Second verse of National Anthem sung at end of Queen's funeral confuses viewers

People watching the Queen's funeral have been taken off guard by the second verse of the national anthem, sang at the end of the service.

Millions of people are watching on from home as Queen Elizabeth II is laid to rest, and even the least patriotic Brits would be familiar with the first verse of the national anthem; however, the rendition of the second verse came as news to lots of viewers:

We really need a national push to get people learning the second verse of the national anthem

— Calgie (@christiancalgie) September 19, 2022

Millions of ‘patriotic’ Brits surprised to learn the National Anthem has a second verse there #queensfuneral

— Matthew (@officiallythew) September 19, 2022

No one knew that second verse of the National Anthem. Not one! #queensfuneral

— Alice Fearn (@alice_fearn) September 19, 2022

When the second verse of the national anthem came on…#queensfuneral pic.twitter.com/ZoSWOPT5HK

— ED  (@_fantasyED) September 19, 2022

If you're keen to sing along next time around - should that opportunity ever arise - then the lyrics to the second verse are as follows: "Thy choicest gifts in store / On him be pleased to pour / Long may he reign / May he defend our laws / And ever give us cause / To sing with heart and voice / God save the King."

King Charles looked very emotional during the singing of the national anthem at Westminster Abbey. He remained silent during the song, while his siblings and members of the Royal Family sang along.

Meanwhile, in Whitehall and Parliament Square, the funeral service moved some to tears.

As a crowd of thousands listened to the funeral, the proceedings from Westminster Abbey relayed by speakers above the street, some sang quietly along with the hymns.

As the funeral service began, the crowd around Parliament Square began to drift – some for a much-needed sit down, others to grab a quick sandwich or a bite to eat.

But slowly, many edged back towards Whitehall and to the best viewing points in Parliament Square to await the final procession of the Queen's coffin through London and onwards to Windsor.

When the time came for the two-minute silence, not a sound could be heard the length of Whitehall as many in the crowd bowed their head or closed their eyes.

Even as the two-minutes elapsed, many remained hushed and quiet. It was not until the time came a few moments later to sing the national anthem that the crowd roused itself, applause breaking out across the length of Whitehall when it came to a close.

The Queen's coffin, followed by the King, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, Duke of York and the Princess Royal, has begun its procession towards Wellington Arch after it was placed back onto the State Gun Carriage.

The route is being lined by the armed forces from Westminster Abbey to the top of Constitution Hill at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates.

Mounties of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police lead the procession followed immediately by representatives of the George Cross foundations from Malta, the former Royal Ulster Constabulary, and four representatives from the NHS.