First Photo of Queen’s Final Resting Place Revealed Ahead of Chapel Opening

A tribute befitting royalty has been unveiled as the first photo of Queen Elizabeth II's final resting place next to her beloved husband, Prince Philip, is released.

The exquisite ledger stone, crafted from Belgian black marble, features the names of Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, George VI, and the Queen Mother in brass letters.

This elegant stone will reside at St George's Chapel in Windsor, where the four esteemed individuals rest together in the same vault.

The royal officials from Buckingham Palace have shared the initial image of the stone today, replacing the previous ledger which listed the significant dates of George VI (1895-1952), Elizabeth (1900-2002), Elizabeth II (1926-2022), and Prince Philip (1921-2021).

A star adorns the stone, symbolizing their membership in the prestigious Order of the Garter.

St George's Chapel, commissioned by the late Queen in 1962 as a burial site for her father, was designed by George Pace and completed in 1969.

This chapel holds historical significance as the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the UK's oldest and most esteemed order of chivalry, established by Edward III of England in 1348.

The newly revealed stone, meticulously crafted from hand-carved Belgian black marble with brass letter inlays, harmonizes with the aesthetics of the previous ledger stone.

Surrounding the stone in the photograph are touching floral tributes and wreaths, creating a poignant scene.

As Windsor Castle prepares to reopen to the public, the Queen's burial site at St George's Chapel will be accessible to visitors starting from September 29.

This opportunity allows individuals to pay their respects just over a week after the solemn funeral service of the late monarch.

Following the private service where the Queen was laid to rest alongside the Duke of Edinburgh, attended by the King and the Royal Family, the stone marking her final resting place stands as a testament to her enduring legacy.

When Prince Philip passed away 17 months ago, his coffin was interred in the Royal Vault of St George's Chapel, awaiting relocation to the Memorial Chapel upon the Queen's passing.

The addition of a pale stone annex on the north side of the chapel in 1969 was made in anticipation of the Queen's eventual interment.

Notably, Princess Margaret, the Queen's sister who passed away in 2002, had her ashes initially placed in the Royal Vault before being transferred to the George VI Memorial Chapel alongside her parents' coffins following the Queen Mother's demise.

The King George VI Memorial Chapel, situated within the confines of St George's Chapel, serves as a poignant reminder of the Queen's dedication to honoring her father's memory through its commission and design.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore this historic site on all days when the castle is open to the public, excluding Sundays reserved for worshippers.