King Richard III's funeral

[Limey57]

Took place today, only 10 miles from me but other commitments meant we couldn't get there. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-31990721

[RICH MUISE]

Very interesting...thanks for sharing.

[Zapato]

Saw this earlier as I check the BBC almost daily for international news. Guess you can call me news junkie. Really impressed by the simplicity and elegance of his casket. Well done.

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[Limey57]

Personaly I'd have liked to have seen them use a horse-drawn carriage for a hearse for the whole journey, rather than using cars.  Tracing and inviting blood relatives was a nice touch.

[Zapato]

Gary, one has to wonder, after 530 years , just how many blood relatives are to be found. My guess would be a lot more than one can imagine.

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[Zapato]

Gary, considering Americans' fascination with the Royal Family and their constant antics coverage by our tabloids was surprised not to see much of anything on the regular newscasts. But again saw nothing else on the finding and reburial of Miguel de Cervantes except on BBC.com.

Agree that using horse drawn carriages for the whole journey would have added somber touch to the travel.

In both cases the respect shown to these two men after centuries serves us all well. With an opportunity to teach a bit of history to our children since comparing them and their impact makes me reflect on whether ''the pen is mightier than the sword''. An argument for the ages.

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[Limey57]

The funeral seemed to get more local coverage (Leicester) than National coverage, even my daughter's school seems to have pretty much dismissed it.  A real pity as our past should be something to be remembered, not forgotten.

[RICH MUISE]

My fascination with the Royal family starts and ends with Kate.