EAST Lothian’s Lord Lieutenant has described attending Her Majesty The Queen’s state funeral as “a huge honour and solemn experience”.

Roderick Urquhart, who took on the role in March last year, travelled to Westminster Abbey with wife Libby on Monday.

Kings and queens, presidents, prime ministers and family members were among the 2,000 who attended the funeral.

Mr Urquhart said: “Whilst of course we all knew that one day the Queen’s reign would come to an end, it all seemed to happen surprisingly quickly.

“We have all been so used to her being there for us, and like most of us, we have never had another monarch reign over us.

“But, as my wife and I headed south, the enormity of the occasion struck home.

“The last time that a funeral took place for a monarch in Westminster Abbey was back in 1760 for George II.”

East Lothian Courier: Roderick Urquhart, pictured with Lesley Winton, attended the funeral in LondonRoderick Urquhart, pictured with Lesley Winton, attended the funeral in London (Image: East Lothian Council)

Mr Urquhart, who succeeded Michael Williams in the role as the county's Lord Lieutenant, described the atmosphere in the Abbey as “understandably muted”.

He added: “From 9.30am onwards, we sat quietly as heads of states, foreign royal families, overseas dignitaries, the clergy, as well as holders of the VC and George Cross and many others, slowly processed in along the nave.

“As 11am approached we could hear the poignant sound of the massed pipes and the beat of the drums outside, slowly bringing the coffin to the Abbey.

“Distant at first, as they drew closer the stirring sound grew stronger.

“The sight of the Queen’s coffin, draped in the Royal Standard, slowly moving up the nave in the safe hands of the amazing pall bearers, was very moving and particularly sad.

“The King and other member of the Royal Family followed.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury spoke of Queen Elizabeth II’s service to both the country and the Commonwealth, as well as a message of hope.

Mr Urquhart, who lives near Samuelston, described it as “uplifting at a time of sadness”.

He added: “We bowed our heads one last time as the Queen’s coffin left the Abbey, to then make its final journey to Windsor Castle.

“As we left the Abbey, I spoke to two young Gurkha soldiers originally from Nepal, immaculate in their uniforms, who were helping guide crowds.

“Both were quick to say that it had been a huge honour to have served Her Majesty The Queen.”