Evangelist and missionary queued 7 times to pay respects to Queen

The Queen lying in state in St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh. (Photo: ITV News)

(CP) Inspired by Queen Elizabeth II's strong Christian faith, a 43-year-old evangelist and missionary stood in long queues seven times to see the monarch's coffin in Edinburgh before it left for London.

"I am a Christian, a really strong Christian, and she lived her life, faith was central to her life and essential to my life," Elizabeth Sabey, who worked as a missionary in Cambodia, told The Telegraph before departing on her eighth visit. "It felt so peaceful and beautiful. ... I just felt God's presence, like a unity among people, no divisions."

The longest-serving monarch in British history died last Thursday at her summer retreat at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at the age of 96.

"I don't think it's a coincidence that she passed away in Scotland, it was all, I feel, divinely orchestrated. ... I just think that's how it's meant to be," said the evangelist.

Sabey said the Queen's speeches, especially at Christmas, would bring tears to her eyes. "To hear somebody at the pinnacle of our country and yet she has a very vibrant, living, real, genuine faith, it wasn't just something that a monarch needs to do, it was something genuine and deep."

Charles III was officially proclaimed king by the Accession Council in a ceremony at St. James' Palace in London on Saturday morning.

The state funeral for the Queen has been scheduled to take place at Westminster Abbey in London at 11 a.m. local time on Monday.

© The Christian Post

News
Church leader sees challenges and opportunities as research suggests openness to Christianity in the UK
Church leader sees challenges and opportunities as research suggests openness to Christianity in the UK

An evangelical church leader has welcomed national polling pointing to a more open spiritual landscape in the UK, as churches prepare for a nationwide mission effort in the run-up to Easter 2026.

CoE considering annual commemoration of 21 martyrs in Libya
CoE considering annual commemoration of 21 martyrs in Libya

Additions to the Church's calendar are rare.

Church of England winds down Living in Love and Faith as deep divisions remain over same-sex blessings
Church of England winds down Living in Love and Faith as deep divisions remain over same-sex blessings

Church of England's Living in Love and Faith process is to formally conclude in July.

On miracles
On miracles

Hebrew scholar and Jewish academic Irene Lancaster reflects on the meaning of a miracle.