Royal biographer Sarah Gristwood says the crown, orb and sceptre on top of the Queen’s coffin symbolised the “undying monarchy”.
“What passes from one rule to another,” Ms Gristwood told Sky News Australia.
She said it was “incredibly moving” when the “instruments of state” were removed from on top of the Queen’s coffin and taken away.
“Without them, it is the mortal woman who’s lying there, rather than the Queen, and she was about to be lowered into the vault.”
