Queen Consort Camilla mulls leaner staff at Royal Palace

Queen Elizabeth II, will be laid to rest on Monday afternoon with a full state funeral at Westminster Abbey. In attendance will be world leaders. Britain has been in a state of collective mourning with citizens lining up across London to pay their last respects to the longest-serving British monarch. As requested by the Queen’s successor, her son King Charles III, the public mourning period will continue across the country for a week after the funeral. (Image: Reuters)

The Queen's state funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey and will begin at 3:300 PM (IST). Later in the evening, in a private family service, she will be buried with her late husband Prince Philip who passed away in April 2021, in a small chapel-King George VI Memorial Chapel - inside the St George's Chapel. (Image: AP)

Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and the final resting place of 17 British monarchs. It has also been the site of about 16 royal weddings, including that of the Queen and the late Prince Philip in 1947. (Image: Twitter/@RoyalFamily)

Founded by King Edward III in 1475, St George’s Chapel became the chosen burial place for the royal family in the 19th century. Constructed in 1969, the Queen will be buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel. She will be laid to rest along with her father King George VI, mother Queen Elizabeth & sister Margaret. Following Elizabeth II’s burial, mortal remains of Prince Philip will also be moved there. (Image: AP)

Did you know that the Queen’s coffin, which is made of English oak, was crafted over three decades ago? According to a report published in The Times , the coffin is lined with lead so that it can preserve the mortal remains. The lead will keep the moisture out by making the coffin completely airtight. This same technique was also used in Prince Philip’s casket. (Image: Twitter/@RoyalFamily)

Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin is adorned with many interesting objects and symbols. The monarch’s personal flag, the Royal Standard flag, Orb and Sceptre, both of which are part of the royal family’s crown jewels. (Image: AP)

The funeral is expected to become one of the most-watched events in recent history on television and streaming services. Over 2000 guests - including political dignitaries and diplomats from across the world - will be showing solidarity with Prince Charles. Apart from European royalty, world leaders including Indian President Droupadi Murmu, US President Joe Biden, NZ PM Jacinda Arden and China's Vice President will attend the state funeral and offer their condolences. (Image: Twitter/@RoyalFamily)

With world leaders thronging London, security has been upped in the capital. Over 5,949 military personnel, 10,000 police officers have been roped in to protect the 2000 visiting dignitaries. Almost 22 miles of barriers have been erected, the Secret Service will work in sync with London's Metropolitan Police. (Image: AP)

According to the New York Post, protecting Queen Elizabeth’s funeral will be the most expensive single-day operation in the history of the UK. It will cost over USD 7.5 million. (Image: Twitter/@RoyalFamily)