The Moderator of the Normal Meeting of the Church of Scotland has paid tribute to the Queen after saying a prayer at her state funeral.
Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields shaped a part of the pre-procession of church leaders together with the Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, Very Rev Prof David Fergusson, within the service at Westminster Abbey.
Dr Greenshields was at Balmoral the weekend earlier than the Queen died there on September 8 and mentioned it was a “privilege and an actual pleasure” to spend time together with her.
He opened his prayer on the service on Monday with the phrases: “Allow us to give due to God for Queen Elizabeth’s lengthy life and reign, recalling with gratitude her items of knowledge, diligence, and repair.”
Dr Greenshields preached earlier than the then Prince of Wales at Crathie Kirk close to Balmoral on September 4 and likewise spoke at a Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh final week.
Talking after the service at Westminster Abbey, he mentioned: “The final 10 days have been a whirlwind and but time appears to have stood nonetheless.
“It was a privilege and an actual pleasure to spend time within the firm of Her Majesty the Queen. She was thoughtful in each respect and had clearly taken time to grasp her company. I used to be struck by her large recall and her apparent love for Balmoral and, certainly, Scotland.
“Preaching earlier than the then Prince Charles at Crathie was a nice expertise and an honour, however little did I do know that in eight days’ time I'd be preaching in his presence at St Giles’ (Cathedral) with him now as King, as we gave thanks for his mom’s life.
“The environment in Edinburgh and, particularly, in St Giles’, was very particular as we paid our respects to the Queen and supplied our sympathy and assist to King Charles and his wider household.
“It was a dignified environment that recognised the Queen’s robust connection to Scotland in addition to a service of worship that celebrated the Queen’s clear and unambiguous religion.
“The tributes have been many and heartfelt and we've got now held these last providers and rites because the Queen is lastly laid to relaxation.
“It's a time of reflection as we take a look at her life and look at our personal earlier than God.
“It's also a time to maneuver on and we accomplish that in hope and expectation.”