A SERVICE of Thanksgiving has been held this afternoon at Worcester Cathedral.
The iconic city landmark held a Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Before the service, the mayor of Worcester, Councillor Adrian Gregson, lead a procession of dignitaries from the Guildhall to the cathedral.
Crowds watched as the procession made its way down Worcester's High Street, through Cathedral Square and towards the cathedral.
Members of the city council made their way to the Cathedral in ceremonial dress, before joining the attendees inside.
The service at Worcester Cathedral began at 4pm and was also live-streamed on the cathedral’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
The Right Reverend Dr John Inge, The Bishop of Worcester, opened the service by saying: "We gather to give thanks to our late sovereign. There is so much to be thankful for.
"It was not just the length of her reign that was so amazing, it was also her amazing character."
Civic and religious leaders were welcomed at the service, while an open invitation also went out to members of the public.
Worcester was one of many cathedrals across the UK that held a special service ahead of the Queen’s funeral tomorrow, (September 19).
Flags at the cathedral flew at half-mast and the bells were muffled, which was the same at all participating cathedrals across the UK.
Every cathedral that is part of The Association of English Cathedrals has been open with extended hours to allow people to pay their respects, sign books of condolences, light candles, leave flowers, and say prayers.
The late monarch’s coffin will remain in Westminster Hall for the public to view until 6.30am on Monday, ahead of the state funeral in Westminster Abbey.
At 8pm tonight the country will observe a one-minute silence to remember the Queen, with people invited to mark the occasion privately at home, on their doorstep or street, or at community events and vigils.
World leaders have been travelling to the UK ahead of Monday’s funeral service, with the historic occasion set to be shown on giant screens in various locations across the UK – from London’s Hyde Park to Coleraine Town Hall in Northern Ireland.
In Worcester, the funeral itself is set to be shown on a large screen in Cathedral Square as well as at The Guildhall.
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