The Five Royals: Where Is Queen Elizabeth II Buried And How You Can Visit Her Final Resting Place

As of today, December 18, 2025, the final resting place of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II remains a site of profound historical and personal significance, drawing millions of visitors to Windsor Castle. The long-reigning monarch, who passed away on September 8, 2022, was not interred in the main Royal Vault, as many initially believed, but in a small, distinct annex that she herself commissioned decades ago: the King George VI Memorial Chapel. This sacred, private location within the walls of St. George's Chapel is where the Queen was finally reunited with her beloved husband, Prince Philip, and her immediate family, concluding a historic chapter in royal history.

The specificity of the burial location—a small chapel within a larger, ancient structure—reflects a deeply personal choice by the late Queen. It serves as the permanent and intimate memorial to the core members of the House of Windsor, a place of quiet contemplation away from the grander, more public tombs of other British monarchs. Understanding this precise location and its occupants is key to appreciating the enduring legacy of the longest-serving sovereign.

The King George VI Memorial Chapel: A Family's Final Home

Queen Elizabeth II is interred in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, which forms an integral but separate part of the much larger St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. This is the definitive and permanent burial site for the late monarch and the most recent addition to the long tradition of royal burials at Windsor.

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A Complete List of Royals Interred in the Memorial Chapel

The King George VI Memorial Chapel is a unique and intimate space dedicated exclusively to the Queen's immediate family. It is here that five key members of the modern monarchy are laid to rest together, fulfilling a final wish for unity. The individuals interred in this specific chapel are:

• King George VI (1895–1952): The Queen's father, whose death led to her accession. His remains were moved here in 1969 after the chapel's completion.
• Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (1900–2002): The Queen's mother, who was interred here following her death.
• Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon (1930–2002): The Queen's younger sister. Her ashes were placed here after her cremation, allowing her to be with her parents.
• Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921–2021): The Queen's husband. His coffin was moved from the Royal Vault to the Memorial Chapel to be interred alongside the Queen following her private burial service.
• Queen Elizabeth II (1926–2022): The late sovereign, interred on September 19, 2022, in a private ceremony following her state funeral.

The chapel itself was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1962, a decade after her father's passing, to create a permanent, dedicated resting place for him. Designed by architect George Pace, the chapel's construction was completed in 1969. It is a small, light-filled structure added to the north side of St. George's Chapel, offering a sense of peace and intimacy.

The Significance of the Ledger Stone Inscription

The exact spot where the five royals rest is marked by a new, powerful symbol of their unity: a hand-carved ledger stone. This stone replaced the original one that only bore the names of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

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Details of the New Memorial Stone

The new ledger stone is a slab of Belgian black marble, inlaid with brass lettering. This simple, yet elegant design is set into the floor of the chapel, making the names of the family members clearly visible to visitors. The new inscription is arranged to reflect the familial bonds, reading:

GEORGE VI 1895–1952
ELIZABETH 1900–2002
***
ELIZABETH II 1926–2022
PHILIP 1921–2021

The inscription is separated by a bronze Garter Star, the emblem of the Order of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom, which is also the main order associated with St. George's Chapel. The inclusion of the Queen's name and her husband's name together signifies their permanent reunion after 73 years of marriage, a detail that resonated deeply with the public. The stone’s material and style are intentionally understated, reflecting the solemnity and privacy of the final resting place.

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Why Not the Royal Vault? Understanding Royal Burial Traditions

Many people were initially confused about the Queen’s final resting place, as the Royal Vault beneath St. George's Chapel is a more widely known burial location. The distinction between the two sites is crucial for understanding royal burial protocol and the Queen's personal preference.

The Role of the Royal Vault

The Royal Vault is a subterranean chamber constructed between 1804 and 1810 by King George III. It has historically served two main purposes:

1. Permanent Resting Place: It is the final resting place for many members of the British Royal Family, including King George III, King George IV, King William IV, and others.
2. Temporary Holding Place: In modern times, the Royal Vault often functions as a temporary repository for royal coffins following the funeral service, before they are moved to their permanent tomb or chapel.

Following her funeral, Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin, along with Prince Philip’s, was initially lowered into the Royal Vault during the committal service. This was a temporary measure. Later that evening, in a private ceremony attended only by the immediate Royal Family and the Dean of Windsor, the two coffins were moved from the Vault to the King George VI Memorial Chapel, where they were permanently interred with her parents and sister.

This transfer was significant, as it solidified the Memorial Chapel’s status as the dedicated, private family mausoleum for the Queen's direct line, distinguishing it from the more general Royal Vault.

Visiting Queen Elizabeth II's Grave Today

For those wishing to pay their respects, the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II is accessible to the public, though it requires a visit to Windsor Castle itself.

How to Access the King George VI Memorial Chapel

The Memorial Chapel is located within St. George’s Chapel, which is situated inside the grounds of Windsor Castle in Berkshire, approximately 22 miles outside of London.

• Windsor Castle Tickets: Access to St. George's Chapel is included with a standard ticket to Windsor Castle. Visitors should check the official Royal Collection Trust website for the most current opening times and ticket prices.
• St. George's Chapel Access: The Chapel is a working royal chapel and a place of worship, so it is typically closed to visitors on Sundays. It also closes periodically for private services or royal events, so planning the visit in advance is essential.
• The Experience: Upon entering St. George's Chapel, visitors can proceed to the King George VI Memorial Chapel, which is a small side chapel. The ledger stone is visible on the floor, marking the resting place of the five royals. This intimate setting allows for a moment of reflection on the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.

St. George's Chapel is a treasure trove of royal history, serving as the burial site for 11 monarchs, including notable figures like Henry VIII and Charles I. The chapel is also the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter. The Queen’s decision to be laid to rest here connects her to centuries of royal tradition, while the creation of the Memorial Chapel ensures her final resting place is a deeply personal, family-focused memorial.