In loving memory. To commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s official funeral on Monday, September 19, the royal family shared a stunning throwback picture of her.
“May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest,” the official Royal Family Twitter captioned a snapThe late monarch escorting himself up a hill in rural England. “In loving memory of Her Majesty The Queen. 1926 – 2022.”
The first part of this message is a quote from Act 5 Section 2 of Hamlet during which Horatio holds Hamlet in his arms as he is dying and says: “Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
This memorable line, often associated with the demise of a respected person, was also mentioned in King Charles III’s first address following his mother’s death. The queen, who was 96 years old, died on September 8th at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
King Charles III at Queen Elizabeth III’s service. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
Charles, now 73, paid a moving tribute to the late ruler who was with the crown for 70 years.
“We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother: for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example. To my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: ‘Thank you,’” the king, who was formally known as the Prince of Wales, said on September 9. “Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years.”
He concluded: “May ‘flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.’”
The poignant message and angelic-looking picture of the queen was released shortly after Elizabeth’s family said their goodbyes during a private service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on Monday evening. The longest-reigning monarch, Prince Philip, was then buried in the family vault.
