Vice-Regal Saint: The Laying Up of Sir Edmund's Banner
The Queen arrived at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for the Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of New Zealand's Sir Edmund Hillary, KG, 2 April 2008. The Queen's association with Sir Edmund stretches back to the announcement of his ascent of Mount Everest on the eve of Her Majesty's coronation, 2 June, 1953. He was knighted by The Queen for this achievement in the same year. 
The Royal Ghurka's line the steps to St. George's Chapel following the Service. The Countess of Wessex, The Princess Royal, The Duke of Gloucester and the Prime Minister of New Zealand also attended the Service of Thanksgiving. Sir Edmund was created a Knight of the Garter in 1995 and the Service included the "laying up" of his banner in the Chapel.
The Queen greets Lady Hillary following the Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Sir Edmund Hillary, KG in St. George's Chapel, Windsor, 2 April 2008. The Chapel is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, of which Sir Edmund was created a Knight by Her Majesty in 1995. 
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2 comments:
I hope this lovely event sold the right amount of media attention Down Under. A State Funeral and now a Service of Thanksgiving by the Kiwi Queen. New Zealanders have been deservingly spoiled.
She didn't come to the funeral. No one from the royal family did. Hence the service in London.
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