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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Simon Coyle

Who is the Dean of Westminster who is leading the Queen's funeral?

The Queen's funeral is taking place in Westminister Abbey on Monday.

Queen Elizabeth II has been lying in state in Westminster Hall since Wednesday evening with hundreds of thousands of people shuffling past to get a view of her coffin.

On Monday morning the final members of the public were admitted before doors to the hall shut at 6.30am ahead of the funeral, which got underway at 11am.

The funeral service itself will be conducted by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle.

READ MORE: Are buses, trains and Metrolink running on Queen's bank holiday?

Dr Hoyle is the 39th Dean of Westminster and was installed in November 2019. He trained for the ministry at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, and served his title as Curate of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Cambridge, from 1986 to 1988.

Dr Hoyle was appointed Chaplain (later Dean of Chapel) and Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge, in 1988. He also served as Director of Studies in Theology.

He moved to become Vicar of Christ Church, Southgate in London, in 1995 before transferring to Gloucester in 2002 as Director of Ministry and Canon Residentiary of Gloucester Cathedral.

Dr Hoyle was Dean of Bristol from 2010 until 2019.

The Dean of Westminster The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle (PA)

He recently led a thanksgiving service celebrating the life and work of Dame Vera Lynn and conducted a memorial service for the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Hall in March this year.

Also taking part in today's service is the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Iain Greenshields and the Free Churches Moderator Helen Cameron, who will all say Prayers.

The Sermon will be given by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Portal Welby, who will also give the Commendation. The Dean of Westminster will then pronounce the Blessing.

Following the funeral there will be a procession to Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner, before the Queen's coffin and the Royal Family head to Windsor.

There will then be a committal service at 4pm at St. George's Chapel before a Private Burial will take place in The King George VI Memorial Chapel at 7.30pm.

READ MORE

  • Queen's funeral procession route map and best places for public to watch
  • The shops and places that will open today on the Queen's funeral bank holiday
  • Royal fans in tears about what Harry, William and Queen's grandchildren did for her as they hold vigil
  • Queen's state funeral: Time, service details and everything you need to know
  • Prince Andrew issues tribute saying he will 'treasure' Queen's love 'forever'
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