20 Sep 2022

Queen's biographer Robert Hardman on her final farewell

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 20 September 2022
The Ceremonial Procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the Long Walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the Committal Service at St George's Chapel, on September 19, 2022.

The Ceremonial Procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the Long Walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the Committal Service at St George's Chapel. Photo: AFP / Pool

The second Elizabethan era drew to a close with the state funeral overnight for the 96-year-old monarch, attended by the royal family and 500 world leaders and dignitaries. Hundreds of thousands of people crammed into central London to watch the elaborate and solemn procession as her coffin was taken from Westminster to the royal vault in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, where she was laid to rest beside her husband, sister and parents. Among those watching the day's ceremonies closely was someone who's written extensively about the royal family. Journalist and author Robert Hardman spoke to Nine to Noon just a few months ago about his latest biography of Queen Elizabeth, Queen of our Times. He was at Westminster Abbey earlier in the day and joins Lynn to describe the occasion.

Portrait of Robert Hardman and book Cover

Robert Hardman's latest book is called Queen of Our Times. Photo: Supplied