What is the ‘Long Walk’, the last path that the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II will travel

Monday, September 19, will be the day the world says goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II. Eleven days after her death, world leaders and citizens will accompany the late monarch on her last journey, known as the Long Walk.

On Monday morning and after the state funeral, Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin will travel in procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch. This arch is a large monument erected to honor the Duke of Wellington’s victory over Napoleon’s troops at Waterloo in 1815.

A brief history of the Long Walk

From there it will travel to Windsor and once there, the state hearse will travel in procession to St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle via the Long Walk. The path, approximately three miles (just under five kilometers), was created in 1680 by King Charles II in what had previously been part of a vast royal hunting forest.

The most iconic image of Windsor Great Park is the view of the Long Walk, towards Windsor Castle at the other end. This tree-lined avenue extends towards the old fortress, illustrating the majesty and royal heritage of Windsor Great Park, where a population of 500 deer now roam freely throughout the grounds.

Although the promenade was introduced in 1680, it was not until 1683 that the avenue was extended to its current length. The copper horse that stands guard outside was also a later addition. This impressive statue, depicting King George III on horseback, was erected in 1831 to commemorate his significant contribution to Windsor Great Park. This will be the last road Queen Elizabeth II travels until reaching the Windsor Castle. A place where the world will say goodbye to a legendary monarch and an era.