In loving memory. The royal family shared a stunning throwback photo of Queen Elizabeth II to mark her official burial on Monday, September 19.
“May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest,” the official Royal Family Twitter captioned a snap of the late monarch walking up a hill in the countryside. “In loving memory of Her Majesty The Queen. 1926 – 2022.”
The first part of the message is a quote from Act 5 Scene 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.”
The memorable line, which is often associated with the death of a respected individual, was also referenced in King Charles III’s first address following his mother’s death. The queen died at age 96 on September 8 in her estate Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
King Charles III at Queen Elizabeth III service. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
Later that week, Charles, 73, gave a heartfelt tribute to the late ruler, who served the crown for 70 years before her passing.
“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 was then buried alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, in the family vault on the premises.