THE Queen's funeral will honour many traditions as she is laid to rest on Monday.
But the final act of symbolism before Her Majesty's coffin is lowered into the Royal Vault is breaking the wand of office.
What does breaking the wand of office mean?
The breaking of the wand is a traditional part of a sovereign's funeral.
Before Her Majesty's coffin is lowered into the Royal Vault, the Lord Chamberlain will symbolically break his wand of office and place it on top of the coffin.
This will signify the end of his service to her as sovereign.
The last time this would have taken place was on 15 February 1952 at the funeral of King George VI.
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Who will break the wand of office?
The Lord Chamberlain, Lord Andrew Parker, Baron Parker of Minsmere, will break the wand of office.
He was appointed on April 1 2021. The Lord Chamberlain is the most senior position in the Royal Household, responsible for the overall running of the home.
The job includes organising royal weddings, funerals and state visits.
Baron Parker of Minsmere is a former MI5 spy chief.
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One of his first official duties was organising the funeral of Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
King Charles will place The Queen's Company Camp Colour of the Grenadier Guards on the coffin.
The Lord Chamberlain will then break his Wand of Office and place it on the coffin.
The Lord Chamberlain also is regarded as a go-between for the sovereign and House of Lords.
What is the wand of office?
The wand of office is a ceremonial tool that was made to discipline courtiers.
It's a thin, white staff that would be used to tap aides if they were misbehaving.
As the coffin is lowered into the Royal Vault, the Dean will read Psalm 103 verses 13-17, before the Garter King of Arms proclaims the Styles and Titles of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen's piper will then play a lament – A Salute to the Royal Fendersmith – before the Archbishop of Canterbury pronounces a blessing.
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The National Anthem, God Save Our Gracious King, will then be sung.
The Voluntary is played then Johann Sebastian Bach's Prelude and Fugue in C minor.
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