The orb is one of two most storied and iconic objects associated with the royal family alongside the monarch's sceptre and both pieces date back to the seventeenth century.
The orb is a major part of the coronation ceremony and it has a special meaning connected to the monarch's reign.
The golden jewelled ball, which is surmounted by a gem-encrusted cross, is designed to be a symbol that shows the monarch's power is derived from God and it was created in 1661 for the coronation of King Charles II.
What does the sceptre represent?
The sceptre represents the crown’s power and governance, and it has been used in every coronation since 1661.
However, it is not in its original condition as in 1910, King George V had the sceptre altered to include a 530.2 carat Cullinan I diamond.
The jewel is the largest cut white diamond in the world and it is a part of a set of gems cut from the original 3,106 carat Cullinan diamond unearthed in South Africa in 1905.
The second largest of the stones is set into the Imperial State Crown, which is placed on top of the Queen's coffin.
When was the last time the orb and sceptre were used?
The last time the orb and sceptre were used was in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
It's expected that the crown jewels, including the orb and sceptre, will be used during King Charles III's coronation, with a date set to be announced in due course.
How to see the crown jewels
The Historic Royal Palaces will be closed to the public during the 10-day mourning period.
Some of the exhibits at the Historic Royal Palaces include the royal family's Crown Jewels, which are on display at the Tower of London.
According to the Tower of London website, it is set to reopen on September 20 following the Queen's State Funeral.
To find out the Tower of London's opening times, please see here.
