after a russian missile strikes a second nuclear power plant. cnn is on the ground right now tracking the latest on the war including efforts to exhume hundreds of bodies in newly liberated territory. welcome to our viewers in the united states and around the world, i m wolf blitzer. you re in the situation room. we begin our coverage this evening in the united kingdom where mourners got one final chance to say good-bye to queen elizabeth ii at her state funeral. the emotional tribute to the late monarch filled with music and memories, followed by a private burial service at the family tomb. cnn royal correspondent max foster has our report. prime ministers, presidents, leaders and dignitaries from around the world. more than 2,000 inside london s westminster abbey join together in chorus. the lord is my shepherd, reputably the queen s favorite hymn, sung during her wedding to prince philip in this very hall when she was a 21-year-old princess. the younger royal generation,
london. hundreds of thousands witnessing the queen s coffin. her crown resting on top. the final procession. the long walk to windsor castle. then, removing the crown from the coffin, and symbolic breaking of the wand of office, signifying the end of the queen s reign. and in a final solemn image, queen elizabeth s coffin lowered into the royal vault at st. george s chapel. reunited with prince philip. james longman and deborah roberts right here with me tonight. the other major news this monday night, the catastrophic hurricane in puerto rico. the deadly storm causing widespread destruction. up to 30 inches of rain possible in some areas. more than 1,000 people rescued from dangerous flooding. utility crews tonight racing to restore power after the entire island went dark. what the u.s. can expect later this week. rob marciano tracking the storm. there is also news tonight about a prisoner exchange between the u.s. and afghanistan. the last-known american hostage held by
burial in the royal vault alongside her husband prince philip in windsor this evening. as we are watching traditions that go back centuries and updated by the queen s agreement grandmother, queen victoria in 1901. the queen s casket will arrive at windsor castle, with the procession ending outside st. george s chapel. she will be the first female sovereign there. we will be bringing you the committal service for which some of the music was composed by the former chapel organist who is believed to have taught young princess elizabeth to play the piano. hundreds of world leaders, including president biden and more than 2,000 dignitaries joined the royal family for the queen s state funeral at westminster abbey. the 13th century seat of the church of england and where 25-year-old elizabeth was core nated 75 years ago. the queen said her funeral should not be long and boring. it was just about one-hour long, managing to be both personal and a world-class good-bye, including a
queen consort. the images of tributes across the u.k. bells tolling 96 times, once for every year of her life. a memorial service at st. paul s cathedral. the world paying its respects. tonight what we learned about the service for the queen and her funeral. and this evening, president biden confirming he will attend the queen s funeral. the last days of queen elizabeth. the queen at her beloved summer home at balmoral in scotland. the unprecedented announcement about her health. and we have now learned tonight that king charles and princess anne were by her side. the rest of the family rushing to get there. what the world will witness next. pictures of the queen as only a few ever saw her, the mother, grandmother and great grandmother. those moments with the children, away from public view. her playful sense of humor. at 73 years old, king charles beginning a new chapter for the royal family. the role he has been preparing for his entire life. and the key change tonight
charles? it time as they get to spend with king charles? , ., time as they get to spend with king charles? , . , . charles? it is an unprecedented uuatherin charles? it is an unprecedented gathering of charles? it is an unprecedented gathering of world charles? it is an unprecedented gathering of world leaders, - gathering of world leaders, politicians and dignitaries. as you say, hosted by king charles iii and the queen say, hosted by king charles iii and the queen consort camilla. prince, princess. the queen consort camilla. prince, princess, president, prime minister, diplomats princess, president, prime minister, diplomats will be here. the first guests diplomats will be here. the first guests started arriving around 4:15pm, guests started arriving around 4:15pm, and they were largely members of the uk government. we spotted members of the uk government. we spotted ben wallace, kit malthouse and sir spotted ben wallace, kit malthouse and sir keir starmer, t