Many Mourning Queen Who Wanted To Meet ‘King of Kings’
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
LONDON (Worthy News) – Mourners stood Thursday in a rapidly expanding queue of some 5 miles (8 kilometers) along the River Thames in London to pay their final respects to Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at age 96.
Vanessa Nanthakumaran was the first mourner to see the flag-draped coffin in Westminster Hall, the oldest building in the Palace of Westminster, a complex of buildings where Parliament sits.
She said that the experience of honoring Britain’s longest reigning helped her to deal with the death of her husband in February.
The widow added: “I’m so privileged that this opportunity was given to the public. I will be remembering this for my life.”
Nanthakumaran, from Harrow, north-west London, queued for more than 50 hours on Albert Embankment. Once in, she said, she curtsied, said prayers in her head, and thanked the Queen for “her great service.”
Among those mourning her are friends and supporters who recall the Queen as a born-again Christian who had hoped Jesus Christ would return in her lifetime as she saw him as the King of Kings.
CROWN FOR JESUS
As a close friend of the late evangelist Billy Graham, she, directly and indirectly, encouraged millions of viewers in annual Christmas messages and elsewhere to give Him their hearts.
She reportedly told an acquaintance: “I wish Jesus would come back in my lifetime.” Asked why she reportedly replied: “Because I would place my crown at his feet.”
Her faith also guided her more than 70-year reign, recalled King Charles III and others who knew her.
While fellow believers suggested that she had now met her Lord, those mourning her passing had difficulties imagining an era without the Queen. She helped her nation to overcome the aftermath of World War Two and other turbulent periods.
Her oldest son Prince William also told well-wishers that walking behind the Queen’s coffin brought back memories of the funeral of his mother, Diana, the Princess of Wales.
Thursday’s mourning came as new details of the Queen’s funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday, 19 September, were announced.
There will be a national two-minute silence at the end of the service and a procession through London, giving many the last chance to say farewell to a Queen who impacted many lives.
If you are interested in articles produced by Worthy News, please check out our FREE sydication service available to churches or online Christian ministries. To find out more, visit Worthy Plugins.