“Scotland has now bid our Queen of Scots a sad, but fond farewell. We will not see her like again.”
Her Majesty The Queen departed Scotland for the last time last night. She will now Lie in State at the Palace of Westminster ahead of Monday’s State Funeral.
People across the country have been paying their respects, attending remembrance events and reflecting fondly on a life of service to Scotland.
Her Majesty’s departure from Edinburgh Airport concludes the ceremonial events programme in Scotland, known as Operation Unicorn, as the nation continues to mourn The Queen’s passing.
Around 33,000 people filed past Her Majesty The Queen’s Coffin, Lying at Rest in St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, to pay their respects.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Scotland has bid a final and poignant farewell to our much loved Elizabeth, Queen of Scots.
“Over these past few days we have seen just how much Her Majesty meant to the people of Scotland.
“As anticipated, people from all walks of life gathered across the country and in our capital city to pay tribute to the only Monarch most of us have ever known.
“The scenes on Sunday as Her Majesty’s cortege made the journey from Balmoral Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and then yesterday and today as thousands gathered along the Royal Mile and queued to enter St Giles to see the Queen’s Coffin, will forevermore form a very special part of the history of Scotland.
“The sympathy and good wishes of Scotland for The King and Royal Family has also been evident in these last few days, and on behalf of the Parliament and people of Scotland, I continue to offer my heartfelt condolences to all of Her Majesty’s Family.
“I also want to record my sincere thanks to, and admiration for the many public servants who have worked tirelessly in recent days and over many years to develop and, when the time sadly came, implement Operation Unicorn.
“Thousands across the emergency services, local authorities, armed forces, volunteer networks, transport and government agencies have helped ensure that Scotland paid fitting tribute to The Queen, and that Scots from all walks of life could celebrate the unparalleled contribution She made in her 70-year reign. The events of recent days have provided a sincere, solemn and fitting tribute from the people of Scotland to Her Majesty The Queen.
“Scotland has now bid our Queen of Scots a sad, but fond farewell. We will not see her like again.”
The Princess Royal Princess Anne was Her Majesty The Queen’s constant companion during her last days in Scotland and she accompanied her mother on her final journey south.
In a short statement issued last night, The Princess Royal said:
‘I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life. It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys. Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting.
‘We will all share unique memories. I offer my thanks to each and every one who share our sense of loss.
‘We may have been reminded how much of her presence and contribution to our national identity we took for granted. I am also so grateful for the support and understanding offered to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the added responsibilities of The Monarch.
‘To my mother, The Queen, thank you.’
The Queen’s cortège arrived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Sunday afternoon, with The King and members of the Royal Family following on Monday to participate in the Ceremony of the Keys.
They then joined a historic procession up the Royal Mile and a service at St Giles’ Cathedral, where the Queen lay at rest until her final departure for London.
There were also two public Proclamations in Edinburgh on Sunday to announce the Accession of The King.
Hundreds of thousands of people descended on the city to pay their respects and millions more across the world tuned into the broadcast coverage.
Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, said: “The last four days have marked a significant, historic occasion globally, and it is with immense pride that we look back on Edinburgh’s contribution.
“It’s thanks to the monumental efforts of all those involved that we, along with the public, were able to say a heartfelt farewell to Her Majesty, whose strong connection to the Capital and Scotland was widely known.
“This has been the result of a very detailed and successful planning operation that has been delivered flawlessly by a community of partners and is a shining example of the power of coming together in difficult circumstances.
“I know many will remember this for a lifetime, and we’re honoured to have played such an important role in this moment.”
The public have been invited to take part in a National Moment of Reflection to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and reflect on her life and legacy.
The National Moment of Reflection will take place at 8pm on Sunday 18 September, the night before the State Funeral, and be marked by a one-minute silence.
The silence can be marked privately at home, with friends and family, out on doorsteps or the street with neighbours, or at locally arranged community events and vigils.
Community groups, clubs and other organisations across the country are encouraged to take part and people overseas are also encouraged to observe the one-minute silence at 8pm local time.
Details of larger-scale public events to be held across the country will be published at: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/her-majesty-queen-elizabeth-ii.