September 28 – Almost Home

          The Queen took up her crown again, and she was the only Monarch in modern times to wear it during the entire service following the Communion.  All those rare and precious gems made it very, very heavy.

          She returned to her Throne, and the Archbishop spoke the words of blessing and dismissal.  Just like the end of any church service!  The “Gloria” was sung, and the “Te Deum,” and then the trumpet fanfare began afresh . . . trumpets, organ, choir and orchestra . . .

          “O Lord, save thy people, and bless thine inheritance!

          Govern them: and lift them up forever!”

          Now the swords began to move beside her, born again by her ministers, and the Archbishop led the way, and Elizabeth rose and passed out of the Theater and into the sanctuary of St. Edward’s Chapel.  There, at last, she exchanged his crown for the lighter, but no less brilliant and imposing Imperial Crown.  She was divested of all her ceremonial robes and was adorned for the first time with the luxuriant Robe of Purple Velvet, embroidered richly in gold with her own “EIIR” insignia and all the beautiful and symbolic needlework that had taken so many months to complete.  She alone would ever wear it.

          In her right hand she bore the Sceptre with the Cross, and in her left, the Orb.    Her Coronation gown was visible again, and as she traversed the length of the Abbey, surrounded by columns of honor, she sparkled like a thousand stars, even to the diamonds at her ears.  Even on the black and white film, not yet governed by every degree of precise film-making, glittered and danced with the play of light.  

Glancing for one moment at the Throne where she had so lately sat, she began her long trip home.  

Oh Lord God, that we your people would step into and ever travel the road toward our own home, and in the brilliance of Your Majesty.  Blessed be the name of our God and King forever and ever more.


In Procession to the West Door
Rotherham Web