Where Queen Elizabeth II Is Buried
Queen Elizabeth II rests in the King George VI Memorial Chapel inside St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. She was interred following a private ceremony on 19 September 2022, joining her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and earlier monarchs. This location within the Chapel of St Henry VIII—a working chapel and active place of worship—is part of the wider Windsor burial tradition for British sovereigns. Below are key facts about the site and how it functions as her permanent resting place.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Interment date | 19 September 2022 | Official record |
| Location within Windsor | King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George’s Chapel | Historic Royal Palaces & Dean & Canons of Windsor |
| Buried alongside | Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; removal of catafalque for George VI | Dean & Canons of Windsor notices |
| Ceremony type | Private Committal Service following public lying-in-state and procession | Court Circular and BBC archives |
| Public access | Chapel open for visitation when Windsor Castle is open; check seasonal closures | Historic Royal Palaces visitor guidance |
Key Details of the Interment
Sequence of Events on 19 September 2022
The Committal Service at the Chapel followed a public lying-in-state at Westminster Hall and a solemn procession from Westminster Abbey. The Dean & Canons of Windsor confirmed that the coffin was lowered into the prepared vault, and the Garter Principal King of Arms proclaimed the style ‘Queen Elizabeth the Second’. The burial took place in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, which was prepared to receive both her coffin and, at a later stage, the removal of the catafalque covering the remains of King George VI.
What This Means for the Memorial Site
The King George VI Memorial Chapel functions as a dedicated burial space within a working royal chapel. It was named for George VI and has since become the principal resting place for 20th- and 21st-century monarchs. The arrangement allows for future interments—most recently, preparations were made to remove the catafalque to accommodate the Queen beside her husband and father. As an active place of worship, the chapel remains in regular use, balancing memorial, liturgical, and preservation roles.
Visitor Information and Protocol
Access to St George’s Chapel, including the burial site, is available when Windsor Castle is open to the public. The chapel remains a place of worship, and visiting hours may vary according to services, conservation needs, and official events. Security procedures apply, and photography is not permitted inside the chapel. Visitors should check the Historic Royal Palaces website for current opening times, ticket options, and any access restrictions. Respectful behavior is expected, given the ongoing function of the space as both a memorial and a working chapel.
Historical Context of Royal Burial at Windsor
Since the early 19th century, Windsor has been a preferred burial site for British sovereigns and their consorts, chosen for its security, tradition, and spiritual setting. The practice aligns with the Chapel’s status as a Royal Peculiar, serving the royal household independently of diocesan structures. Notable predecessors include Henry VIII, Charles I, and, in the 20th century, George VI. This continuity reflects a carefully maintained balance between public commemoration and private religious observance. As such, Windsor remains central to the ceremonial landscape of monarchy in England.
Comparison of Selected Royal Burials at Windsor
| Name | Burial Location at Windsor | Date of Interment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth II | King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George’s Chapel | 19 September 2022 | Joined Prince Philip; site prepared for monarchs since mid-20th century |
| Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh | King George VI Memorial Chapel | 17 April 2021 | Buried beside Queen Elizabeth II |
| King George VI | King George VI Memorial Chapel (originally intended for temporary placement) | 26 March 1969 | Catafalque later removed for Queen Elizabeth II |
| Queen Mary | St George’s Chapel, Royal Vault then King George VI Memorial Chapel | 1953; reinterred 1967 | Moved to accommodate King George VI |
| King Henry VIII | St George’s Chapel, Quire | 1547 | Historic landmark within the same chapel complex |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Queen Elizabeth II buried? She is buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
- When was she interred? The Committal Service and interment took place on 19 September 2022.
- Who else is buried at this site? Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and earlier monarchs including King George VI and Queen Mary.
- Can the public visit the burial site? Yes, when Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel are open to visitors, subject to security and worship schedules.
- Is this location likely to change? No. Windsor and the King George VI Memorial Chapel are established as the principal royal burial site for the foreseeable future.
Preservation and Ongoing Function
The King George VI Memorial Chapel is maintained by the Dean & Canons of Windsor as part of the Windsor Castle estate. Conservation and liturgical needs are carefully coordinated to protect the fabric of the chapel while allowing continued public access and worship. This stewardship ensures that the resting place remains secure, respectful, and accessible to future generations, fulfilling both its memorial and spiritual purposes within the constitutional monarchy.