Normally, the Queen is a pillar of strength for her family and the balm for the nation's soul. But yesterday, on an occasion of deep sorrow and rare glories, it was she who required succour.
When, for instance, the national minute's silence froze the scene inside St George's Chapel in the great walled enclosure of Windsor Castle.
And again when the Last Post cast its mournful spell and she bowed her head, appearing to wipe away a tear.
But never was the blast of goodwill from her country needed most than when she stood – desolate, masked, alone, without even a hand to squeeze – watching the coffin bearing her husband of 73 years sink dramatically beneath the chapel's marble floor.