Around 2,000 people are in attendance for the late monarch’s funeral service, which is been inaugurated by Dr. David Hoyle this morning.
He says: “With gratitude, we remember her unswerving commitment to a high calling over so many years as Queen and head of the Commonwealth.
“With admiration, we recall her lifelong sense of duty and dedication to her people. With thanksgiving, we praise God for her constant example of Christian faith and devotion.
“With affection, we recall her love for her family and her commitment to the causes she held dear.
“Now, in silence, let us in our hearts and minds remember our many reasons for thanksgiving.”
Westminster Abbey is otherwise silent as those in attendance listen intently to the Dean of Westminster.
He notes that Westminster Abbey was where she was married in 1947 and crowned in 1953.
The bidding was given ahead of the first hymn, ‘The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended’, written by John Ellerton.
Sky’s royal commentator Alastair Bruce said the hymn marks “the end of one era and the beginning of a new one”.