While it’s usual for a coffin to have a spray of flowers or a wreath on top of it, we do get requests from families for other types of items to be added as well. Like flowers, these are usually removed before a cremation or burial and returned to the family.
At her funeral, Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin had several things on it that represented her. There were flowers, picked from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Highgrove House, and these were accompanied by a handwritten note from King Charles. Again, we often have notes from loved ones attached to flowers.
In addition, the Queen's coffin was decorated with the Imperial State Crown (which she wore when she left Westminster Abbey after her coronation), the Sovereign's Orb and Sceptre, and the Royal Standard flag.
If the person has served in the military or perhaps worked for the police, the family might give us a flag to be draped over the coffin or they might give us a football or other sporting flag, for instance or even a tie or scarf.
In addition, items which symbolise that person have included sports equipment, such as a cricket bat or tennis racket, a hat or cap, something somebody might use during their working day or as part of a hobby, such as a hammer or spanners, or perhaps a musical instrument, including a guitar or flute. Sometimes, it is a photo of that person, a toy they loved, a blanket which always kept them warm or an item like a dreamcatcher.
We are also asked by families if they can put items into the coffin and these might be letters from loved ones, beloved toys or even a favourite lipstick.
Apparently, the American conductor and composer, Leonard Bernstein, was buried with the score of Mahler's fifth symphony, a piece of amber, a lucky penny, a copy of Alice in Wonderland and, unsurprisingly, a baton.
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