All About Royal Families

Pope Benedict XVI died on 31 December 2022 at 9:34 am Central European Time at his residence, Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, in the Vatican. He was 95 years old.   Funeral plans From 2 January 2023, Benedict's body will lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica. His funeral will take place on 5 January 2023 in St. Peter's Square at 9:30 am and will be celebrated by Pope Francis.  Bishop Georg Ganswein, his personal secretary since 2003, and Bishop Diego Ravelli, instructor of liturgical celebrations. will also attend the funeral. This will be the first time a pope will attend a funeral for his predecessor according to the New York Times, described as an "unusual precedent". Royal presence * King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians  (the only reigning monarchs); * Queen Sofia of Spain; * Prince Stefan of Liechtenstein.  * King Letsie III of Lesotho * Clotilde Courau Royal Messages King Charles, who met Pope Benedict in 2009, sent a message of condolence to Po...

The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday, 19th September 2022 at 1100hrs BST. A Committal Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, will take place later the same day at 1600hrs.  Elements of the State Funeral Service and the associated ceremonial arrangements will pay tribute to The Queen’s extraordinary reign, and Her Majesty’s remarkable life of service as Head of State, Nation and Commonwealth On the morning of the State Funeral, the Lying-in-State will end at 0630hrs as the final members of the public are admitted. The State Funeral Service will be conducted by the Dean of Westminster . During the Service, the Prime Minister and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth will read Lessons. The Archbishop of York, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and the Free Churches Moderator will say Prayers. The Sermon will be given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will a...