After a day of inimitable pageantry at her funeral that drew world leaders and huge crowds to the streets, Queen Elizabeth's coffin was lowered into a vault at Windsor Castle, her final resting place, just before 4am NZ time.
Some 500 presidents, prime ministers, foreign royal family members, and dignitaries attended the funeral in the majestic Westminster Abbey, including Samoa Head of State, Le Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and his fair lady.
The monarch's crown, orb, and sceptre – symbols of power and governance – were removed from the coffin and placed on the altar.
As the casket slowly descended into the royal vault, the Lord Chamberlain broke his 'Wand of Office', symbolising the end of his service to the monarch.
As the service ended, the church and much of the nation fell silent for two minutes. The congregation sang "God Save the King" as trumpets sounded. Upon the conclusion of the anthem, the crowd applauded.
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