Rare gesture as Queen bids final farewell

The gesture was a rare one. The Queen last attended the funeral of a British leader almost 50 years ago when Sir Winston Churchill died in 1965.

As head of state, the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, led the mourners in remembering the baroness who transformed the political landscape during her 11 years in power.

The Queen travelled from her favourite home, Windsor Castle in Berkshire, for the St Paul’s Cathedral service.

Dressed in black, she stepped from her state limousine and was welcomed by lord mayor of the City of London Roger Gifford.

Moments later, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, greeted the royal couple.

The Queen and Duke followed a procession of senior clergy and other officials who led the way along the cathedral’s nave.

At the head of the mourners and with Lady Thatcher’s family close by, the Queen and Duke took their seats for the service.

The royal couple watched solemnly as the bearer party carefully placed the Baroness’ coffin in front of the mourners.

Baroness Thatcher and the Queen had a working relationship that lasted more than 10 years, but it was a partnership described as “more businesslike than warm”.

Mrs Thatcher was the eighth prime minister and first woman the Queen summoned to take up office during her reign.

Some commentators have raised questions about the relationship between the Queen and Mrs Thatcher.

Author and journalist Anthony Sampson wrote in 1982: “The relationship is the more difficult because their roles seem confused.

“The Queen’s style is more matter-of-fact and domestic while it is Mrs Thatcher (who is taller) who bears herself like a queen.”

As the service drew to a close Lady Thatcher’s coffin was carried from the cathedral accompanied by her family. A few minutes later the Queen and Duke followed respectfully behind.

On the steps of St Paul’s the royal couple met Lady Thatcher’s children, Carol and Sir Mark Thatcher, and their partners.

Handshakes were exchanged and curtsies made as the Thatchers recognised the status of the monarch.

The Queen was saddened to hear of the death of her former Prime Minister last week and sent a private message to the family.

But it is likely the monarch and the Duke passed on their condolences in person as they chatted to the grieving relatives of Lady Thatcher.

They formed a circle around the Queen and Duke as they spoke before the royal couple left in their limousine.