Tracking Her Majesty’s Return

Her Late Majesty has returned to British soil for the final time. At the time of the aircraft landing – over six million people around the world were tracking Her flight on FlightRadar24.  It is fitting that her reign ends with a flight, for her reign began with one – flying her home from Kenya following the death of her father and her accession to the throne. On both occasions, she was met by her Prime Minister, Winston Churchill seventy years ago, and today Liz Truss.

Over the next six days, we will see some of the greatest traditions of Britain on full display, for they are a nation that proudly draws great strength from its ritual and protocol. In death, as in life, the Sovereign is the political and spiritual focal point of the United Kingdom.   In fact, centuries ago the very touch of the King was believed to have power to heal disease. Her Late Majesty’s coffin will an object of national catharsis, marking and end to the second Elizabethan era and the beginning of the Carolean era.

With this final flight, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II begins her final duty to the Nation, as she returns to London one final time, to lie in state and receive honors from Her people and the world. Just as in life, when she wore bright colors to be seen and stand out, her simple English Oak coffin will be draped in vibrant colors of the Royal Stand – the flag of the Sovereign. For as Her Late Majesty once remarked – for the Queen to be believed, she must be seen.