The funeral directors of the Royal Household are selected and appointed by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office.
As the Queen made her final journey from her beloved Balmoral, the emotional scenes were broadcast live on television, with millions watching from home. Her Majesty’s oak coffin was draped with the Royal Standard for Scotland as it left Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, carried in a hearse with the name William Purves on the windows. They transported the Queen on the six-hour journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh. The Queen’s coffin, lined with lead, follows a royal tradition dating back to the Victorian era when it was necessary to seal bodies for resting above ground. Eight pallbearers would be required to carry the coffin, rather than the usual six, as it weighs around 500 pounds.
Rehearsals for the procession from Balmoral to Edinburgh have taken place regularly over many years, with every detail considered. For William Purves, they were required to change the color of their signature silver Mercedes hearse to black in line with Royal protocol. Their logo, part of the standard livery on all their funeral vehicles, remained in place.
On Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, during the procession, they became increasingly aware of the attention they were receiving, attention which should, rightly, be directed to Her Majesty. In response, William Purves removed its logo on the first possible occasion.
Humbly, they issued a statement that read, in part, “We have never sought to gain any PR from our involvement with the Palace. For us, it has been a true privilege to have cared for our Queen and her family. We will continue to do this until Tuesday evening.” Said their chairman, Tim Purves: “I would like to thank you for your support as we navigate the protocols and sensitivities during this unprecedented time.”
Eagle-eyed viewers must have noticed the name written across the hearse and rushed to find out more about the funeral directors. William Purves’s website, which crashed after thousands rushed to visit the family funeral director’s site, states: “When you place your trust in William Purves, you can expect the highest standards of professionalism, compassionate care and truly distinct service. Whatever you need, whatever your plans, lean on our experience, wherever and whenever you need us.”
The family-run funeral directors handled the Scottish aspect of the arrangements, but Leverton & Sons, based in Camden, London, were responsible for the funeral overall. They were also responsible for organizing the funerals of the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, Baroness Thatcher, and Prince Philip.
