A final burial tradition for a monarch never seen by the public before will take place today, at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The 'breaking of the Wand' will signal the end of the Queen's reign and be placed on her coffin as it is lowered into the Royal Vault.
It takes place during the committal service, which is happening at St George's Chapel in Windsor today, September 19. The wand belongs to the Lord Chamberlain, who oversees departments in the royal household and organises weddings, funerals and other big royal events.
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Former MI5 chief, Lord Parker of Minsmere, is the current Lord Chamberlain and his Wand of Office is a thin, white staff and ceremonial tool that was once used to provide discipline to courtiers. The breaking of this staff signifies the end of his service to the Queen as sovereign. King Charles III will now appoint his own Lord Chamberlain to run the role under his new duties as monarch.
This ceremonial gesture was last performed more than 70 years ago at George VI's funeral. And because only the funeral procession of the King in 1952, was televised, today's breaking of the Wand will be the first one ever broadcast on TV.
"We will never have seen this before because no committal has ever been televised. We will see the Lord Chamberlain break his wand for the first time ever," a BBC guest, historian David Cannadine, explained to host, Kirsty Young. The historical use for the ceremonial staff was for the Lord Chamberlain to tap noisy courtiers.
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