The committal service for Queen Elizabeth II is full of customs and royal rituals, however, the one last act is now performed by Lord Chamberlain as he broke the wand of office, know its meaning and why did he break it
The tradition of breaking the wand marks the end of Andrew David Parker’s duty towards her majesty as sovereign.
Wand Of Office Meaning After Lord Chamberlain Completes Tradition To Break It At The Queen’s Funeral
Yesterday was powerful and moving, but I found the Windsor procession and service incredibly affecting. The final acts — the Lord Chamberlain breaking his wand, the Grenadier Guards camp flag, and the return of the Regalia — were overwhelming. As ever, symbols are powerful. pic.twitter.com/w6S5yg7j3l
— Marshall Manson (@marshallmanson) September 20, 2022
The most splendid way for all to say goodbye.
I must share my Upmost gratitude to the Earl Marshal The Duke of Norfolk and The Lord Chamberlain
Pulling off the biggest public global event cannot be easy especially with such a tough act to reflect and follow up on.@HRH_William_ https://t.co/bcKolEbOxS
— Cllr Russ Cochran (@CLLRrusscochran) September 20, 2022
To end his duty towards the late Queen, Parker broke the thin, white staff and ceremonial instrument.
Later, it was placed over the coffin of the Queen as it was lowered into the Royal Vault at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Earlier we saw King Charles placing the Queen’s Company Camp Colour of the Grenadier Guards on the coffin and following it, Lord Chamberlain broke off the wand of the office.
The ceremony was completed by a spirited Queen’s piper playing lament. It is a salute of the Royal Fendersmith, which was completed by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s pronounced blessing.
Following the ceremony the national anthem was sung, which says, “God Save Our Gracious King.”
Meanwhile, the Voluntary were playing, Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C Minor.
What the Wand of Office Means?
As the Queen has left us, the last and one of the most significant traditions is performed by Lord Chamberlain.
Lord Chamberlain is a key figure in the royal household. He breaks the ‘wand of office’ and places it on the coffin of the late monarch while it is lowered into the Royal Vault.
This gesture signifies the end of his service as sovereign. The last time this ceremony was recorded to have taken place was on February 15, 1952 during King George VI’s state funeral.
Who is Lord Chamberlain?
Lord Chamberlain is a position which is currently held by Andrew David Parker.
Andrew is a former MI5 spy chief. He has served approximately 37 years in the Security Service of the nation.
He was also Director General of MI5 from 2013 to 2020. He is also known as Baron Parker of Minsmere GCVO KCB.
He succeeded Lord Peel in March, 2021. He is primarily responsible for conducting royal weddings, funerals, and arranging state visits.
Speaking of Parker, he went to pursue a degree in MA in Natural Sciences at Churchill College, Cambridge.
In 2019, he was appointed as the Commander of the Order of the Bath. Later in 2020, he was honored and made a cross-bench life peer.
Since November, 2020, Parker has continued to be a non-executive director of Babcock International. He has also served as the advisor to Telicent.